List of Bachelors in Criminal Justice Programs – Campus & Online

An undergraduate degree in criminal justice is a valuable credential for those seeking a career in criminal investigation, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and many other areas of specialty. These programs are designed to prepare students academically with professional skills for work in governmental management, public service, and public safety, including law enforcement and the criminal justice system at the federal, state, regional, and local levels.

Where Can I Earn My Bachelors in Criminal Justice Degree?

While you’re listening to the podcast, check out our list of schools with criminal justice programs in the US. For each school, we provide a few highlights, including program offerings, course breakdown, and accreditation.

Click on the links below to jump to a specific state’s programs. You can also skip ahead to our Quick Facts about a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, or information about degree types and accreditation.

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Ashford University Accredited by WSCUC Click To Request Info »	At Ashford University’s College of Liberal Arts, students have several criminal justice degrees to choose from including Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Law Enforcement Administration, and Social and Criminal Justice. Major course requirements range from a minimum of 36-42 credits, with students taking one 3-credit course at a time every five weeks.
Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	Offered both online and on-campus, students can earn an accredited Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Cybercrime and Security, Forensics, Homeland Security, or Human Services. Each degree program consists of a minimum of 182 credit hours, and about 116 of those credit hours go are for the degree core and concentration.
Indiana Wesleyan University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	The Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree program is offered both online and on-campus through Indiana Wesleyan University’s Division of Behavioral Sciences. The degree program consists of a minimum of 42 credit hours, and students without an associate degree who have 36-59 credit hours from another college may be eligible to complete the criminal justice degree program through IWU’s bridge program.
Keiser University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice provides preparation in many areas of the criminal justice system. Topics include crimes, laws, investigation, arrest, prosecution, punishment, return to society and how components work together and are governed by laws, the Supreme Court and the Constitution.
Liberty University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	With criminal justice degree programs available online and on-campus, students can pursue a number of concentrations for their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree including Business Administration and Management, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Psychology, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Public Administration, and Strategic Intelligence Studies. Each of these degree programs consist of a minimum of 120 total credit hours.
Purdue University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	Purdue University offers two types of baccalaureate criminal justice degree programs, which are a Bachelor of Science in Corrections and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both programs consist of 180 total program credits, and 88 of those credits are specifically for the criminal justice major.
Saint Leo University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	At SLU, Students can pursue a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with no specializations, or they can choose to earn a specialized criminal justice degree in Criminalistics or Homeland Security. Each specialization requires students to complete a minimum of 18 credit hours as part of the total 120 credit hours needed for students to graduate.
Colorado Christian University Accredited by NACS Click To Request Info »	The Bachelors in Criminal Justice at Colorado Christian University offers criminal justice students an online and campus option. In addition to offer a practical curriculum that includes real-world experience, hthis bachelors program includes a faith component that allows students to explore critical justice issues such as free will, human nature, justice and redemption.
South University Accredited by SACS Click To Request Info »	Our four-year bachelor’s degree program in Criminal Justice offers comprehensive, relevant, practitioner-oriented preparation for this dynamic, rapidly growing profession. You may choose one of five areas of emphasis – juvenile justice, corrections, law enforcement, crime scene investigation (CSI), and cyber crime. Coursework focuses on the development of real-world knowledge of the criminal justice system in all its complexities, and explores the social, legal, and technological challenges of the field.
Walden University Accredited by HLC Click To Request Info »	Walden University provides several online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree programs. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations including Computer Information Systems and Security, Crime and Criminals, Criminal Justice Management and Administration, Homeland Security, and Human Services for Criminal Justice. Each degree program consists of a minimum of 181 total quarter credits.

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Alabama

Athens State University Accredited by SACS	At Athens State University, students can pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice – Juvenile Justice Studies degree. This option consists of 41 general education hours, 10 major prerequisite hours, 47 professional hours, and 26 general elective hours for a total of 124 hours required for graduation. Professional course classes can include Juvenile Delinquency, Adult Corrections, and Child Psychology.
Jacksonville State University Accredited by SACS	The School of Human Services and Social Sciences at Jacksonville State University offers three concentrations for their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. Students can pursue criminal justice concentrations in Corrections, Forensic Investigations, and Law Enforcement. To graduate, students will need to complete a minimum of 128 hours, and the degree concentration is 24 of those hours.
University of Alabama Accredited by SACS	The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Alabama offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree that is tailored more so for students interested in crime scene analysis, criminal and computer fraud investigation, terrorism, and/or crime and deviance studies. To graduate, students must complete a minimum of 120 applicable semester hours.

