At Kaplan University, students interested in criminal justice degree options may receive credit for their prior work experiences in the field. Students may petition the school to earn specific credits that would then reduce the number of courses required to earn an associate's or bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Kaplan provides a Web based program option that helps students develop a solid foundation in a variety of law enforcement areas including courts, corrections, and security. The program also is designed to give a broad liberal arts knowledge base in addition to the technical skills to work in specialized employment areas.

Students may complete a two-year degree as a base to seek entry-level employment in the criminal justice field and then apply that base to a four-year program later on. Kaplan offers several specializations in each degree option. For example, within the Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice program, students make focus on Law Enforcement, Private Security, Corrections, or Homeland Security and Counterterrorism.

Kaplan also offers students an opportunity to intern at a crime lab in their area for hands-on learning.