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Bachelor's Degree

Criminal Justice
Online Bachelor's Degree Program

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32 Mo.

Program Length

120

Credits

Online

Format

$515

Cost Per Credit

Bachelor's Degree

Criminal Justice
Online Bachelor's Degree Program

Earn a bachelor’s degree in less than 3 years with Herzing

AccreditationAccredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Transfer creditUp to 90 approved credits
Dual creditQualified students can earn dual credit towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW)
CareersPrepare for careers in law enforcement, criminal investigation, probation/parole and more
QuickPathsTransfer credit, stackable credentials, and adaptive learning technology build a faster pathway to a higher education with Herzing University
Team of Investigators Analyzing Scene of Accident
US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2024 Badge

Ranked by U.S. News & World Report as one of the best online bachelor's programs in 2024

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
US News Best Online Programs Bachelor's 2024 Badge

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice - Online

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree is a 120-credit undergraduate program which prepares you for several types of careers in criminal justice and public safety. The degree program provides students with fundamental knowledge and skills in criminal law, criminology, victimology, forensic psychology, criminal investigation, and much more.

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Career-focused curriculum

Discover the crucial knowledge and skills required to succeed in your work and build a foundation for continued career growth.

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Flexible schedule

You can take classes during the day or in the evening. We strive to be as flexible as possible for busy non-traditional students.

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Virtual services

Access to extensive virtual services, including academic advising, tutoring, support services, technical support and library services.

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Lifelong support

We support your ongoing career advancement by providing comprehensive, personalized student services with lifelong career coaching.

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Rolling admissions

No application deadlines to worry about. Apply when you’re ready and prepare to get started soon.

Classes Start January 6th

Learn More Today

Curriculum

Criminal justice bachelor's degree classes & curriculum details

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Herzing University prepares graduates for many different careers in the law enforcement, security and corrections fields. As a student you will gain a solid understanding of the legal system and judicial process as well as learn the unique aspects of corrections and juvenile justice, criminalistics and evidence forensics.

All classes are delivered online. You can choose to pursue a general criminal justice degree or one of two concentrations:

ProgramMonthsiCredits
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice32120
i. Average number of months for students to complete program
Program availability varies by location

Adapting to change: 2024 curriculum updates

We’ve recently updated the bachelor’s degree curriculum to prioritize the modern interdisciplinary knowledge and skills needed for success in the criminal justice industry in the present and future.

New and refreshed course topics include:

  • Law enforcement security
  • Community health
  • Mental health
  • Community corrections
  • Crisis intervention
  • Victimology
  • Diversity, equity, and inclusion

Required Courses

All courses, 70.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Open Electives Courses

A minimum of 9.00 semester credit hours is required. Eligible students can take up to 9.00 credit hours of dual-credit graduate level coursework to complete a portion of the open electives requirement.

Required Capstone or Internship

3.00 semester credit hours are required.

* Online students in some states may not be allowed to take this internship due to state restrictions.

Required Courses in General Education

Students enrolled in this bachelor's degree must complete a minimum of 36.00 semester credit hours in general education distributed among the following disciplines. Refer to the General Education section of the catalog for specific information about courses within each discipline. Courses transferred from other accredited colleges may also be used to meet these requirements.

*Required Course

Personal and Professional Development Courses

All courses, 2.00 semester credit hours, are required.

Dual Credit

Save time and money by earning dual credit

Enroll in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and you can take up to 9 credit hours of dual-credit graduate level coursework to use towards a Master of Business Administration (MBA) or Master of Social Work (MSW). 

Our goal as a university is to create pathways for you to pursue the career you’ve always wanted and find success in your work. 

U.S. News Best Online Bachelor's Degree Program 2021

Tuition & Cost

Tuition & Cost

The cost of tuition for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is $515 per credit.

You can potentially earn even greater savings by transferring credit from prior college coursework, applying for financial aid, or potential partnership opportunities through your employer.

Our goal is your career advancement. That’s why we are always working to improve our curriculum and processes to make our program as affordable as possible while preparing you best for success in your work.

Find my estimate

 Scholarships & Financial Aid

You may be eligible for multiple scholarships and grants, both through Herzing University and several national scholarship websites.

Find scholarships and grants 

 Military/Veteran Discounts

Veterans, Active Duty U.S. Servicemembers, and spouses may qualify for a 10% tuition discount or tuition reduction to $250 per credit.

