Online Criminal Justice Degree

Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program

American InterContinental University’s criminal justice online classes were designed to provide an in-depth overview of many fields and practical applications of criminal justice, including law enforcement, crisis management, forensic science and homeland security—all on your own schedule.

This online criminal justice degree program offers flexibility to earn your degree while working and taking care of your family. Mobile-friendly coursework helps you study toward your online criminal justice bachelor’s degree at your convenience, so you can maintain school-life balance.

Program Specializations

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

Online criminal justice programs can help you prepare to apply the theories of crime causation, to process evidence of a crime, to carry out duties constitutionally, and to understand the American justice and court systems.

Enroll in criminal justice courses online to study toward a strong foundation in general criminal justice fundamentals and applicable skills, or choose a specialization for deeper knowledge in a criminal justice area.

Prerequisite for AIU’s bachelor’s in criminal justice online degree program?

There are no prerequisites to pursue an online criminal justice bachelor’s degree with AIU. Your dedicated Graduation Team can answer any questions you may have and help guide you through the admissions and financial aid processes. Your team will help support you on your academic journey, from start to graduation.

Ask an Admissions Advisor if you may be eligible to graduate sooner. You could earn degree credit for eligible work and military experience, and transfer in up to 75% of qualifying credits needed for your degree from another accredited institution.¹

Bachelor’s degree in criminal justice curriculum

This criminal justice degree online program features general education classes that may be helpful in this industry, including English composition, technology and information literacy, interpersonal communication, and more.

The core of the curriculum layers criminal justice theories and methods with research and constitutional knowledge. AIU’s online criminal justice degree program combines real-world experience and knowledgeable faculty members, many of whom are industry professionals, plus interactive criminal justice modules that are based on current policies and national events.

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1. Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Programs vary by location.
Not all programs are available to residents of all states.
American InterContinental University, AIU, is part of the American InterContinental University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Estimate Tuition and Grad Date

Total tuition for this degree program may vary depending on your educational needs, existing experience, and other factors.

Estimate your costs, potential savings and graduation date.

Criminal Justice Courses

Degree Requirements

Courses

General Education

Credits

ENGL106 In this course, students focus on developing writing skills through practice and revision of a variety of different types of essays. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition I	4.5
ENGL107 In this course, students focus on research and developing writing skills through writing the ''argument'' essay. Students are also given instruction in library and online research and methods of documentation.	English Composition II	4.5
MATH125 An introductory course designed to develop critical thinking, problem solving, and quantitative reasoning skills through the use of standard mathematical operations and techniques as well as analysis of visual data. Students will be expected to identify, analyze, and solve problems in a variety of applied contexts for transfer toward academic, personal, and professional success.	General College Mathematics	4.5
UNIV103 This is a course for students who are new to university-level learning. Topics will include the theory and application of setting goals, managing time and money, developing self-awareness, and adhering to the rigorous standards of academic and professional writing. Additionally, students will be prepared to work autonomously and collaboratively in academic and professional settings.	Academic and Professional Success	4.5
UNIV106 This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Students will learn how to recognize the difference between good and bad information as well as be able to locate, evaluate, and effectively use information. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will learn how to manage data using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace to investigate, design, construct, and communicate responsibly. This course helps students improve technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century and increases the awareness of their impact on society.	Technology and Information Literacy	4.5
UNIV109 This course will introduce students to the basic principles of communication theory and effective interpersonal communication. It will assist students in the identification of how communication impacts an individual, and will help them develop techniques and competencies in diverse social and professional communication situations.	Interpersonal Communication	4.5
	General Education Elective (1 Course)	4.5
	Humanities (2 Courses)	9
	Natural Sciences (2 Courses)	9
	Social and Behavioral Sciences (2 courses)	9
	Total Credit Hours:	58.5

