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Online Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

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Additional academy training and education not provided by Purdue Global may be required for law enforcement positions.

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Earn Your Degree as Early as:
Admissions Requirements
Courses
Ways to Save on Tuition
Career Outcomes
34
Total Courses
$371
Cost per Credit
4 years
Average Completion*
15–18 Hours/Week
Course Effort

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Overview

Come back stronger, ready to launch or advance your career in law enforcement or private security. Earn your criminal justice degree online.

Gain the Skills That Employers — and Communities — Need

  • Get both professional skills training plus a strong foundation in the U.S. criminal justice system.
  • Learn applied research methods and techniques used in the field.
  • Understand the development of criminal law and different types of criminal offenses.
  • Learn about national law enforcement reform initiatives.
  • Explore diversity and inclusivity to understand and address the needs of your community.

Review College Scorecard data for this program.

View Program Degree Plan and Policies

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Military Transfer Credit

Servicemembers and veterans, get the recognition you deserve and earn your degree faster with our PME2Degree® program. Use our Military Transfer Credit Estimator to see how much of your occupational and military training counts as college credit.

Distinguished. Experienced. Committed.

As one of the largest providers of public safety programs in the United States, we’ve supported the career and educational advancement of many dedicated criminal justice professionals like yourself. You’ll join a wide network of students, alumni, faculty, and employers.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Purdue Global Is Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission

The HLC (HLCommission.org) is an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Calculate Your Time and Cost

Estimate how much your prior learning credits can reduce your tuition and time to graduation.

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3-Week Trial

Not sure if Purdue Global is right for you? Try an undergraduate program for an introductory 3-week trial period.

There’s no financial obligation and no cost to apply. That’s the Purdue Global Commitment.

How It Works

Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial. See Notes and Conditions below.

Admissions Requirements

You must be a high school graduate or possess a General Educational Development (GED) certificate or other equivalency diploma. You must also complete orientation before you start classes.

Refer to the University Catalog or speak to an Advisor to learn more.

View Admissions Requirements
donut chart with 91% in the center

Purdue Global Career Outcomes 2020–2021

91% of graduates in Purdue Global’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program were employed or continued their education within 18 months of graduation.

Each year, our Center for Career Advancement sends a NACE First Destination survey to our graduating class to learn more about their career choices and potential income within 18 months of graduation. We’re proud of our recent Purdue Global alumni accomplishments.

“Career Outcomes Rate” is not the same as an “employment rate” — it includes graduates who are: (1) employed (whether full or part time); (2) participating in a program of voluntary service, (3) serving in the U.S. Armed Forces, or (4) enrolled in a program of continuing education. This rate may also include graduates employed in jobs unrelated to their degree or who were employed while attending Purdue Global. (9,106 graduates surveyed across associate's, bachelor's, master's, JD, EJD, and DNP programs from July 1, 2019, to December 31, 2020. 7,803 of 9,106 replied.)

What Courses Will I Take?

In your first course, you’ll have the opportunity to develop your degree plan with a faculty member to align your degree path with your career outcomes.

You will also complete a capstone project and apply the concepts studied online to real-world criminal justice scenarios.

Sample Courses

  • Criminal Procedure
  • Applied Criminal Justice Ethics
  • Managing Criminal Justice Organizations
  • Computers, Technology, and Criminal Justice Information Systems
  • Diversity and Inclusivity in Public Safety
See All Criminal Justice Courses

Program Requirements

9
Core Courses
17
Major Courses
8
Elective Courses
34
Total Courses
180
Total Quarter Credits

Concentration Requirements

9
Core Courses
17
Major Courses
4
Elective Courses
4
Concentration Courses
34
Total Courses
180
Total Quarter Credits

1 semester credit hour = 1.5 quarter credit hours

Degree Concentrations

Choose from six criminal justice concentrations to customize your degree:

Upcoming Start Dates

We offer multiple start dates to give you flexibility in your education, life, and work schedules.

Reach Your Career Goals Sooner

Use Your Law Enforcement Certification to Earn Credit

If you are a certified law enforcement officer who has completed the national Peace Officer Standard Training (POST), your accomplishments may qualify you to receive 25 credits toward your bachelor’s degree.

Accelerate Your Career With ExcelTrack®

Forget what you know about earning a degree. ExcelTrack® is personalized learning that gives you more control over your education, getting you to the same degree faster and for less money.

View ExcelTrack® Bachelor's in Criminal Justice

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Get a Head Start on Your Master's Degree

Complete your master’s degree sooner with a graduate program pathway. It weaves graduate-level courses into your bachelor’s program, giving you a jump on your master’s degree requirements. You’ll save on time and tuition compared with finishing both programs separately.

Plus, your degrees don’t have to be in the same fields. You can customize your academic journey to support your career goals and interests. To learn more, view the University Catalog or connect with an Advisor.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Earn Credit for Prior Coursework and Experience

The average bachelor's degree student pays $15k and takes 2.3 years to complete their degree.