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Arizona

Arizona State University Accredited by HLC	ASU’s School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has a BS in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree that students can pursue through day, evening, and online classes. Students will need to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours to graduate, and they may be able to take classes like Courts and Sentencing, Advanced Criminological Theory, and Gender, Crime, and Criminal Justice.
Northern Arizona University Accredited by HLC	The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Northern Arizona University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program. Students must complete at least 120 units in order to graduate, and at least 36 of those units are major requirements.
University of Arizona Accredited by HLC	UA’s College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the School of Government and Public Policy offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Studies degree. Students can complete the degree in about four years and may take classes in areas like police management, juvenile justice, women and youth in the justice system, white collar crime, and US national security.

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Arkansas

Harding University Accredited by HLC	Averaging at about 15 credit hours per semester, students can complete their criminal justice baccalaureate degree from the Behavioral Sciences Department at Harding University in four years. The suggested curriculum includes classes like Criminal Procedure, Criminal Investigation, Criminology, and Criminal Law.
Southern Arkansas University Accredited by HLC	The College of Liberal and Performing Arts Department of Behavioral and Social Sciences at SAU offers a criminal justice baccalaureate degree consisting of a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students in this degree program have the opportunity to take classes like Police Administration, Criminal Evidence and Procedures, Criminal Law, Corrections, and Cultural Diversity.
University of Arkansas Accredited by HLC	The Sociology Department of the J. William Fulbright College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Arkansas offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice that allows students to take classes like Corrections, The Police and Society, and Criminology. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours.
University of Arkansas at Little Rock Accredited by HLC	A Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from the University of Arkansas at Little Rock consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours that can be completed in four years over the course of 8 semesters. This degree program gives students the opportunity to take classes in subjects like criminal evidence, gangs, cybercrime, victimology, and civil liberties.

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California

Ashford University Accredited by WSCUC	At Ashford University’s College of Liberal Arts, students have several criminal justice degrees to choose from including Homeland Security and Emergency Management, Law Enforcement Administration, and Social and Criminal Justice. Major course requirements range from a minimum of 36-42 credits, with students taking one 3-credit course at a time every five weeks.
California Baptist University Accredited by WASC	A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from CBU can prepare students for careers in areas like law enforcement, military, victim services, or private sector corporate security. This degree program gives students the opportunity to take classes such as Crime and Delinquency, Hate Crimes, Narcotics, and Courts and Criminal Procedures.
California Lutheran University Accredited by WASC	California Lutheran University offers a Bachelor of Science Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program that allows students to learn more about how various criminal justice fields like policing, corrections, forensics, victimology, public policy, and the judicial process interact and work together.
California State University, Los Angeles Accredited by WASC	Cal State LA offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice degree that allows students the opportunity to take classes such as Juvenile Justice, Forensic Mental Health, Police and the Media, Substance Use and Crime, Offender Reentry, and Civic Engagement in Criminal Justice. This degree program consists of at least 120 units, and 66 of those units are specifically for this major.
Sacramento State Accredited by WASC	The College of Continuing Education and the College of Health and Human Services at Sacramento State offer a two-year, 60-unit, online, Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. This program is flexible and is designed for actively working professionals in the criminal justice and public safety industry.

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Colorado

Colorado Technical University Accredited by HLC	Offered both online and on-campus, students can earn an accredited Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice in Cybercrime and Security, Forensics, Homeland Security, or Human Services. Each degree program consists of a minimum of 182 credit hours, and about 116 of those credit hours go are for the degree core and concentration.
University of Colorado, Colorado Springs Accredited by HLC	The School of Public Affairs at UCCS offers a B.A. in Criminal Justice degree. Students can learn about the ethical concerns and perceptions of institutions in the criminal justice system and how it is affected by politics. This degree gives students the chance to take classes like Crime Theory and Causes, Violence in Society, Corrections, and Law Enforcement.
University of Colorado, Denver Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program at the University of Colorado, Denver can prepare students for careers in crime analysis, investigations, law enforcement, or victim advocacy. In this program, students can take classes like Courts and Judicial Process, Corrections, Cultural Diversity, and Law Enforcement.
University of Northern Colorado Accredited by HLC	The B.A. in Criminal Justice degree program at UNCO places an emphasis on hands-on learning, and offers workshops in subjects such as crime scene investigation, forensic photography, and bloodstain pattern analysis. Students in this program are able to take classes like Judicial Process, Victim Studies, and Justice Professionalism and Ethics.

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Connecticut

Sacred Heart University Accredited by NEASC

Sacred Heart University’s College of Arts and Sciences offers a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice. Students in this program have the opportunity to take classes like Serial Killers and Profilers, Capital Punishment, Organized Crime, Criminal Investigation, and Crisis Intervention for Criminal Justice Professionals. At SHU, students are also able to enroll in the accelerated bachelor’s-master’s degree in criminal justice program.