Core

Credits

CRJS102 This course provides an introduction to the contemporary criminal justice system and some of the issues faced by that system today. Emphasis will be on traditional and non-traditional careers in criminal justice, the criminal justice system from the local perspective, as well as issues driving reform in the criminal justice system today.	Criminal Justice Today	4.5
CRJS203 This course is an overview of criminology. Students will be provided the opportunity to explore the nature, causation, and etiology of crime. Students will be introduced to criminological theory and its use in the development of policy and programs to improve detection of crime and strategies to reduce crime, relapse, and recidivism.	Introduction to Criminology	4.5
CRJS205 This course furnishes a concise but comprehensive introduction to the substantive criminal law. It offers an understanding of the legal environment in which criminal justice professionals must function and helps students to gain a clear understanding of the principles of the law that will be vital to success in the field of criminal justice.	Introduction to Criminal Law	4.5
CRJS210 This course explores the historical development of policing, reform efforts, and political and economic factors shaping American policing. Additionally, this course provides an introduction to the fundamentals of report writing.	Introduction to Law Enforcement	4.5
CRJS215 This course covers the structure and organization of the Federal and state court system with special attention to the criminal courts. The basic functions of the courts will be examined.	Introduction to American Court System	4.5
CRJS220 This course is an introduction to the correctional process and interventions designed to prevent and control adult criminal behavior. This course will address the philosophy and goals underlying the correctional interventions, types of criminal sentencing, and penal sanctions including community-based corrections, institutional corrections, and parole.	Foundations of Corrections	4.5
CRJS310 This course presents the scientific study of crime victims and public policy responses to victims and their situations. It also looks at the different types of victimizations, how victimization rates are measured, and what attempts the government has made to increase the involvement of victims' role in the criminal justice system.	Crime Victim Studies	4.5
CRJS315 This course explores and defines the important components of the juvenile justice system in the United States. This course examines the theories associated with juvenile delinquency, and explores the treatment interventions that are being employed, and the current societal responses to juvenile delinquency.	Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory	4.5
CRJS330 This course examines procedural law and its role in criminal prosecution. It compares criminal procedure and evidence law in the federal and state courts systems, and analyzes the social, political and historical significance of the evolution of Constitutional law. Additionally, this course addresses the way in which laws and legal institutions function.	Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures	4.5
CRJS355 This course examines the various types of evidence admissible by law, including real, demonstrative and documentary evidence. This course addresses the roles lay witnesses and expert evidence play in the legal setting as well as during a criminal trial.	Evidence	4.5
CRJS405 This course is an introduction to social science research methods generally with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students should leave the course with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research, and various methodological and statistical techniques used to answer research questions.	Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice	4.5
CRJS499 This course offers a comprehensive and systematic analysis of key contemporary criminal justice issues through a close review of the theories and policies guiding many crime-fighting strategies. By applying critical thinking and analytical skills, oral and written communication skills, and information systems skills, students will learn of the complex nature of crime and society's response to criminality. This course serves as the Criminal Justice capstone class and involves the student preparing a project agreed upon between the student and the instructor. Each project will require research, report writing, oral presentation, and interactive teamwork.	Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	54

General Electives

Credits

Select 10 undergraduate Elective courses


	Total Credit Hours:	45

General Criminal Justice Track

Credits

In lieu of a Specialization, select 5 Criminal Justice Electives from any of the Specializations below

	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Specialization Options

Corrections and Case Management

Credits

CRJS435 This course focuses on the historical context in which prisoners' rights were established in the United States. Students will examine landmark court decisions that established these rights and learn how they changed the administration of corrections.	Prison Law	4.5
CRJS445 This course focuses on the various factors utilized to develop personalized sentencing and treatment plans for individual offenders. It examines the personality of the offender who may be diagnosed as a psychopath, sociopath, drug addict or mentally ill person. Students will learn how to develop treatment plans that will assist in the rehabilitation of the offender.	Offender Rehabilitation	4.5
CRJS450 This course examines the theories and practices involved in probation and parole processes and decision-making. Topics include pre-sentence and pre-parole investigations, probation and parole supervision, the administration of corrections services including treatment and release decision-making processes. Finally, this course examines juvenile corrections and the use of intermediate methods of treatment including electronic monitoring, community service, and the use of restitution.	Advanced Topics in Corrections	4.5
CRJS454 Students will study case management systems and techniques as used in both public and private rehabilitation and human service agencies. Topics include case identification, referral, eligibility determination, assessment, goal setting, plan development, intervention strategies, case monitoring, inter-agency coordination, advocacy, organizational structures, time management, critical case management skills, and funding sources.	Case Management & Treatment Planning	4.5
CRJS456 This course will explore several psychological and behavioral causes and effects of chemical dependency and the impact of various behavior-altering substances/chemicals (drugs) on criminality. This course will examine historical factors and trends, developmental issues, family system patterns, and addiction theories. Likewise, research findings in the behavioral sciences will be used to guide the students' understanding of the impact that social institutions, social structure, and cultures have in fostering the use of behavior altering substances.	Psychopharmacology for Criminal Justice Professionals	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Forensic Science

