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Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
PROGRAM AT A GLANCE
Criminal justice at Strayer University
Get on the path to a career in criminal justice. Our online bachelor’s degree combines criminology with the actual techniques used in today’s criminal justice system. You’ll learn the fundamentals of forensics, behavioral analysis and crime mapping. And you’ll study criminal behavior to help you learn how to stay one step ahead of hackers, terrorists and organized criminal groups.
The Strayer BS in Criminal Justice program overview
Get a jump start on your future career in criminal justice. With a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Strayer, you’ll build skills in communication, problem-solving and critical thinking that can help you detect and prevent criminal behavior.
This program is not available at Maryland campuses and is available in an online-only format to Maryland students. Students enrolled in this program in Arkansas and New Jersey must follow the requirements as set forth in the catalog section applicable to their state.
What do you do with a BS in Criminal Justice?
- Examine the major media used in PR, from news releases to broadcast publicity.
- Prepare concise, complete and correct reports common in the criminal justice field.
- Practice ethical decision-making within the criminal justice profession.
- Learn the basics of investigating a crime scene, from collecting evidence to preparing it for in-court presentation through testimony.
- Explore fundamental research skills in the investigation of digital crime and terrorism.
Class size varies based on course objectives and the teaching demands of the subject matter. In general, Strayer University aims to keep the student-to-instructor ratio low.
How long does it take to get a degree in criminal justice?
- There are 40 11-week courses in this program.
- How many courses you take at a time will determine how long the overall program will be.
- Strayer University credits are expressed in quarter hours.
- One quarter hour of credit is granted for the successful completion of 10 contact hours per course.
- The standard requirement for one course is for students to spend 10 to 14 hours in weekly work, including in- and out-of-classroom work. Strayer’s course design uses this requirement to meet applicable regulatory standards.
Program features
Add essential skills to your resume
Along with your degree, you’ll learn professional skills employers value, from communication to problem-solving.
Save on your degree
For every three classes you pass, you’ll earn one on us at the end of your program. Eligibility and participation rules apply.
SHRM-CP Preparation Course
Enroll in the SHRM-CP Preparation Course to learn the skills needed to take the SHRM-CP exam and gain knowledge in the competencies required, including people, organizations and the workplace. Alternatively, you could take the Human Resource Management Capstone course.
Accredited online university
Strayer University has distinct accreditations and affiliations that attest to our academic quality. We’re committed to meeting quality standards, so you can earn a diploma you’re proud to display. View the ACBSP student achievement information.
80
of Strayer Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice alumni agree that their degree was a worthwhile investment.
Strayer Alumni Survey, 2023
Criminal justice concentrations
Choose from six concentrations, tailored to fit your goals. If you can’t decide, your admissions officer is here to help.
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a BS in Criminal Justice cost?
Estimate the cost of your degree
How much does a BS in Criminal Justice cost?
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*Student is required to take two courses per quarter during disbursement period
PREPARING YOUR RESULTS
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Program cost breakdown
In most cases, Strayer’s BS program consists of 40 courses, with the price of $1525 per course. There are additional fees for textbooks and supplies, a $65 technology fee each term and a one-time $150 degree conferral fee.
Transfer credits
Courses from another institution may be eligible for transfer credits to Strayer, which can reduce the number of courses you need to graduate and your overall tuition. You can transfer up to 28 classes toward your bachelor’s degree (if approved). Strayer’s transfer credit page has more information, as well as a tool to estimate how many transfer credits you may be able to apply to your Strayer degree program.
Scholarships and financial aid
There are a number of financial aid options worth exploring on our financial aid page. To apply for federal aid, prospective students should fill out the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) form. Stafford loans are available for graduate study. These are direct unsubsidized loans, not based on financial need. Unlike subsidized loans, Stafford loan interest will accrue while in the program. Making interest payments while in school will help reduce the amount of principal that would otherwise build up.
There are also scholarships and private loans available for Strayer students.
