Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Arizona State University’s 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.

Learn more

Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 01/13/2025


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered

Have questions about the Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)? Fill out this form and we’ll get in touch!

* Indicates a required field

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.

Criminology vs. criminal justice: The differences between the two

Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of delinquent or deviant behavior. This social science analyzes the where, how and why of criminal behavior and the impact it has on society. The focus of this study is to determine what led an individual to commit a crime.

Criminal justice relates to the individuals who investigate these crimes and bring criminals to trial. It also relates to those who monitor inmates within correctional facilities and those who supervise individuals released to pretrial services, probation, parole and community supervision.

This criminology and criminal justice degree is the intersection between these two studies and allows you to fill vital roles across the legal system upon graduation. You’ll have the chance to work as law enforcement officers, take on key responsibilities in courts and prisons and engage in a variety of related private sector occupations. By working to ensure compliance with legal standards and diminish crime, criminology degree graduates provide valuable public service.

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


Growth: -7.5 %
Salary: $49,610

Corrections Officer


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $65,790

Corrections Sergeant


Growth: -2.7 %
Salary: $63,310

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)


Growth: 3.3 %
Salary: $65,790

Detective Sergeant


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Forensic Specialist


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Fraud Investigator


Growth: 6.1 %
Salary: $73,810

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.5 %
Salary: $86,280

Police Sergeant/Detective


Growth: 3.1 %
Salary: $96,290

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

I am a future

You’re considered a first-year student for application purposes if you’ve never attended college or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours.

Learn how to apply.

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.

#1


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.

You might also be interested in

Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BA)

Undergraduate

Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BA)


Starts 01/13/2025

Learn more
Justice Studies (BS)

Undergraduate

Justice Studies (BS)


Starts 01/13/2025

Learn more
Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BS)

Undergraduate

Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BS)


Starts 01/13/2025

Learn more
Students in the public service degree program walk along a street in a parade with a large globe displayed behind them.

Undergraduate

Students in the public service degree program walk along a street in a parade with a large globe displayed behind them.


Starts 01/13/2025

Learn more