Request Information
Fill out this brief form and an AIU Admissions Advisor will contact you and help with your degree questions.
*All fields are required
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree General Track
Online Criminal Justice Degree
American InterContinental University offers a professionally focused Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that is designed to provide students with a broad overview of the criminal justice system and exposure to topics such as corrections, forensic science, law enforcement, and criminology. Immerse yourself in criminal justice policy and reform, criminal investigation and the justice system, and the impact of drugs on crime and rehabilitation.
This online criminal justice degree program offers flexibility to earn your degree while maintaining a busy lifestyle. Mobile-friendly coursework could help you study toward your online criminal justice bachelor’s degree at your convenience, so you can maintain a school-life balance.
Next start date
Program Credits
180
Each Course Length
5 Weeks
Location
Online,
Atlanta,
Houston,
Classes start on Jul 30, 2025
Program Outline
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. 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 interactive criminal justice modules that are based on current policies and national events.
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.
Program Specializations
Courses
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
General Education
|
English Composition I
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. 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. |
ENGL106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
English Composition II
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. 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. |
ENGL107 | 4.5 | ||||
|
General College Mathematics
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. 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. |
MATH125 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Academic and Professional Success
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. 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. |
UNIV103 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Technology and Information Literacy
UNIV106
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
This course exposes students to foundational components of computer technology and information literacy. Utilizing computer systems and applications, students will practice using a variety of computer applications used in the modern workplace. This course will introduce basic digital and information literacy skills, including responsible use of innovative technology tools such as Generative Artificial Intelligence, to help students build a foundation to be better consumers and users of information. The goal of this course is to help students build their technology and information literacy skills essential for success in the 21st century classroom and workplace.
|
UNIV106 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Interpersonal Communication
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.
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.
|
UNIV109 | 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 | |||||
| 58.5 Total Credit Hours | 58.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Core
|
Criminal Justice Today
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.
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.
|
CRJS102 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Criminology
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.
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.
|
CRJS203 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Criminal Law
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. 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. |
CRJS205 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to Law Enforcement
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. 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. |
CRJS210 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Introduction to American Court System
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. 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. |
CRJS215 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Foundations of Corrections
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. 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. |
CRJS220 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Crime Victim Studies
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. 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. |
CRJS310 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Juvenile Justice & Delinquency Theory
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. 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. |
CRJS315 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Constitutional Issues in Criminal Procedures
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. 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. |
CRJS330 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Evidence
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. 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. |
CRJS355 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Research Methods & Statistics for Criminal Justice
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. 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. |
CRJS405 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Senior Capstone in Criminal Justice
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. 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. |
CRJS499 | 4.5 | ||||
| 54 Total Credit Hours | 54 Total Credit Hours | |||||
General Electives
Select 10 undergraduate Elective courses
| 45 Total Credit Hours | 45 Total Credit Hours | |||||
General Criminal Justice Track
In lieu of a Specialization, select 5 Criminal Justice Electives from any of the Specializations below
| 22.5 Total Credit Hours | 22.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Course Name
& Number
Course Number
Credits
Forensic Science
|
Criminalistics
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 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. |
CRJS365 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Criminalistics II
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 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. |
CRJS406 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Criminal Investigation
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. 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. |
CRJS455 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Psychopathology and Criminality
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. 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. |
CRJS466 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Medicolegal Death Investigation
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. 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. |
CRJS471 | 4.5 | ||||
| 22.5 Total Credit Hours | 22.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Homeland Security and Crisis Management
|
Foundations of Crisis Management
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. 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. |
CRJS225 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Terrorism and Homeland Security
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. 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. |
CRJS370 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Critical Infrastructures
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. 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. |
CRJS380 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Homeland Security & Crisis Management Planning
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. 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. |
CRJS416 | 4.5 | ||||
|
Communication and Crisis Planning
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. 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. |
CRJS426 | 4.5 | ||||
| 22.5 Total Credit Hours | 22.5 Total Credit Hours | |||||
Program Learning Outcomes
- Foundational Knowledge: Integrate the concepts of law enforcement, correlates of crime, due process, law and the courts, corrections, and accountability into daily operations, communications, and problem-solving.
- Law and Ethics: Resolve legal and ethical issues in contemporary criminal justice context with honesty and integrity.
- Problem Solving: Defend proposed solutions to societal problems within the criminal justice system based on critical thinking and research using quantitative and qualitative data.
- Communication: Facilitate the transfer of critical information to public safety processes between agencies and individual professionals through clear, concise, and professional written and oral communication.
- Diversity: Overcome challenges of incorporating diversity in contemporary public safety contexts.
- Technology: Critically analyze the development and implementation of innovative technology and data tools for use in a variety of public safety applications.
Classes Overview
-
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.
Course content subject to change.
Why AIU
Faculty
Locations
Ways To Save
Mobile App
Why Accreditation Title
Why Accreditation Content
FAQ
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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
Compare up to three additional degrees
Take the next steps towards your education
Classes start July 30, 2025
What Students Are Saying About Their AIU Experience
AIU provides the tools and support needed to succeed, and I’m grateful for this opportunity to pursue my goals.Jessica R., Current Student Anticipated graduation 2027, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
My student advisor kept me going. AIU was so accommodating. They understood that people do have challenges in life.Paris S., Former Student 2024 Graduate, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