University of New Haven Accredited by NEASC

The Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences at the University of New Haven have a B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program with the option for students to pick a concentration in Corrections, Crime Scene Analysis, Victim Services Administration, Law Enforcement Administration, Investigative Services, or Juvenile and Family Services.

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Delaware

Goldey-Beacom College Accredited by MSCHE	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Goldey-Beacom College aims to prepare students for a career in criminal justice or graduate school for law, political science, social work, or criminal justice administration. For this program, students must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours, and can take classes like Criminology, Criminal Justice Ethics, and Business Crime.
University of Delaware Accredited by MSCHE	The College of Arts and Sciences at the University of Delaware offers a baccalaureate degree program that prepares students for a career in the administration of justice, or to continue their studies into law or graduate school. Students in this program are given the opportunity to take a variety of classes like Problems of Criminal Judiciary, Constitutional Law, and Personality.
Wilmington University Accredited by MSCHE	Wilmington University offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program, which consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours. Students are able to take classes like Computer Operations in Criminal Justice, Community Corrections, and Criminal Evidence and Procedures. There is an option for students to gain relevant work experience as part of their degree as well.

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Florida

Saint Leo University Accredited by SACS	At SLU, Students can pursue a Bachelor of Criminal Justice with no specializations, or they can choose to earn a specialized criminal justice degree in Criminalistics or Homeland Security. Each specialization requires students to complete a minimum of 18 credit hours as part of the total 120 credit hours needed for students to graduate.
Saint Leo University Accredited by SACS	The B.A. in Criminal Justice degree program at Saint Leo University can prepare students for careers like corrections officer, police officer, crime scene investigator, CIA agent, victim witness assistant, juvenile probation officer, and more. Students in this program have the opportunity to take classes like Criminal Procedure, Substantive Criminal Law, and Police Organization and Administration.
University of Central Florida Accredited by SACS	The University of Central Florida offers both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. The B.A. degree program requires students to pass one year of a foreign language class. For both the B.S. and the B.A. degree, students can take classes like Criminal Justice System, Crime in America, and American Political Thought.

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Georgia

Clayton State University Accredited by SACS	The Department of Social Sciences at Clayton State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that is designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice system or graduate school. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours with classes like Forensics, Corrections, Domestic Security, Criminal Investigations, and Law Enforcement.
Georgia State University Accredited by SACS	The Andrew Young School of Policy Studies has a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program, which primarily focuses on the justice system itself. Students can pursue either the legal track or the crime and justice track. In both degree tracks, students can take courses like Policing in America, Corrections, and American Criminal Courts.

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Hawaii

Chaminade University of Honolulu Accredited by WASC	The Division of Behavioral Sciences at Chaminade University of Honolulu offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree. Students are expected to achieve an understanding of at least the basic complexities of the American criminal justice system and the basic techniques of crime scene investigation and the law of evidence.
Hawai’i Pacific University Accredited by WASC	Students in HPU’s B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program can learn how to analyze the criminal justice system, and the causes, consequences, and responses to crime and how they relate to and are influenced by various aspects of the criminal justice system. This degree program allows students to take classes like Violence in American Society and Drug Abuse and Justice.

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Idaho

Boise State University Accredited by NWCCU	The School of Public Service at Boise State University offers a B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program. Students with this major must apply for admission to upper-division (300 and 400 level courses) criminal justice standing and complete required courses at a C- or better with a 2.75 or higher overall GPA and at least 58 completed or in-progress credit hours.
Northwest Nazarene University Accredited by NWCCU	Northwest Nazarene University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice for a minimum of 39 core credit hours, and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice for a minimum of 55 core credit hours. In both degree paths, students are given the opportunity to take classes like Civil Rights and Civil Liberties, Juvenile Justice, and Abnormal Psychology.

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Illinois

Illinois State University Accredited by HLC	The criminal justice baccalaureate degree offered at Illinois State University can prepare students for entry-level criminal justice positions or graduate school. Students can gain interviewing, community organization, program development, and planning and research skills, giving them the tools to succeed in a professional criminal justice environment.
Loyola University Chicago Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology degree program at LUC is designed to introduce students to our complex criminal justice system while providing a liberal arts education. Students in this program have the opportunity to take classes like Policing, Corrections, Criminal Courts, Criminal Procedure, and Theories of Criminal Behavior.