Credits

CRJS365 Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining ''forensic science''; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.	Criminalistics	4.5
CRJS406 Criminalistics II is part II of a two part series. This course introduces the non-scientific student to the field of forensic science through an exploration of its applications to criminal investigations, and clear explanations of the techniques, abilities, and limitations of the modern crime laboratory. The course combines classroom lecture/discussion with practical laboratory exercises related to the field of forensics. Topics include the recognition, identification, collection/preservation, individualization, and evaluation of physical evidence such as hairs, fibers, chemicals, blood, semen, glass, soil, fingerprints, documents, firearms, impression evidence, and serial number restoration. Students will document a crime scene by means of photography, notes, and scene sketching.	Criminalistics II	4.5
CRJS455 This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.	Criminal Investigation	4.5
CRJS466 This course is designed to provide students with a firm understanding of abnormal human behavior. Students will gain knowledge and insight into disorders relating to eating, sleeping, attention deficit, mood, learning, impulse control, sexuality, criminality, and interpersonal conflict. The nature of various disorders will be discussed as well as their impact on criminal behavior. The diagnosis and treatment of these disorders will be covered in this class.	Psychopathology and Criminality	4.5
CRJS471 This course introduces the student to the field of medicolegal death investigation in the context of forensic science. In this course, students will learn jurisdiction established by the law to define the cause and manner of death, conduct a death scene investigation and techniques in establishing identity and post mortem interval. Students will obtain skills in notification of next of kin, interviewing witnesses, and interpreting crime scene photography.	Medicolegal Death Investigation	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Homeland Security and Crisis Management

Credits

CRJS225 This course introduces students to various concepts and strategies involved in crisis management. Students will learn of different types of disasters (natural and manmade), organizational responses, preparedness, mitigation and recovery techniques.	Foundations of Crisis Management	4.5
CRJS370 This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.	Terrorism and Homeland Security	4.5
CRJS380 Understanding the concepts pertaining to critical infrastructure in fighting terrorism is a core component of Homeland Security studies. The student will learn how to identify the different sectors of critical infrastructure, and the assets within various sectors that must be protected. Various strategies utilized to protect key assets will be covered.	Critical Infrastructures	4.5
CRJS416 This course will provide students with the necessary tools for planning and responding to Homeland Security threats and disasters, and for managing emergency situations. Students will be introduced to the ''how to'' aspects of planning.	Homeland Security & Crisis Management Planning	4.5
CRJS426 This course combines primary areas of homeland security /crisis management, i.e., intelligence, strategic planning, critical infrastructure, research and analysis, technology and strategic communications to provide students with a basis for developing a coordinated response. Students will develop an emergency plan to address preparedness, response, mitigation and recovery.	Communication and Crisis Planning	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Law Enforcement

Credits

CRJS320 This course examines the relationship between police agencies and the communities they serve. Topics will include traditional relations and public policy as well as new programs designed to involve the community in resolving crimes in the community. Students will also examine issues involving police ethics and the public image of police agencies in the media.	Community Oriented Policing	4.5
CRJS360 This course provides an in-depth analysis and systematic study of the principles of law enforcement and policing. It covers the administration, organization, and activities of the police in the United States. Topics such as homeland security, terrorism, and cybercrime are also addressed.	Advanced Law Enforcement	4.5
CRJS365 Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining ''forensic science''; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk, and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential, and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.	Criminalistics	4.5
CRJS370 This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.	Terrorism and Homeland Security	4.5
CRJS455 This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence, and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.	Criminal Investigation	4.5
	Total Credit Hours:	22.5

Total Credit Hours : 180

Criminal Justice Classes Overview

In this specialized curriculum, students focus on the criminal-justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public-policy contexts. Courses are structured to assist students in the development of their goals as they learn focused knowledge and skills common to criminal-justice professionals. For an Online Criminal Justice Degree, your classes may include:

Security and Loss Prevention

This course examines the theories and principles of security and loss prevention through a systematic review of key issues and concepts associated with the reduction and prevention of personal and corporate loss. This course will review the historical development of loss prevention, exposures to losses, risk assessment techniques and strategies to minimize loss and improve security.

