Program Overview

Introduction to the Criminal Justice Studies Program

The Criminal Justice Studies program at San Francisco State University offers a fully online bachelor's degree completion program. This program is designed for students with at least 60 transferable college credits, allowing them to earn their degree in a flexible and convenient online format.

Program Overview

The online bachelor's degree completion program in Criminal Justice Studies explores the systems that shape law and justice in society, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections. Students learn to analyze policies, consider ethical issues, and understand the impact of justice on different communities. The program is designed to help students think critically and act with purpose, whether they are entering the field or advancing their current role.

Online Curriculum

The online curriculum is designed to be completed in 2 years, with students taking 2 online courses every 8 weeks. The program is cohort-based, and students will learn from the same faculty and follow the same curriculum as students on campus.

Program Highlights

• All majors are welcome: Students do not need to be a Criminal Justice Studies major to apply.
• 100% online and asynchronous: Students can take classes on their schedule, balancing school with work and other responsibilities.
• Same degree as on campus: Students will earn the same SFSU degree as students on campus.
• Financial aid is available: Students may qualify for federal financial aid.

Program Learning Objectives

• Analyze how systemic inequality shapes and is shaped by crime, law, and justice systems
• Examine how people and communities influence, challenge, and reshape legal institutions and ideas
• Understand the history and politics behind criminological knowledge
• Critique and assess claims, data, and research related to crime, law, and justice
• Complete a senior capstone project that demonstrates strong writing, ethical reasoning, and critical thinking skills

Cost and Length

• Cost: $24,900 total ($415 per unit)
• Length: 2 years
• Gator Pass: Students receive a free transit pass while enrolled (fall and spring only, $130 value per term)

Application Deadlines

• Fall: October 1 to April 1
• Spring: May 1 to October 1

Criminal Justice Studies

The bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice Studies explores how crime, law, and justice systems are created, implemented, and challenged. Students learn to think critically about how these systems connect with social and political issues, especially those related to race, class, gender, sexuality, and age in the U.S.

Support Services

Students have access to information about academic advising, tech support, library access, career services, and more.

Professional Outlook

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, the mean salary for detectives and investigators in the San Francisco and San José metropolitan areas is $122,430 and $140,760, respectively.

Earn Credit for Your Experience

Through Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), students may be able to earn credit for professional training and work in law enforcement, military service, and other related fields.