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Indiana

Ball State University Accredited by HLC	Ball State University offers a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology that students can take on campus or entirely online. Students in the program have the opportunity to take classes like Victimology, Human Services in Criminal Justice, Institutional Corrections, and Race, Gender, and Crime. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours.
Indiana University Bloomington Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree at Indiana University Bloomington is designed for students who are focused on learning about justice-related issues. Students in this degree program have an opportunity to pursue an unofficial concentration like Criminal Justice and the Law, Criminal Justice and Psychology, or Gender, Race, and Crime.
Indiana Wesleyan University Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree program is offered both online and on-campus through Indiana Wesleyan University’s Division of Behavioral Sciences. The degree program consists of a minimum of 42 credit hours, and students without an associate degree who have 36-59 credit hours from another college may be eligible to complete the criminal justice degree program through IWU’s bridge program.

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Iowa

Loras College Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program from Loras College is structured to include experiential components, like police ride-alongs and courtroom observations, as well as traditional classroom activities. In this degree program, students have the opportunity to take classes like Restorative Justice, Criminal Investigation, Victimology, White Collar Crime, and Police and Society.
Mount Mercy University Accredited by HLC	The Department of History, Politics, and Justice at Mount Mercy College offers a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice designed to prepare students for careers in corrections, criminal investigation, law enforcement, forensics, or criminology. Students in this program can take classes like Trial Evidence, Sex Offenders, Policing, Politics Public Administration, Law and Literature, and Media and Crime.
Purdue University Accredited by HLC	Purdue University offers two types of baccalaureate criminal justice degree programs, which are a Bachelor of Science in Corrections and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both programs consist of 180 total program credits, and 88 of those credits are specifically for the criminal justice major.

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Kansas

Fort Hays State University Accredited by HLC	FHSU offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program. The B.A. degree program requires 10 credit hours of a language, and the B.S. degree does not. In either program, students have the opportunity to take classes in subjects like policing, criminology, and offenders and victims.
Wichita State University Accredited by HLC	WSU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is now offered both an online and in a traditional classroom setting. This degree program consists of a minimum of 3 major-core credit hours, and students can take courses in subjects like law enforcement, criminal law, serial killers, crime prevention, and criminal typologies.

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Kentucky

Murray State University Accredited by SACS	The College of Education and Human Services at Murray State University offers both a B.A. and B.S. in Criminal Justice degree. Students in these degree programs must maintain at least a 2.50 GPA and earn a C or better in each of the degree-related courses. This program features classes like Violent Crime, Criminal Justice Diversity, and Drugs, Alcohol, and Behavior.
University of Louisville Accredited by SACS	The University of Louisville offers an online and traditional Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice as well as an accelerated B.S. Criminal Justice track that allows eligible students to begin law school in their senior year of undergraduate study. Students can take classes like Corrections in U.S., Criminal Behavior, and Juvenile Justice.

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Louisiana

Grambling State University Accredited by SACS	Grambling State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours, with 33 major-related credit hours. Students in this program have the opportunity to take classes like Contemporary Correctional Systems, Criminology, Criminal Procedure and Evidence, and Juvenile Justice and Delinquency.
Louisiana State University Shreveport Accredited by SACS	The School of Humanities and Social Sciences at Louisiana State University Shreveport offers several criminal justice baccalaureate degree programs. Students can pursue a general criminal justice degree, or choose to concentrate their criminal justice undergraduate studies in forensic science or political science.

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Maine

Husson University Accredited by NEASC	The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program consists of a minimum of 121 credit hours, and is designed to prepare students for professions in the criminal justice and private sector security career fields. Students can also choose to pursue a dual B.S. in Criminal Justice/M.S. in Criminal Justice Administration degree program.
University of Maine at Presque Isle Accredited by NEASC	Students pursuing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from UMPI have the opportunity to learn how political, economic, and cultural patterns interact, shape crime theories, influence policy, and more. This program allows students to take classes like Crime Control Policies, Theoretical Criminology, Juvenile Justice, and Punishment and Correction.

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Maryland

Coppin State University Accredited by MSCHE

The College of Behavioral and Social Sciences at Coppin State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program uses federal, state, and local facilities to supplement course instruction. Students in this program have the opportunity to take classes like Police Community Relations, Women and the Criminal Justice System, Latent Print Development, and Analysis of Fingerprints.

University of Baltimore Accredited by MSCHE

The University of Baltimore offers a baccalaureate degree program in criminal justice that is designed to prepare students for criminal justice careers such as juvenile counselor, corrections case manager, FBI/Secret Service Agent, and more. Students can customize their degree and integrate interdisciplinary coursework from similar fields like government, psychology, and information technology.

