Program Overview

Overview of the Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University prepares students to understand the impact of crime and develop practical solutions to address it. This program builds strong research, analytical, and communication skills essential for navigating today's complex criminal justice landscape. Upon graduation, students will be equipped to work in various criminal justice occupations.

Program Details

• Total classes: 40
• Weeks per class: 7.5
• Total credit hours: 120
• Next start date: 01/12/2026

Understanding the Causes and Consequences of Crime

This program teaches students to conduct research, develop theories, investigate crime scenes, and compose reports. Students will study sociological, psychological, biological, and economic explanations for individual crime, along with how crime varies across areas. Coursework also covers the history, legal issues, and current practices of crime control through police agencies, the court system, prisons, probation, and parole.

Choosing the Right Criminal Justice Degree

ASU's criminal justice program options provide valuable knowledge, but choosing the right one depends on career goals. This criminology and criminal justice program provides a broad foundation in the causes of crime, the consequences, and the role of criminal justice agencies in managing it. Coursework is designed to equip students with the skills to apply research findings to real-world situations.

Criminology vs. Criminal Justice

Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of delinquent or deviant behavior, analyzing the where, how, and why of criminal behavior and its impact on society. Criminal justice relates to the individuals who investigate crimes and bring criminals to trial. This criminology and criminal justice degree explores the intersection between these two studies, allowing students to fill vital roles across the legal system upon graduation.

Online Criminology and Criminal Justice Classes

This online criminal justice degree emphasizes communication, behavioral science, and justice studies. Alongside foundational courses on the criminal justice system, students will dive into topics such as policy, gender, and race. Students will also choose from a wide range of electives, from terrorism and domestic violence to police accountability, organized crime, and victimization.

Course Curriculum

• CRJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice - History and current practice of the criminal justice system.
• CRJ 201: Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices - Dimensions and causes of crime. Criminal justice system responses.
• CRJ 203: Courts and Sentencing - Structure and operation of criminal court system.
• CRJ 230: Introduction to Policing - History of police. Contemporary police work. Problems in policing.
• CRJ 240: Introduction to Corrections - Structure and operation of corrections system.
• CRJ 302: Research Methods - Validity and reliability of research designs and data collection.
• CRJ 303: Statistical Analysis - Fundamentals and application of descriptive and inferential statistics.
• CRJ 304: Inequality, Crime and Criminal Justice - Explores variability in the perpetration, apprehension, prosecution, and punishment of crime.

Career Opportunities

Earning this degree can open doors to careers in law enforcement, corrections, and the legal system. Students can also pursue high-impact roles in cybersecurity, forensics, intelligence analysis, investigations, and related fields. Additional career paths include but are not limited to:

• Correctional Officer
• Corrections Officer
• Corrections Sergeant
• Customs and Border Protection Officer (CBPO)
• Detective Sergeant
• Forensic Specialist
• Fraud Investigator
• Intelligence Officer
• Police Sergeant/Detective

Faculty and Accreditation

The impressive faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions inspire the next generation of public service leaders through real-world solutions to issues in areas such as child welfare, safety, city management, human trafficking, and water scarcity. Faculty highlights include:

• Fellow of the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences
• Fellow of the American Psychological Association
• Member of the National Academy of Public Administration

Admission Requirements

To be admitted to ASU, students must hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed at least 14 of the following courses:

• Four years of math
• Four years of English (non-ESL/ELL courses)
• Three years of lab sciences
• Two years of social sciences
• Two years of the same second language
• One year of fine arts or career and technical education

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Top 25% in their high school graduating class
• 3.00 GPA in competency courses
• ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents)

Tuition and Financial Aid

Use the tuition calculator to estimate full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Most students receive financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs. Learn more about financial aid and scholarships.

Conclusion

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Arizona State University is a comprehensive program designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in the criminal justice field. With a broad range of courses and career opportunities, this program is ideal for those looking to make a difference in their communities.