Bachelor of Arts
Online Criminal Justice Degree
Next Start Date August 26
Est.Program Length 4 years
Course Length 7 weeks
Credit Hours 120
Cost Per Credit $313.52*
Accreditation Higher Learning Commission
Transfer Credits Accepted 90
*Out-of-state students will be charged an additional $32.32 per credit.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Overview
The online B.A. in Criminal Justice degree from the Shawnee State University Online Campus delivers the skills it takes to land a rewarding career in law enforcement, substance abuse rehabilitation, corrections, and more. Whether you’re a law enforcement professional seeking advancement opportunities or interested in entering the field for the first time, this program is designed to help you achieve your goals.
Through courses taught by experienced educators, you’ll build a strong understanding of criminology and explore the social, gender, and psychological aspects of criminal behavior. You’ll also gain career-ready skills in corrections and policing, criminal justice statistics, victimology, juvenile justice, nonverbal communication, and more. There are also field experience opportunities to provide you with hands-on practice for the career you want.
You can complete all courses for the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice entirely online through Shawnee State’s virtual classroom. Interact with classmates, discuss course materials with educators, and complete your degree at a pace that fits your busy professional schedule.
The Online B.A. in Criminal Justice Degree is Designed for:
- Individuals who are interested in beginning a career in one of the many areas of criminal justice
- Law enforcement professionals seeking advancement opportunities
- Individuals seeking a career that will allow them to help and advocate for others
International students may apply to Shawnee State University’s online B.A. in Criminal Justice degree. The program is administered all online, and the international student will maintain a full course of study. Students admitted to Shawnee State University Online Campus will not be issued an I-20 to enter the United States. International students will complete the online program while residing in their home country. Please refer to www.studyinthestates.dhs.gov for details about enrollment in an online program from your home country.
Study Anywhere
Designed to fit the schedule of working individuals.
Learn From Expert Educators
Professors with real-world experience provide one-on-one attention to each student.
Prepare for Diverse Opportunities
Build skills for a variety of rewarding careers in an in-demand field.
Courses and Requirements
14 Total Courses In This Program
In addition to 78 credit hours of Shawnee State University’s undergraduate curriculum, the online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice requires the completion of 14 core courses for a total of 120 credit hours. Courses provide an academic foundation for investigating and analyzing criminal behavior.
CRIM 1201 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRIM 2207 – Introduction to Criminology
CRIM 2620 – Policing
CRIM 3201 – Research Methods and Statistics in Criminal Justice
CRIM 3620 – CorrectionsSelect a total of 6 courses from the following list:
CRIM2630 – Victimology
CRIM 2640 – Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice
CRIM 3002 – Social Deviance
CRIM 3261 – Deviant Subcultures
CRIM 3610 – Race, Gender, and Justice
CRIM 4400 – Drugs, Society and Criminal Justice
CRIM 4561 – Nonverbal Communication
CRIM 4601 – Serial MurderStudents may substitute up to 6 credit hours of any social sciences courses as electives.
CRIM 3403 – Criminal Justice Field Experience 1
CRIM 4403 – Criminal Justice Field Experience 2Select 1 course from the following list:
IDST 4490 – Senior Seminar
SOSC 4500 – Interdisciplinary Capstone for Social Science
CRIM 4999 – Criminal Justice Capstone
Admission Requirements
Before applying for the online B.A. in Criminal Justice program, you must have:
- Transcripts from high school and all completed college work
- SAT, ACT, or placement test score
How to Apply
To apply for our online B.A. in Criminal Justice program, please contact an enrollment counselor and submit the following:
- Completed application
- Transcripts from high school and college or university (if applicable)
Costs & Financial Aid
The online B.A. in Criminal Justice program is offered at a tuition rate of $313.52 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $345.84 per credit hour for out-of-state students. This program accepts up to 90 transfer credits.
Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $313.52 per credit hour $37,622 Total $37,622 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) $313.52 per credit hour $9,406 Total with Transfer Credits $9,406 Component Cost Total* Full Program Tuition $345.84 per credit hour $41,501 Total $41,501 Tuition with Maximum Transfer Credits (Up to 90) $345.84 per credit hour $10,375 Total $10,375 Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Fees are charged per semester unless otherwise noted. This program takes two to eight semesters to complete, depending on transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of time to completion, call an enrollment advisor at 855-815-0323 or request more information.
* Tuition and fees are subject to change.
Financial Aid
To help make your online education more affordable, Shawnee State offers financial aid in the form of loans, scholarships, and grants. If you have questions, our experienced enrollment counselors and tuition planners will assist you through the process.
Learn More About Financial Aid
Military Students
At Shawnee State, we want those who have served our country to get the education they deserve. As a veteran or current member of the U.S. military, you can receive federal and state educational benefits through the VA, and we will provide you with guidance and support throughout your online education.
Let Us Serve YouCareer Outcomes
The online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice will prepare you to serve and protect your community through diverse career opportunities. Many graduates of this program succeed in the following positions:
Salary and job growth information from the Bureau of Labor Statistics.
- Police officers respond to diverse types of criminal behavior to protect victims and serve justice. They are responsible for enforcing the law and solving crimes. The median annual salary for police officers was $66,020 in 2021.
- Correctional officers supervise convicted offenders in detention centers to ensure safety procedures are being followed. The median annual salary for correctional officers was $47,920 in 2021.
- Probation officers work directly with convicted offenders to ensure they are following the rules of their probation. These officers meet regularly with offenders and provide them with the support they need for rehabilitation. The median annual salary for probation officers was $60,250 in 2021.