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Massachusetts

Northeastern University Accredited by NEASC	The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program at Northeastern University is designed to prepare students for professional and research positions within the criminal justice and criminology fields. Students have the opportunity to take courses like Psychology of Crime, Global Criminology, Crimes Against Humanity, and Race, Crime, and Justice.
Salem State University Accredited by NEASC	The College of Health and Human Services at Salem State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program. Students can choose to pursue a specialization in Administration or Criminal Investigation, or a combined B.S/M.S in Criminal Justice degree program. Students in the program can have the opportunity to take classes like Comparative Criminal Justice, Corrections, and Victimology.
University of Massachusetts Boston Accredited by NEASC	The Sociology Department at UMB offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program. This degree program consists of a minimum of 36 major-related credit hours, where students can take classes like Criminology, Psychological Statistics, Criminal Courts, The Police in Society, and White Collar and Corporate Crime.

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Michigan

Eastern Michigan University Accredited by HLC

The College of Arts and Sciences at Eastern Michigan University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program with the option for students to pick a specialty in Legal Studies, Law Enforcement, Corrections, or Criminal Justice Administration. Students in this program can take classes like Policing in Society, White Collar Crime, and Violence and Society.

Michigan State University Accredited by HLC

MSU’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program gives students with the opportunity to take classes like Violence Against Women, Police Administration, and Delinquency and Treatment Approaches. This degree program is designed to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice fields including patterns and causes of crime, criminal justice agency challenges, security management, and more.

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Minnesota

Bemidji State University Accredited by HLC	The College of Health Sciences and Human Ecology at Bemidji State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that allows students focus this degree in Law Enforcement, Corrections, Victimology, or Tribal Justice. This degree program is offered online and on-campus, and students can take courses such as Judicial Process, Criminal Law, and Criminology and Delinquency.
Concordia University St. Paul Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program at Concordia University St. Paul consists of a minimum of 128 credits, and 32-44 of those credits are dedicated to this major. Students are able to take courses like Juvenile Justice, Police and Community, and Class and Community.
Walden University Accredited by HLC	Walden University provides several online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree programs. Students can choose from a variety of concentrations including Computer Information Systems and Security, Crime and Criminals, Criminal Justice Management and Administration, Homeland Security, and Human Services for Criminal Justice. Each degree program consists of a minimum of 181 total quarter credits.

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Mississippi

Jackson State University Accredited by SACS	The Department of Criminal Justice and Sociology at Jackson State University offers an undergraduate degree in criminal justice. This degree program is designed to prepare students for a career in this field by teaching them how to think critically and identify value choices and ethical considerations within the criminal justice system.
University of Southern Mississippi Accredited by SACS	The University of Southern Mississippi offers several undergraduate degrees in criminal justice. Students can pursue a general Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, or a more specialized degree like a B.A. in Criminal Justice (Juvenile Justice) or a B.S. in Forensic Science with a concentration in Criminal Justice. The degree programs consist of a minimum of 122 credit hours.

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Missouri

Lindenwood University Accredited by HLC

At Lindenwood University, students can pursue a general B.A. in Criminal Justice or choose a criminal justice degree with an emphasis in Corrections/Juvenile Justice, Corrections/Probation and Parole, Legal Studies, or Law Enforcement with a police academy option. The criminal justice general major credits consists of 48 credit hours, and (if applicable) 18 credits go towards the student’s’ concentration of choice.

Missouri Western State University Accredited by HLC

Missouri Western State University offers several criminal justice baccalaureate degree programs. Students can earn a B.S. in Criminal Justice and then choose a specialized track to pursue like Administration, Corrections, Juvenile Justice, Law Enforcement, or Legal Studies. Each degree program consists of a minimum of 122 credit hours, with classes like Criminal Law, Criminal Investigation, and Juvenile Justice.

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Montana

Montana State University – Northern Accredited by NWCCU

The College of Education, Arts and Science, and Nursing at MSUN offers a baccalaureate degree in criminal justice that is designed to give students practical knowledge and a deeper understanding of crime prevention and enforcement, the legal system, corrections, conflict management, and psychology. Students will have the opportunity to take classes in subjects like criminology, corrections, and policy and procedure.

University of Providence Accredited by NWCCU

The University of Providence allows students to pursue a concentration in Corrections, Law Enforcement, Forensic Investigation, or Natural Resource Management for their Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. In these degree programs students will learn to advocate for crime victims, investigate crimes, assist juveniles in that justice system, apply constitutional and criminal law in the justice system, and more.

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Nebraska

Bellevue University Accredited by HLC	Bellevue University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program that is designed to give students a deeper understanding of contemporary social issues, criminal behavior analysis, legal and ethical principles, and strategic management and policy development within the criminal justice system. This degree program consists of a minimum of 127 credit hours.
University of Nebraska – Omaha Accredited by HLC	The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program at UNO is designed to prepare students for careers in the criminal justice field like a police officer, DEA agent, probation officer, or correctional counselor. This degree program consists of a minimum of 120 credit hours with classes like Police and Society, Criminal Court System, and Drugs and Crime.

