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.
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.
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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
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