Comparative Criminal Justice System

This course is designed to give students a rationale for understanding and appreciating the different ways justice is conceived and administered internationally. This course serves as a basis for comparing various justice systems as they relate to the American justice system. Students will explore how various countries organize their law enforcement, judicial systems and corrections agencies, and compare them with the American criminal justice system.

Crime and Substance Abuse

This course examines drug abuse and its relationship to crime. Topics include the statistical relationship between drugs and crime, drug laws and courts, drug prevention programs and public policy concerning the use and abuse of substances.

Administration of Criminal Justice

This course focuses on the challenges administrators face in law enforcement, courts and corrections. Students will examine the various organizational frameworks in the criminal justice system and the concepts, organizational principles and models associated with these criminal justice agencies.

Criminalistics

Criminalistics is part I of a two part series. This course is a survey course of forensic science. The course content will focus on defining "forensic science"; recognizing practices of legitimate, junk and fraudulent science; examining the properties of physical evidence; discussing the scope, potential and limitations of a variety of forensic sciences; examining analytical techniques applied by forensic scientists; evaluating the criteria for admissibility of scientific evidence; and discussing the ethical responsibilities of forensic scientists.

Terrorism and Homeland Security

This course presents an overview of the key security issues facing the United States in both the areas of Homeland Security and Terrorism. It introduces students to the changing dynamics of homeland security at both the national and state levels. Students will explore the various dynamics of providing security in different settings. Additionally, the history and future of terrorism will be examined.

Offender Rehabilitation

This course focuses on the various factors utilized to develop personalized sentencing and treatment plans for individual offenders. It examines the personality of the offender who may be diagnosed as a psychopath, sociopath, drug addict or mentally ill person. Students will study how to develop treatment plans that will assist in the rehabilitation of the offender.

Criminal Investigation

This course explores the elements of investigation including crime scenes, witnesses and evidence and includes such topics as investigative techniques, evidence documentation, interrogation and arrest. The course addresses the particulars of investigating major crimes.

University Catalog

Course content subject to change.

Ways to Save on Your Online Criminal Justice Degree

FAQ

What is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree?

AIU’s BSCJ degree is designed to provide knowledge, skills, and abilities relevant for pursuing a career path in the criminal justice field. This degree program is designed to provide a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice fundamentals by studying the operations, principles, and history of the U.S. criminal justice system. You will have the chance to immerse yourself in criminal justice policy and reform, criminal investigation and the justice system, and the impact of drugs on crime and rehabilitation.

How long does it take to earn a BS in criminal justice?

Our bachelor’s degree programs are designed as 48-month programs. However, many factors can impact your time to completion. The time it may take you to earn your BSCJ degree can be influenced by course loads, proficiency and/or transfer credits, and breaks.

What kind of courses will I take to earn a BSCJ degree?

As you work to complete your BS degree in criminal justice, you will be immersed in courses such as: Introduction to Criminology; Crime Victim Studies; Foundations of Corrections; Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory; and Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures.

When can I begin my criminal justice classes?

Courses for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree start approximately every five weeks. Your actual start date is based on several factors, including receiving academic and financial documentation.

How many credits are required to graduate from the BSCJ degree program?

The BS in criminal justice degree program consists of 180 credits. You may be eligible for transfer credit, which is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. Please see the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a BS in criminal justice degree?

Upon earning your BSCJ degree, you should have an understanding of the criminal-justice system, its organizational components and processes, and its legal and public-policy contexts. By studying key topics in criminal justice, you can: have an in-depth knowledge of the many fields and practical applications of criminal justice; be able to apply the theories of crime causation and process evidence of a crime; and be able to carry out duties in accordance with the Constitution and to work to understand the American justice and court systems.

Compare Related Areas of Study

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Homeland Security and Crisis Management Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Forensic Science Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree with a Specialization in Corrections and Case Management

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