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Nevada

Nevada State College Accredited by NWCCU	The B.A. and B.A.S. in Criminal Justice degree programs at Nevada State College can prepare students for criminal justice careers like CIA/FBI agent, attorney, social worker, and DEA agent. Students in these degree programs have the opportunity to take classes like Political Leadership in Critical Incidents, Serial Killers and Sexual Predators, and Terrorism: Theory and Response.
University of Nevada, Las Vegas Accredited by NWCCU	The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Nevada, Las Vegas provides students with a solid foundation in the field that provides graduates for advanced study or for a variety of careers in criminal justice settings. Students have the opportunity to earn credits by participating in a field experience.

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New Hampshire

Granite State College Accredited by NEASC

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program offered at Granite State College is designed to prepare students to grow their careers in law enforcement, and gain fundamental knowledge in criminology, corrections, parole, probation, advocacy, and constitutional law. Students in this degree program can take classes like Law and Society, Victim Rights and Advocacy, and Crime Prevention and Control.

Plymouth State University Accredited by NEASC

At Plymouth State University, students can complete a Bachelor of Arts through the Criminal Justice Department after 120 credits hours in a variety of criminal justice course as well as electives in a variety of topics, such as criminal law, race and crime, and crime statistics. The department also offers several opportunities to intern with a local, state, or federal organization or agency.

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New Jersey

Fairleigh Dickinson University Accredited by MSCHE

Fairleigh Dickinson University offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice as well as a combined B.A./M.A. in Criminal Justice. For those pursuing a BA in Criminal Justice, students must complete a total a minimum of 120 credits with six credits from the major and six credits from the minor applied towards students’ general education requirements.

St. Peter’s University Accredited by MSCHE

Saint Peter’s University offers several concentrations for their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program including Law and Justice, Corrections, Police Administration, Investigative Sciences, Criminal Research and Intelligence Analysis, and Cyber Security and Computer Forensics. Students in this program are able to take classes like Social Deviance, Multiculturalism in Justice, Criminal Evidence, and Ethnic and Racial Relations.

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New Mexico

New Mexico State University Accredited by HLC

For those interested in attending New Mexico State University, a Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) may be earned through the Department of Criminal Justice. A minimum of 33 credit hours in criminal justice must be completed along with a general education and elective courses. The department also offers two interdisciplinary minors: a Minor in Forensic Science and Minor in Child Advocacy Studies (CAST).

Western New Mexico University Accredited by HLC

The School of Behavioral Science at WNMU offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program with the option to pursue a concentration in Corrections or Policing. These degree programs consist of a minimum of 120 credit hours and include classes like Juvenile Justice/Delinquency, Criminal Justice/Minorities, Courts/Criminal Justice System, and Police and Society.

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New York

Buffalo State College, State University of New York Accredited by MSCHE	Buffalo State College, SUNY offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree program with the option to pursue a concentration in Policing, Corrections, or Intelligence Analysis. This degree program consists of a minimum of a 120 credit hours. Students in this program can take classes like Criminal Law, The Police Process, Organized Crime, and Advanced Intelligence Analysis.
St. John’s University Accredited by MSCHE	The College of Professional Studies at St. John’s University offers a Bachelor of Science degree BS programs in Criminal Justice that requires students to complete 126 credits hours to graduate. Students have the opportunity specialize in Forensic Psychology and minor in such fields as Business, Computer Science, Correctional Counseling, Court Administration, and Criminalistics.

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North Carolina

North Carolina State University Accredited by SACS	North Carolina State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice that provides a comprehensive overview of the adult and juvenile justice systems, their agencies, personnel, and historical foundations. This program helps prepare graduates for careers in criminal justice as well as to to provide continuing education for those already employed in the criminal justice profession.
University of North Carolina Accredited by SACS	Through the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at the University of North Carolina at Charlotte students can earn a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students also have the opportunity to participate in a few different organizations in the criminal justice field such as the Criminal Justice Association, Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society, and the Pre-Law Society.

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North Dakota

North Dakota State University Accredited by NCA	At North Dakota State University, the Department of Criminal Justice and Political Science offers both a Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students are required to complete 120 of degree credits to graduate. For students pursuing a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, completion of a minor program of study, a second major, or a second degree is required.
University of North Dakota Accredited by HLC	At the University of North Dakota, students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice Studies (B.S.C.J.S). The program has a long history, having been established in 1974 with grant support from the Law Enforcement Assistance Administration of the U.S. Department of Justice. Students must complete 125 credit hours to graduate with courses in criminal law, policing, and correction.

