Program Overview

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

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice with a concentration in policing is designed to equip students with a deep understanding of policing strategies, management, and accountability. This program prepares students for law enforcement careers at the local, state, or federal level.

Program Details

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

Degree Courses

The program includes a range of courses that deepen students' understanding of policing strategies and research, while helping them build critical thinking skills to apply that knowledge in real-world settings. Some of the courses include:

• CRJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CRJ 201: Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices
• CRJ 203: Courts and Sentencing
• CRJ 230: Introduction to Policing
• CRJ 240: Introduction to Corrections
• CRJ 302: Research Methods
• CRJ 303: Statistical Analysis
• CRJ 304: Inequality, Crime and Criminal Justice

Careers in Law Enforcement

With a concentration in policing, students will be prepared to pursue careers in a range of law enforcement and public safety settings, including:

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

Faculty and Research

The faculty in the Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions are top scholars in the law enforcement field, with highlights including:

• 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 (One year each from biology, chemistry, earth science, integrated sciences or physics)
• Two years of social sciences (including one year of American history)
• Two years of the same second language
• One year of fine arts or career and technical education

Additional Admission Requirements

Applicants must meet at least one of the following:

• Top 25% in their high school graduating class
• 3.00 GPA in competency courses (4.00 = A)
• ACT score of 22 for Arizona residents (24 nonresidents) or SAT Reasoning score of 1120 for Arizona residents (1180 nonresidents)

Tuition and Financial Aid

The tuition calculator can be used 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.

Accreditation and Rankings

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions is a comprehensive public service college dedicated to addressing social problems through teaching, research, and service. The college has received several rankings, including:

• #2 best graduate homeland security and emergency management programs, according to U.S. News & World Report
• #2 in the U.S. and #7 in the world for hospitality, leisure, sport and tourism, according to the Center for World University Rankings
• Top 5 Master of Nonprofit Leadership and Management in the nation, according to U.S. News & Report
• Top 10 best online master's in criminal justice programs for veterans, according to U.S. News & World Report

Related Programs

Students may also be interested in the following programs:

• Psychology – Forensic Psychology (BA)
• Criminology and Criminal Justice (BS)
• Justice Studies (BS)
• Public Service and Public Policy (BS)