Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Arizona State University's online criminal justice degree is designed to equip you with the knowledge to explore the impact of crime and implement effective strategies to reduce it. Throughout the Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice degree, you’ll gain the research, analytical and communications skills required to work in complex criminal justice occupations.

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Quick facts

Next start date:

Next start date: 06/29/2023


Total classes:

Total classes: 40

Weeks per class:

Weeks per class: 7.5

Total credit hours:

Total credit hours: 120

Degree questions, answered.

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What can you learn in a bachelor’s in criminal justice?

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 well 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:

What can you do with a criminal justice degree?

 

Graduates with a criminal justice degree 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 and detectives, probation and parole officers, court administration and criminal psychologists. With this degree, you can also choose from a variety of relevant occupations in the public or private sector.

Additionally, you can use your undergraduate degree as the foundation for your pursuit of post-bachelor education in related fields.

What is criminology and criminal justice?

 

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.

Will my criminal justice degree 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.” That’s because ASU Online students learn from the same faculty and receive the same course content as in-person students receive.

Criminal justice classes

Much of the coursework for the online criminal justice degree emphasizes communication, behavior and justice studies. You’ll have opportunities to collaborate with classmates through projects, discussions and case studies.

In addition to the core curriculum introducing you to criminal justice systems, you’ll explore criminal justice policy and the impact gender and race have on crime. You’ll also get to choose from a range of electives including, but not limited to, terrorism, sex crimes, drugs and crime, police accountability, community corrections, domestic violence, organized crime and white collar crime.


CRJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (SB)


CRJ 302: Research Methods (L)


CRJ 303: Statistical Analysis (CS)


CRJ 309: Criminology (SB)


CRJ 201: Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices


CRJ 240: Introduction to Corrections


CRJ 230: Introduction to Policing


CRJ 203: Courts and Sentencing


Criminology degree jobs

Criminal justice graduates can select between careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts or the public sector. There is significant anticipated growth and demand for criminal justice graduates. Specific career opportunities include work in cybersecurity, forensics, intelligence analysis, investigations and similar roles. With a degree from ASU Online, you’ll stand ready against the competition.

Correctional Officer


Growth: -7.5 %
Salary: $47,410

Corrections Officer


Growth: 5.7 %
Salary: $65,540

Corrections Sergeant


Growth: -7.8 %
Salary: $60,910

Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)


Growth: 5.7 %
Salary: $65,540

Detective Sergeant


Growth: 1.1 %
Salary: $86,940

Forensic Specialist


Growth: 1.1 %
Salary: $86,940

Fraud Investigator


Growth: %
Salary:

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.1 %
Salary: $86,940

Police Sergeant/Detective


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $92,970

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.

Criminal justice requirements

I am a future

You are considered a first-year student for application purposes if you have not attended college at all, or have fewer than 12 transferable credit hours (with a minimum 2.50 cumulative GPA).

1. Review competency requirements

2. Review other admission requirements

3. Complete online application

4. File your FAFSA

5. Request ACT or SAT scores

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Don't meet admission requirements?

You can still gain admission to 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 the Earned Admission Pathway is right for you.

Join a college that leads in criminal justice programming

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. 

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best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report.

Top 10


best online master’s in criminal justice programs, 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.

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