VA/Military benefits 

 

Requirements

Admissions requirements

Prerequisites to enroll in the Herzing University Criminal Justice bachelor's degree program include:

  • Prior education requirement. Completion of high school diploma, GED, or equivalent.
  • Entrance testing. Applicants must demonstrate the capacity to succeed in college-level courses via prior ACT/SAT scores, completion of prior college credit, or additional entrance testing.
  • Availability of time, personal commitment, and a professional attitude. We exist to help enthusiastic students fully committed to reaching their highest career goals. Our faculty and leadership are dedicated to helping you reach them.

You will need to meet and interview with a Herzing University admissions advisor and complete an enrollment application to be admitted into the program.

If you have any additional questions regarding admissions into the program, please contact our admissions team.

Eligible states for enrollment: Alabama, Alaska, Arizona, Arkansas, California, Colorado, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Hawaii, Idaho, Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Kentucky, Louisiana, Maine, Maryland, Massachusetts, Michigan, Minnesota, Mississippi, Missouri, Montana, Nebraska, Nevada, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New Mexico, New York, North Carolina, North Dakota, Ohio, Oklahoma, Oregon, Pennsylvania, Rhode Island, South Carolina, South Dakota, Tennessee, Texas, Utah, Vermont, Virginia, Washington, West Virginia, Wisconsin, Wyoming, District Of Columbia, and the Virgin Islands.

Classes Start January 6th

Waived Enrollment Fee
Careers

What can I do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

You can follow many different potential career paths by earning a criminal justice bachelor’s degree. The field offers many possibilities, including:

While entry-level positions may require only a high school diploma or associate degree, a bachelor’s degree can better qualify you for career advancement in the future.

How can I advance my career?

 

Advancing to the next level in your career is determined by a mix of education level, years of experience and on-the-job performance. It depends on the career path you choose and the educational requirements that come with it.

Our goal is to prepare you best for whatever path you walk and provide you with the knowledge and skills to succeed in your work and keep growing.

FAQ

Frequently Asked Questions

You are typically not required to earn a degree to enroll in police academy and work as a police officer. A high school diploma is often the minimal required formal education, with a required background check. Some agencies may require a bachelor’s degree or a certain number of credit hours, especially at the federal level.

While you may not need a degree for your first entry-level job as a police officer, if you plan to continue advancing your career in criminal justice, earning an associate or bachelor’s degree is a good idea.

Course subjects and topics in our bachelor’s degree program include:

  • Criminal Investigation, which provides an overview of the investigative process and current issues.
  • Criminal Law, which covers key components of criminal law and its enforcement. It also includes an overview of the criminal law process, defenses, and jurisdiction of the courts. 
  • Ethics in Law Enforcement, which reviews public administration and ethical issues involved with public service.
  • Evidence Forensics, which covers the law model and types and current rules of evidence acquisition.
  • Crisis Intervention, which provides study in the methods and techniques employed by professionals in the field of crisis intervention.
  • Risk Assessment, which helps students learn how to assess and identify threats, analyze targets, and implement approaches to risk assessment.

There is no one-size-fits-all answer. Every job is different and educational requirements will vary by employer. Some will only require a high school diploma, while others (particularly federal agencies) may require an associate or bachelor’s degree.

You may be able to qualify for entry-level jobs without a degree, but advancing your career in criminal justice may become more difficult without any formal college-level education.

With an associate degree in criminal justice, you may be eligible for a variety of jobs, including security guards and first-line supervisors of protective service workers. These jobs are found in a variety of industries, including travel, gambling, and investigation and security services.

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), security guards earned an average salary of $40,440 per year ($19.44 per hour).*

With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you can be eligible for jobs such as first-line supervisor of correctional officer, first-line supervisor, police officer, or detective. The BLS reports the average wage for detectives and criminal investigators is $95,930 per year ($46.12 per hour).

Criminology is the study of crime, including its causes, consequences and costs. Criminology students study the behavior patterns, backgrounds, and sociological trends of criminals.

Criminal justice is a social science that seeks to identify and explain criminal behavior, as well as how society deals with crime. Criminal justice majors focus more on the legal and correctional systems, the deterrence of crimes, and ethics codes of behavior. Students in a criminal justice program often study a variety of topics including legal studies, psychology, public administration, and sociology.

