Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Arizona State University’s online Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice is designed to equip you with the knowledge needed to explore the impact of crime and implement effective strategies to reduce it. Throughout this program, you’ll gain the research, analytical and communications skills required for working in complex criminal justice occupations.
Quick facts
Next start date: 05/19/2025
Total classes: 40
Weeks per class: 7.5
Total credit hours: 120
What you’ll learn in this criminology and criminal justice degree
As a student in this program, you can expect to gain competencies in three core areas of criminology and criminal justice:
- The causes of crime
- The consequences of crime
- The role of criminal justice agencies in managing crime
You’ll learn to conduct appropriate research, develop theories, investigate crime scenes and compose reports. You’ll also have the opportunity to study behavioral science, psychology and logic. With a bachelor’s in criminal justice, you’ll be prepared with the skills you need to enter the field confidently.
This bachelor’s degree can be completed as part of an Accelerated Master’s program. When accepted, you can earn a master’s degree in as little as one year after completing your undergraduate degree. This opportunity saves you time and money while giving you advanced knowledge in your field. Applicable master’s degrees include:
The criminal justice careers you’ll be prepared for
Graduates can choose careers in law enforcement, corrections, the courts and criminal justice case management. The law enforcement public sector encompasses multiple careers, including criminologists, police officers, detectives, probation and parole officers, court administration and criminal psychologists. You can also use your undergraduate degree as the foundation for your pursuit of post-bachelor education in related fields.
Will my diploma say ‘online’?
No, Arizona State University’s diplomas don’t specify whether you earn your degree online or in person. All diplomas and transcripts simply say “Arizona State University.”
Online criminology and criminal justice classes
Much of the coursework for the online criminal justice degree emphasizes communication, behavior and justice studies. In addition to the core curriculum introducing you to criminal justice systems, you’ll have the opportunity to explore criminal justice policy, gender and crime, race and crime. You’ll also take a broad spectrum of electives including, but not limited to, terrorism, sex crimes, drugs and crime, police accountability, community corrections, domestic violence, organized crime, white collar crime, gangs and victimization.
Jobs you could get with a criminology and criminal justice degree
Criminal justice graduates are prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections and the legal system. Specific opportunities include work in cybersecurity, forensics, intelligence analysis, investigations and similar roles. With a criminal justice degree from ASU Online, you’ll be prepared to follow the path of your choosing. Specific career examples include, but aren’t limited to:
Correctional Officer
Corrections Officer
Corrections Sergeant
Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
Detective Sergeant
Forensic Specialist
Fraud Investigator
Intelligence Officer
Police Sergeant/Detective
Learn from professionals in criminology
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
Learn from professionals in criminology
The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are inspiring the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues around child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking and water scarcity. Recent faculty highlights include:
- Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
- Fellow of the American Psychological Association
- Member of the National Academy of Public Administration
How to apply
first-year student
You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Don't meet admission requirements?
You can still gain general admission to most online programs at ASU through Earned Admission. Through this pathway, you can demonstrate your ability to succeed at ASU by completing online courses with a 2.75 GPA or higher.
To begin, submit an application to ASU. An enrollment coach will reach out with more information if Earned Admission is right for you.
*Some programs may have higher admission requirements. You must meet all program requirements to be admitted.
Nationally recognized public service programs
The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research and service. Our public service programs, from public policy, to social work, to criminal justice, to emergency management, are designed to help prepare our diverse student body to make a difference in the community.
#2
best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
#2
in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings
Top 5
Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report
Top 10
best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
Tuition calculator
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more.
