Advanced Start BS in Criminal Justice

If you already have an associate's or bachelor's degree, our advanced start program may help you earn a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online in as little as two years.* According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, bachelor's degree holders earn nearly 40 percent more than high school diploma holders and 25 percent more than associate's degree holders.† Train for a Career in Criminal Justice

From homeland security to the security of your local neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, public safety is a top concern in today's society. Numerous career paths exist for people who want to take an active role in making their own community a better, safer place. Whether you are seeking entry-level employment in the field of criminal justice or want to advance your current career in law enforcement, private security, or corrections, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may help you achieve your goal.

Program Highlights In addition to a providing a broad liberal arts education, this baccalaureate program combines professional skills training with courses designed to help you develop a solid foundation of criminal justice knowledge. In this program you will have an opportunity to:

• Gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the U.S. criminal justice system, its agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges they face
• Explore applied research methods and techniques used in the field
• Examine the development of criminal law, the elements and types of criminal offenses, and the principles of criminal culpability
• Complete a capstone project to demonstrate your ability to apply the critical thinking skills and concepts you study online to real-world criminal justice scenarios

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs: