Program Overview

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Overview of the Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership

The online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Criminal Justice Leadership is a fully online program designed to elevate your career and position you as a leader in the criminal justice field. Taught by seasoned professionals with deep experience in law enforcement and leadership, the criminal justice leadership program equips you with the practical knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving criminal justice landscape.

Admission Requirements

• Be at least 25 years old or a minimum of five years post-high school graduation or GED
• Have completed at least 60 credit hours of college coursework
• Hold a minimum 2.0 GPA on prior college coursework

Program Details

Time to Complete

12+ Months

Credit Hours

30+

Time Commitment

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

Start Dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

Cost and Financial Aid

Tuition is $515 per credit hour, with total program costs ranging from $15,450 to $30,900, depending on the number of transfer credits. Books and additional materials are not included. Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs.

Program Outcomes

The OU online BA in Criminal Justice Leadership stands out for its career versatility and real-world relevance. Graduates leave the program with a strong foundation in leadership and management, advanced data analysis skills, and a deep understanding of criminal justice administration, policing, conflict resolution, and judicial processes. You will:

• Apply innovative problem-solving strategies to real-world challenges in both personal and professional settings
• Use effective communication techniques to share ideas and information from a leadership perspective across written and digital platforms
• Leverage digital literacy to assess the credibility and quality of information sources
• Prepare for leadership roles across diverse law enforcement agencies by combining applied knowledge with hands-on experience built into the curriculum

Course Details

The BA in Criminal Justice Leadership blends core courses in leadership, communication, and digital literacy with modern business practices to deliver a well-rounded education rooted in real-world law enforcement principles. This integrated approach prepares you to lead with confidence, think critically, and adapt to the evolving demands of the criminal justice field. Students will work with their advisor to choose additional courses if more than 30 credit hours of coursework are needed to complete their degree.

Effective Communication

• Credit Hours: 3
• Students will enhance their interpersonal and professional communication skills in this course. Special attention is paid to recognizing the role of listening in communication, in addition to enhancing verbal, nonverbal, written, and presentation skills.

Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course requires students to locate, critique, and integrate literature/concepts to demonstrate their understanding of the foundational principles of interdisciplinary studies and their primary area of concentration.

Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies

• Credit Hours: 3
• The practicum course for the Interdisciplinary Studies program requires students to create a comprehensive ePortfolio, which showcases their key learnings about effective communication, digital literacy, data analysis, innovative problem-solving, and their primary area of concentration.

American Judicial Processes

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course acquaints students of criminal justice with the overall structure of state and federal courts, including jurisdiction, sources of law, civil and criminal legal procedures from initial pleadings through appeal, substantive civil and criminal law, and policy issues about the role of the judiciary in representative government.

Leadership in Organizations

• Credit Hours: 3
• The general purpose of this course is to learn about contemporary thinking regarding leadership in organizations and the applications of these insights for growth as a leader.

Digital Literacy & Data Analysis

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course is designed to increase students' knowledge and application of digital and quantitative data literacy. Students will also be introduced to principles of ethical decision-making.

Innovative Problem-Solving

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course is intended to empower students to think clearly and analytically about information and beliefs. Students will be prepared to recognize bias and common fallacies in reasoning and evaluate informational resources.

Criminal Justice Administration

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course covers the development, proliferation, institutionalization, and goals of the components of the criminal justice system and their administration.

Police and Policing

• Credit Hours: 3
• This course provides a historical perspective of policing as well as up-to-date information on policing and the issues that police deal with in a post-9/11 society.

Conflict Resolution

• Credit Hours: 3
• A review of several contemporary theories of the nature of conflict and how best to manage it. Students examine the communication process and practice effective communication skills through practice.

Career Opportunities

Earning your BA in Criminal Justice Leadership online from the University of Oklahoma positions you for advancement across a wide range of high-impact careers. Whether you want to lead in local law enforcement or pursue federal opportunities, this degree gives you the tools to move forward with confidence. Accelerate your career in roles such as:

• Detective
• Federal Agent
• Police Officer
• Criminal Investigator
• Fish and Game Warden
• Sheriff

Industry Insights

• Median Pay: $77,270
• Job Outlook: Law enforcement employment is projected to grow 4% through 2033
• Job Openings: An average of 796,800 law enforcement positions are projected to open each year
• Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Why Choose OU Online

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public university. Courses are led by experienced law enforcement professionals who bring real-world insight into the classroom, helping you understand the challenges officers face and how to lead with practical, effective solutions.

Faculty Expertise

The Criminal Justice Leadership bachelor’s degree is led by a team of instructors with extensive experience in law enforcement and leadership.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of law enforcement leaders to accelerate your career.

Flexible Format

The BA in Criminal Justice Leadership is delivered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as little as 12 months while managing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere, on your schedule, and gain the skills you need to advance your career without putting your life on hold.