BS in Criminal Justice

Purdue University Global's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare students who already have an associate's or bachelor's degree for careers in the criminal justice field. Read more about Purdue University Global's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program here.

Tuition & Aid

Start Dates

Official Program Name:

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

School Offering Program:

Purdue University Global

Degree Level:

Bachelor of Science

Program Requirements:

Students interested in this program should have an understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system and our country's laws. Those looking into this program should also be detail oriented, have strong communication skills, and a desire to help others. The minimum requirements to be admitted into this program include a high school diploma, GED, or the equivalent.

Program Description:

Purdue University Global's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program curriculum offers a broad liberal arts education as well as the chance to study criminal law, investigation, crime prevention, forensic techniques, and applied research methods. Students may also customize their curriculum in one of five concentration areas: crime scene investigation, forensic psychology, homeland security, juvenile justice, and law enforcement. Each concentration provides students with focused studies to hone their skills into an area of criminal justice they are interested in.

Learning Format:

Online

Program Length/Total Credits Required:

180 credits

Financial Aid Available:

Eligible students could be able to receive financial aid in the forms of grants, loans, and scholarships. Contact Purdue University Global's financial aid office for more information.

Tuition, Financial Aid & Start Dates

Since every student is different, there isn't a "one size fits all" for school information. Start dates and tuition often vary between selected programs, and financial aid opportunities are unique to each student's circumstances. Complete the form to the right to get the most up-to-date and accurate information based on your selected program and circumstances.

Still Have Questions?

Complete this form to request more info and get your answers and advice.

Required Courses for a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice:

Courses in this degree program help students build a fundamental understanding of the criminal justice system including laws and processes that are in place. Degree program and course requirements are subject to change. Contact Purdue University Global to confirm the most accurate information before enrolling in a program.

Major Requirements (64 credits)

CJ 100: Preparing for a Career in Public Safety
CJ 101: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
CJ 102: Criminology I
CJ 210: Criminal Investigation
CJ 212: Crime Prevention OR
- CJ 233: Introduction to Forensic Psychology
CJ 216: Computers, Technology, and Criminal Justice Information Systems 1
CJ 227: Criminal Procedure
CJ 230: Criminal Law for Criminal Justice
CJ 340: Applied Criminal Justice Ethics
CJ 345: Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice OR
- CJ 444: Managing Criminal Justice Organizations
CJ 490: Research Methods in Criminal Justice
CJ 499: Bachelor's Capstone in Criminal Justice

Core Requirements (33 credits)

100/200-level: General Education Courses (3 courses)
100/200-level: Math Course
200-level: Arts and Humanities Course
200-level: Physical Science Course
200-level: Social Science Course

Open Electives Requirement (59 credits)

Emphasis Areas:

Option 1: Crime Scene Investigation Concentration (24 credits)

CJ 328: Forensic Fingerprint Analysis
CJ 345: Supervisory Practices in Criminal Justice
CJ 370: Crime Scene Investigation II
CJ 385: Forensic Chemistry and Trace Evidence Analysis

Option II: Law Enforcement (24 credits)

CJ 333: Family and Domestic Violence
CJ 355: Homeland Security
CJ 370: Crime Scene Investigation II
CJ 411: Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System

Option III: Forensic Psychology (24 credits)

CJ 325: Psychology for Law Enforcement
CJ 440: Crisis Intervention
PS 440: Abnormal Psychology
300/400 Level: Criminal Justice Elective

Option IV: Juvenile Justice (29 credits)

CJ 150: Juvenile Delinquency
CJ 333: Family and Domestic Violence
CJ 420: Juvenile Justice
CJ 445: Case Management
PS440: Abnormal Psychology

Option V: Homeland Security (24 credits)

CJ 307: Crisis Management in Terrorist Attacks and Disasters
CJ 355: Homeland Security
CJ 407: Crisis Negotiation
FS 320: Recovery Practices in Emergency Management

Post Graduation Opportunities

Furthering Your Education:

Students who complete Purdue University Global's Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program may be interested in pursuing a master's degree in the criminal justice field. Completing a master's degree program could help students to further their career and pursue additional job opportunities with increased responsibilities.

Master's degree options for graduates may include but are not limited to:

Master of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in:
- Corrections
- Global Issues in Criminal Justice
- Law
- Leadership and Executive Management
- Policing

Career Paths:

Purdue University Global's BS in Criminal Justice program is designed to provide students with a solid foundation of criminal justice knowledge. While enrolled in the program, students will have the opportunity to develop essential critical thinking skills as well as specialized skills in a specific area of criminal justice. Upon graduation, students could be prepared to take an active role in public safety and pursue entry-level positions in the criminal justice field.

Some of the entry-level positions graduates could pursue include:

Police officer
Corrections officer
Probation officer
Crime scene investigator
Computer forensics specialist
Homeland security professional
Juvenile case manager
Security guard