Save up to $15,250 on your Strayer bachelor’s degree by accessing your general education courses through our affiliate, Sophia.*
*Savings assumes transferring 10 courses taken at Sophia. Eligibility rules apply. Connect with us for details.
Transfer up to 28 classes toward your bachelor’s degree.
More than 500 organizations – including corporations and community colleges – invest in their employees by partnering with Strayer University to offer access to discounted education programs. If your employer is a Corporate Alliance Partner, you may qualify for programs that can help you discover career pathways in your field.
Private loans
Nonfederal loans may pay the difference between the cost of attendance and the total of loans and grants received from other tuition assistance programs. The terms and conditions of federal loans are often more favorable than private loans and should be considered before exploring private loans.
Military tuition assistance
Scholarships are offered to eligible students currently serving in the military as well as military spouses. Strayer is also approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Learn more about Strayer’s active military assistance program here.
Veteran benefits
In addition to participating fully in the Yellow Ribbon Program, Strayer is approved by Veterans Affairs to accept and process veteran education benefits. Student veterans can receive transfer credit for military training and life experiences.
What coursework do you need for a BS in Criminal Justice?
Dig into important topics of criminal justice, in areas like fraud detection, juvenile crime, criminal law and investigation. You’ll learn how laws are upheld and criminals punished, giving you a broad sense of how criminal justice professionals work. View all courses
Sample courses
Being an effective communicator is an essential skill for any profession. In this course, you will learn the secrets to writing, listening, and speaking with credibility in order to share your voice with the world.
Introduces psychology as a human and scientific endeavor. Includes examination of concepts and methods in learning, motivation, development, personality, and social behavior.
Report writing is an essential workplace skill in the criminal justice field. Judges and other professionals in the field will read these reports, sometimes under a very close lens, and depend on them for accurate information. Therefore, it’s critical these reports contain the information justice administrators need and follow state requirements. This course introduces a report writing process and uses templates to teach how to prepare concise, complete, and correct reports common in the criminal justice field. Hands-on activities will provide step-by-step guided practice for students to improve their report writing skills, and technological trends related to criminal justice reporting will be examined.
This course introduces students to the general purpose of information systems in organizations and their use of personal productivity software. Students will demonstrate tasks in common application software to include word processing, web browsing, spreadsheet modeling, database management, and presentation graphics.
Discover the fundamentals of criminal investigation by examining processes involved in identifying and arresting criminal suspects, identifying types of crimes and offenses, and preparing for the in-court presentation of evidence through testimony. Discuss techniques for evidence collection, examination and preservation. Explore developing “high technologies” useful to the criminal investigator.
Analyze a social, psychological or business problem within criminal justice or homeland or private security and recommend solutions. Analyze a situation or policy, make a current assessment and provide a proposed solution. Apply theory, the use of research and evidence-based solutions, and incorporate ethical foundations to support your solutions.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice admission requirements
Here’s what you’ll need to start the admission process for the Strayer Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
A completed application and enrollment agreement, as applicable
A diploma from an approved high school or its equivalent
Official copies of transcripts from all other colleges or universities attended
A valid, current and legible government-issued photo ID
Learn more about the admission process at Strayer. Students applying to Washington, D.C., or New Jersey campuses must provide proof of proper immunization.
Transferring to Strayer from another university?
Some or all of the credits you’ve earned may be transferable.
International bachelor's students
We welcome international students.
Campus locations
Come to a campus near you for guidance and support. You’ll have access to helpful resources, a supportive community and plenty of spaces to learn and grow.
TESTIMONIALS
What our students say
“Life was good, but since Strayer it has been great. When I look back on my life and I ask myself how I got here, I got here by determination and perseverance. I got here with my Strayer degrees.”
Melvin Burns
BS in Criminal Justice & MEd
Ready to take the next step?
Your admissions officer is here to guide you through every step of the process, from completing your application to choosing your concentration.