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Ohio

University of Cincinnati Accredited by HLC

The School of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati is part of the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services (CECH). The university offers a few different options, including a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. All students must complete field placement in addition to 20 semester credit hours, including general education and core classes.

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Oklahoma

Oklahoma City University Accredited by HLC	The Department of Sociology and Justice Studies at Oklahoma City University offers a BA and a BS in Criminal Justice with three tracks to choose from: Investigative/Analysis Track, Leadership/Administration Track, and Corrections Track. Students are required to complete credit hours to graduate.
University of Oklahoma Accredited by HLC	At the University of Oklahoma, students can earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice through an accelerated program designed to accommodate working adults. The program is completed fully online or in a hybrid format and requires 120 hours to complete. Courses cover such topics as deviance and social behavior, forensic science, ethics, and statistics in criminal justice.

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Oregon

Portland State University Accredited by NWCCU	The College of Urban and Public Affairs at Portland State University offers both a B.A. and a B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice. A bachelor’s degree requires 68 total credits in criminology and criminal justice as well as electives and other required courses. Student can choose to complete their degree through the flexible campus program or the fully online program.
Western Oregon University Accredited by NWCCU	At Western Oregon University, students have three degree options to choose from: Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BA), a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS), and a Master of Arts in Criminal Justice. The program is primarily on campus, however, all core classes in the major are also offered online, along with three online options for a minor and certificates.

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Pennsylvania

Gannon University Accredited by MSCHE	Gannon University offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BACJ) program and a Master of Science in Criminalistics (MSC) program. The 4+1 program allows students to obtain their B.A. in criminal justice and M.S. in criminalistics in just five years.
Temple University Accredited by MSCHE	The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice at Temple University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the nature of crime, criminals and criminal law, the criminal justice system, and much more. Graduates are prepared for careers as practitioners, researchers, and academics in a variety of public and private sector professions.

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Rhode Island

Johnson and Wales University Accredited by NEASC

Johnson and Wales University offers students the opportunity to pursue a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice. Sample courses include Criminal Courts, Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, Homeland Security, Criminalistics, and a Criminal Justice Internship. For those interested in also studying law, students can apply for the 3+3 Law Program, offered in conjunction with Roger Williams University School of Law in Bristol, Rhode Island.

University of Rhode Island Accredited by NEASC

The University of Rhode Island offers an interdisciplinary program in Criminology and Criminal Justice that combines courses from Sociology, Political Science, Psychology, Gender and Women’s Studies, Economics, and Chemistry. The B.A. Degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires a minimum of 30 credits from different categories including research, criminology, foundation and core courses, and a variety of elective options.

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South Carolina

South Carolina State University Accredited by SACS

At South Carolina State University, the curriculum for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares students to meet entry-level standards for various criminal justice agencies as well as admission to graduate and professional school. In the final semester of their senior year, students can participate in a supervised program of observation, study, and work in selected criminal justice agencies.

University of South Carolina Accredited by SACS

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at the University of South Carolina is designed to teach students how to enhance public safety through evidence-based practices. Students will take courses in The American Criminal Justice System, Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminal Procedure, Sociology of Crime, and Policing.

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South Dakota

University of Sioux Falls Accredited by HLC	The University of Sioux Falls offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree through the Criminal Justice Department. Students must complete a minimum of 39 semester hours in the Criminal Justice curriculum. The program provides many opportunities for students to intern with local and state agencies
University of South Dakota Accredited by HLC	The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of South Dakota offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both require 33 major credit hours to graduate and students can choose to minor in Civic Leadership Studies or Political Science.

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Tennessee

Middle State Tennessee University Accredited by SACS	At Middle Tennessee State University, students can pursue a Criminal Justice Administration major through the Department of Criminal Justice Administration. Courses prepare students to meet the academic needs of those seeking careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and homeland security as well as those already employed in the criminal justice system and related agencies.
Tennessee State University Accredited by SACS	At Tennessee State University, students can earn a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice designed to provide students with the knowledge necessary to understand the institutions of the criminal justice process (police, courts, and corrections) and the administration of justice. Courses are taken in Police Science, Social Science, Psychology, Sociology, and Law.

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Texas

Texas A&M University – Commerce Accredited by SACS

At Texas A&M University, students have several options when it comes to earning a degree in criminal justice. Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science degree programs are available in Sociology or Criminal Justice. Both degrees are designed to prepare students for entry-level positions in law enforcement, juvenile justice, courts, community based corrections, and institutional corrections.

Texas State University Accredited by SACS

The undergraduate degree in criminal justice from Texas State University is designed to provide students with the tools necessary to gain employment in related criminal justice fields such as probation, parole, policing, asset protection and other non-practitioner roles such as research and rehabilitation counseling. Students can follow degree plans with concentrations in Criminal Justice (General), Law Enforcement, or Corrections.