Though they are different, both criminologists and criminal justice professionals work in the criminal justice sector to lessen crime and improve society.

Yes, absolutely. A degree in criminal justice can help prepare you for a variety of jobs, from law enforcement to public service. The field continues to expand, offering people more career opportunities.

In addition, a criminal justice degree provides a strong base of knowledge for future learning if you so choose. You can potentially pursue a law degree, a Master of Business Administration (MBA), or a Master of Social Work (MSW). With Herzing you may potentially earn dual credit towards an MBA or MSW as part of the bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice.

If you enjoy learning about the law, possess a strong sense of responsibility, and would like to help serve your community, a criminal justice degree may be a great fit. Learn more about our criminal justice degree program today!

Yes, you can earn your associate or bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online. Look for a regionally accredited university like Herzing that has a well-rounded curriculum and experienced faculty and staff. Universities that offer student advisors and online support can help prepare you for academic success.

Once you have your associate or bachelor’s degree, you can also pursue additional training or education to help increase your earning potential and further your career.

Step 1 is getting educated. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), crime scene investigators (CSIs, alternatively referred to as “forensic science technicians”) are typically required to hold a bachelor’s degree.

While a major in a natural science like biology or chemistry may be preferred for a role more focused in a laboratory setting, an education in criminal justice can be appropriate for jobs more heavily favoring crime scene analysis and evidence collection in the field. Our bachelor’s degree curriculum includes a course titled “Evidence Forensics” which covers the basic rules of evidence collection.

Prerequisites for employment will vary by the job. Sometimes prior law enforcement or criminology experience will be required, particularly for senior-level roles.

Yes. Students may pursue an undergraduate degree in criminal justice as a solid educational foundation to help them prepare to apply for law school.

The American Bar Association (ABA) does not make any specific recommendation for undergraduate majors, noting that students are accepted to law school from a wide variety of academic disciplines.

Herzing University also offers legal studies programs that can help prepare students to work in different areas of law. Some students use this as a first step toward law school, be it in the near future or a few years down the road.

Locations

Program Finder

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Programs

Showing 1 program for the Online campus

On Campus| Online

This program provides students with comprehensive academic knowledge of criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and the criminal justice system as well as the skills and techniques used in these disciplines. This degree can also provide advancement opportunities for law enforcement personnel requiring a bachelor's degree when applying for or advancing within the profession. (Some states, including but not limited to Minnesota, require additional certification, licensing, and/or training academy completion to be eligible for employment in a law enforcement capacity.)

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Disclosures

Accreditation & Disclosures

Herzing University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

View Herzing University Accreditation and Approvals

* Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics 2023 / Occupational Outlook Handbook 2022. BLS estimates do not represent entry-level wages and/or salaries. Multiple factors, including prior experience, age, geography market in which you want to work and degree field, will affect career outcomes and earnings. Herzing neither represents that its graduates will earn the average salaries calculated by BLS for a particular job nor guarantees that graduation from its program will result in a job, promotion, salary increase or other career growth.

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Herzing Tuition Wizard

The program has an automatic transfer of credits, and allows you to transfer up to additional credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credits.

  Transfer Credits

The program allows you to transfer up to credit hours.

  Transfer Credit Hours
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online Campus
Tuition
Cost per Credit$515.00
Base Tuition$61,800.00
Savings from Transfer Credits (90 x $515.00 )(-$46,350.00)
Estimated Tuition Cost*$15,450.00
Fees
One-time Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Program Fee$0.00
Per-semester Learner Resource Fee$545.00
Estimated Total Fee*$1,090.00
Total Semesters 1
RequiredNeeded
82
Total Credits
RequiredNeeded
12030
Estimated Cost 2
Base CostYour Cost
$66,160.00$16,540.00
Estimated Savings*
$49,620.00

Available Scholarships & Loan Options

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants who attended a college or university that closed within the last 12 months and were attending within 120 days of the school closure date

Requirements

Must be enrolled in a comparable program at Herzing University, submit a copy of an official transcript from the closed school, and complete the Closed School Discharge Disclosure

Who Can Apply

The Crisis Support Grant is an emergency grant for active students experiencing a financial crisis

Requirements

GPA requirements must be met. All applicants must be actively enrolled in a degree-seeking program, have a record of good conduct, and financial standing with the university

Who Can Apply

All Herzing University students are eligible to apply via the formal application process outlined below. Students must apply prior to the start of either semester in their last academic year before graduation. The application period is open during the summer semester.

