Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice – Policing

The Bachelor of Science in criminology and criminal justice with a concentration in policing focuses on topics related to policy and practice in modern policing. Through this online criminology degree, you’ll gain knowledge on policing strategies, management, accountability and more. Upon graduation, you’ll have the skills needed for policing jobs at the local, state and federal level.

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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 is a policing degree concentration?

This online criminology degree with a concentration in policing is centered around how police organizations operate, effective strategies for reducing crime and ways the Constitution protects the rights of individuals in interactions with law enforcement. You’ll also study ways to increase accountability and build trust between police officers and individuals. Upon completing this policing degree concentration, you’ll be better prepared to shape the future of policing in the United States.

Is an online criminology degree worth it?

 

Yes, an online criminology degree is worth it. This is a critical moment for policing and, moving forward, agencies will be even more selective with who they hire. In this policing degree concentration, you’ll analyze the latest research about police organizations and gain useful skills in data and crime analysis. Whether you have no police experience or are currently a police officer, this program could be a good fit. This program could also be a pathway for those looking to enter private sector security work or become a crime analyst.

Additionally, 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:

Do you need a degree to be a police officer?

 

While you can become a police officer without a college degree, police departments tend to reward those with bachelor's degrees, both in the application process and in terms of salary. Additionally, if you’re looking to pursue a federal law enforcement job, a four-year degree will likely be required.

Will my criminology and 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.

Your concentration in policing will appear on both your diploma and transcripts.

Online criminology degree related courses

To earn your online criminology degree, you’ll complete courses focused on expanding your knowledge on policing research, practice and the development of critical thinking skills to apply findings from research to practice. Required courses will respond to current events and emphasize the law of investigations, accountability, police organizations and management. Featured courses include:


CRJ 315: Police Organization and Management


CRJ 409: Police Accountability


CRJ 410: Criminal Procedure I: The Law of Investigations


CRJ 450: Crime Analysis


CRJ 302: Research Methods (L)


CRJ 309: Criminology (SB)


CRJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (SB)


CRJ 230: Introduction to Policing


What jobs can you get with an online criminology degree?

After completing an online criminology degree, you’ll be prepared for careers in law enforcement at the local, state or federal level. You’ll also be prepared to work in policing research, private sector security, asset protection or risk management. Career examples include:

Corrections Officer


Growth: 5.7 %
Salary: $65,540

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

Intelligence Officer


Growth: 1.1 %
Salary: $86,940

Police Sergeant/Detective


Growth: 5.2 %
Salary: $92,970

Train Police Officer


Growth: 4.0 %
Salary: $72,580

Study with scholars in the criminology field of education

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 Society of Criminology.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Study with scholars in the criminology field of education

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 Society of Criminology.
  • Fellow of the American Psychological Association.
  • Member of the National Academy of Public Administration.

Policing degree concentration admission 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.

Study at one of the top ranked college for criminology degrees

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.

#2


doctoral program in criminology according to U.S. News & World Report.

Top 5


Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & 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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