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Utah

Utah Valley University Accredited by NWCCU	The Criminal Justice Department at Utah State University offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Science. The university is also connected to a Police Academy where criminal justice majors can train to become law enforcement officers.
Weber State University Accredited by NWCCU	Weber State University offer a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice with an option for a 4-year degree that encompasses all aspects of the criminal justice system including law enforcement, corrections, court systems, and victim and offender social issues. The curriculum includes 31 hours of required courses and 15 hours of elective courses.

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Vermont

Champlain University Accredited by NEASC	Champlain University offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with an “Upside-Down Curriculum” that allows students to begin taking criminal justice classes during their freshman year. Students can choose to specialize in Cyber Investigation or Computer Forensics.
Norwich University Accredited by NEASC	At Norwich University, criminal justice majors develop a broad understanding of crime, criminal law, criminal-justice procedures and the socio-cultural environment in which human behavior occurs. Students must complete 120 hours in order to graduate that includes both general education courses and criminal justice electives and required classes.

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Virginia

Liberty University Accredited by SACS

With criminal justice degree programs available online and on-campus, students can pursue a number of concentrations for their Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree including Business Administration and Management, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Psychology, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Public Administration, and Strategic Intelligence Studies. Each of these degree programs consist of a minimum of 120 total credit hours.

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Washington

Eastern Washington University Accredited by NWCCU	Eastern Washington University’s Department of Sociology and Justice Studies offers a minor and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. Students study the core disciplines that provide the theoretical and methodological roots of contemporary criminological inquiry and are required to complete 75 credit hours to graduate.
Washington State University Accredited by NWCCU	The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers a policy-focused curriculum that requires students to complete a series of courses in the social sciences. Their template for a B.A. degree in Criminal Justice helps freshmen in this program ease their way through our undergraduate program.

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West Virginia

Glenville State College Accredited by HLC

The B.S. in Criminal Justice degree program at Glenville allows students to learn in both a classroom setting and in Glenville’s “Criminal Justice House,” where mock crime scenes are constructed. Students are able to pursue a concentration in Field Forensics or Administration of Justice, and take classes like Homeland Security, Organized Crime, Advanced Interviewing, and Fingerprints and Latent Collection.

West Virginia State University Accredited by HLC

The baccalaureate in criminal justice degree offered at West Virginia State University is designed to provide students with in-depth knowledge about the crime problem in this society, the perpetrators of crime, and the theoretical causes of crime. Students in this program can take classes like Victimology, Criminal Procedure, Punishment and Corrections, and Ethics in Criminal Justice.

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Wisconsin

University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee Accredited by HLC	At the University of Wisconsin – Milwaukee, criminal justice majors study three broad areas of this diverse profession: law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Criminal justice majors initially complete a two-year liberal arts foundation, followed by 36 credits in criminal justice.
University of Wisconsin – Oshkosh Accredited by HLC	Students at the University of Wisconsin-Oshkosh can pursue either a Bachelor of Arts or a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The program consists of 45 credits of coursework in addition to the general curriculum.

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Wyoming

University of Wyoming Accredited by HLC

The University of Wyoming offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice on the Laramie campus, at UW/Casper College Center in Casper, and at locations across the United States through the Outreach School. All Criminal Justice majors are required to complete 120 semester hours of coursework that include 39 hours of criminal justice courses.

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Bachelors in Criminal Justice Quick Facts

Here is a brief snapshot of what to expect and look forward to with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Quick Facts
Common Pre-Enrollment Requirements:	High School Diploma or GED (associate’s degree is optional)
Common Core Subjects Covered:	Criminal Law, Theories of Crime, Justice System
Non-Classwork Required:	None (internship is strongly recommended)
Expected Time to Complete Bachelor’s Degree:	4 years
Common Next Steps:	Entry-Level Position, Master’s Degree
Most Common Career Fields:	Law Enforcement, Justice Administration, Corrections, Victim Advocacy, Criminal Investigations

Exploring Degree Types and Accreditation

There are a few different types of undergraduate degrees in criminal justice, the most common of which are listed below:

• BA in Criminal Justice – a four-year degree program to prepare students for entry-level criminal justice careers or graduate school, usually also requiring liberal arts and language classes
• BS in Criminal Justice – a four-year degree program to prepare students for entry-level criminal justice careers or graduate school, focuses solely on criminal justice-related courses
• BAS in Criminal Justice – a four-year degree program to prepare students for entry-level criminal justice careers, typically less graduate school preparedness

Accreditation is important for all degrees, ensuring you receive a qualified education. The accrediting bodies featured in our list are:

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