Requirements

An application including a personal statement, letters of recommendation, and examples of community service is required. In addition, the scholarship review committee may review GPA and unmet financial need as part of eligibility criteria.

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need and are unable to cover the cost of attendance with alternative resources in their final academic year

Requirements

Must submit an application and have used all financial resources in the final academic year resulting in a gap in financial resources

Who Can Apply

Available to applicants in any program that demonstrate a financial need, who are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Requirements

Must show financial need and are unable to cover cost of attendance with alternative resources

Who Can Apply

Dean's List and President's list students

Requirements

Must be enrolled in an Associate or Bachelor program, on the Dean's or President's list, and submit an application.

Who Can Apply

Must be a Herzing graduate who has re-enrolled in a higher-level degree and remain enrolled in the desired program

Requirements

Must be enrolled at least half-time for the duration of the program

Who Can Apply

Must be an international student attending HU through an agreement with a school/agency in your home country

Requirements

Must either be attending a resident campus as F-1 student or enrolled in an online modality study through an established school partnership

Who Can Apply

Must be an eligible AmeriCorps Alumni who is enrolled in an undergraduate or graduate degree seeking program

Requirements

Must submit a payment request for an eligible institution through their individual account in 'My AmeriCorps'

Who Can Apply

Yellow ribbon may be given to veterans entitled to the maximum benefit rate for Post-911

Requirements

100% CH 33 eligible

Who Can Apply

Honorably discharged veterans, severely injured servicemembers, family members of Active Duty Servicemembers and Severely Injured Servicemembers, active duty servicemembers in graduate-level programs, dependents of deceased servicemembers, public safety and first responder personnel

Requirements

Proof of Veteran (DD-214), Active Duty, or injured status is required. 

Proof of active and current employment as public safety personnel or first responder

Who Can Apply

Active Duty Servicemembers in undergraduate programs and National Guard or Reserves activated or actively training and drilling in preparation for potential activation

Requirements

Proof of active duty status is required

Who Can Apply

Employees of a business participating in the Herzing Partnerships Program.

Requirements

Proof of active and current employment or association with partner organization

Who Can Apply

Recipients must be enrolled full-time in an undergraduate program for the Fall with a Herzing University campus located within Wisconsin.

Requirements

Applicant's background must reflect one or more of the components as determined by the UPS Foundation and CIC's First Opportunity Program: first generation student, low-income, minority; or new American student.

Who Can Apply

The program is designed to provide financial support for women that demonstrate leadership potential, initiative, and excellent communication skills and are pursuing a career or have an interest in public service, government, and/or the political process.

Requirements

To be considered for this scholarship, an applicant must be actively enrolled as a full-time or part-time undergraduate student in good academic standing and plan to enroll in the Fall. In addition, an applicant must be a female resident of Wisconsin and have a financial need as determined by Herzing University based on eligibility for the Pell Grant.

Who Can Apply

Rath Distinguished Scholarship is awarded based on academic achievement, merit, and leadership.

Requirements

Must be an actively enrolled student in good standing. If an entering first year student, the scholarship applicants must have graduated among the top 25 percent of their high school class. If a sophomore, junior, or senior, applicants must have demonstrated academic excellence by maintaining a grade point average of 3.0 or above on a 4.0 scale (or the equivalent). In addition, scholarship recipients are to demonstrate strong campus and community leadership. Applicants must be enrolled through the Fall semester. Scholars must be U.S. citizens; Wisconsin residents preferred.


To Contact a Financial Aid Advisor

Enrolled and active students

Click here: MyHU Advising Team

Prospective students

Call (866) 508-0748 option 2 or Email fa@3327e.com

1 

Actual semesters to complete are dependent upon university approved transfer credits and program mapping.

2 

Estimated program length, estimated number of semesters, and estimated program shown above are standard by program for each student based on: a student taking a full-time course load each semester, the student not having any transfer credits (from previous Herzing experiences or from other post-secondary institutions), and successful completion of each course.

Current tuition rates for all programs are effective through the Summer 2024 semester.