Get the Credit You Deserve

Ways to Save on Time and Tuition

Purdue Global works with students to find ways to reduce costs and make education more accessible. Contact us to learn about opportunities to save on your educational costs.

Transfer Credits

Earn credit for prior coursework completed at eligible institutions, including community colleges.

Prior Work Experience Reduction

You could earn undergraduate credit for your life and professional career experiences.

Financial Aid

Learn about federal financial aid programs available for many of our degree programs.

Grants and Loans

Learn about federal and state grants and loan programs that may be available.

Corporate Partner Benefits

Employees of Purdue Global partner organizations may be eligible for special tuition reductions.

Military Tuition Reduction

Undergraduate tuition savings for military include a 55% reduction per credit for current servicemembers and 38% per credit for veterans.

Prior Military Experience

Earn credit for your military training. The average Purdue Global military student is awarded 54% of the credits needed for an associate's and 45% of the credits needed for a bachelor's.

View the total cost of attendance for your program.

Tuition Case Study: Military Veteran

See how one student’s experience and a military tuition reduction put them on the fast track to a degree that employers respect.

After pursuing a civilian career at a local police department, a military veteran wanted to advance into leadership roles. But with years of experience, they didn’t want to start their education with “criminal justice 101.” At Purdue Global, their military training and prior learning earned them 92 transfer credits toward a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, putting them more than halfway toward graduation.

Estimated Remaining Classes: 16

Estimated Remaining Terms to Graduation: 8

Tuition Quarter Credits
BS in Criminal Justice
 $41,400* 180
 U.S. Army Training Credits -$17,710 -77
 Massasoit Community College Credits -$3,450 -15
Total Savings/Credits Awarded $21,160 92
Remaining Tuition/Credits $20,240 88

*Based on veteran tuition rate of $230 per quarter credit hour.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Free Credit Evaluation

To learn how close you may be to a degree by applying transfer, work, and experiential credit, contact a Purdue Global Admissions Advisor for a free evaluation.

Career Opportunities

According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, criminal justice careers are projected to grow through 2033; however, as the field becomes more competitive, employers may increasingly look for educated, qualified individuals. For police and detective positions, applicants with a bachelor’s degree and law enforcement experience are expected to have the best opportunities.

With a criminal justice degree, you may qualify for employment or advancement opportunities related to cybercrime, counterterrorism, crime scene investigation, detention, fraud investigation, homeland security, juvenile justice and detention, law enforcement, parole and probation, prisons, private investigations, and public safety.

Average Salary

Range

General labor market and salary data are provided by Lightcast and may not represent the outcomes experienced by Purdue Global graduates in these programs. Purdue Global graduates in these programs may earn salaries substantially different or less than the amounts listed above. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment that are outside of Purdue Global's control.

Purdue Global does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement.

Local, state, and federal law enforcement jobs may require additional training or education including additional state-approved higher education beyond the Purdue Global degree. This program was not designed to meet any specific state’s requirements, and Purdue Global makes no representations or warranties as to whether the degree or any individual courses meet such requirements. Refer to the University Catalog for additional information. Graduates of Purdue Global criminal justice programs are not eligible to attend police academies in Minnesota.

See Notes and Conditions below for important information.

Get to Know Our Faculty

Purdue Global faculty members are real-world practitioners who bring knowledge gained through the powerful combination of higher learning and industry experience.

99%

Faculty members who have advanced degrees

54%

Faculty members who hold a doctorate

484

Faculty publications in 2022–2023

More Than 40,000

Professional development hours logged by faculty in 2022–2023

Statistics include all Purdue Global faculty members and are not school- or program-specific calculations. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023. 2022–2023 academic year.

Download the Program Brochure

Download our brochure to learn more about the Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and the benefits of earning your degree at Purdue Global. Prepare yourself for success with a bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

View Brochure

Choosing a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Keep communities safe and help combat crime. Learn how a career in criminal justice could help you reach your highest potential.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

Expand your career opportunities in the criminal justice field. Learn how continued education could set you up for success down the line.

Criminal Justice Careers: Corrections vs. Law Enforcement

Learn common careers within the criminal justice field, the role they play in communities, and education requirements for each job prospect.

Your Path to Success Begins Here

Connect with an Advisor to explore program requirements, curriculum, credit for prior learning process, and financial aid options.

Connect with an AdvisorApply Online Today
NOTES AND CONDITIONS

*Estimated Graduation Date and Average Completion: Estimated graduation date is based on the assumption that you will enroll in time to begin classes on the next upcoming start date, will remain enrolled for each consecutive term, and will maintain satisfactory academic standing in each term to progress toward completion of your program. Completion time is based on a full-time schedule. Programs will take longer for part-time students to complete.

Credit for Law Enforcement Officers: Students must currently be a certified law enforcement officer or a federal agent (FBI, DEA, ATF, etc.), or must have been certified in either of these roles within 24 months of their enrollment date. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning Assessment policy.

Credit Toward Master’s Degree: The University cannot guarantee that students will be granted admission to any future programs. Speak to an Advisor about admissions requirements and transfer credit opportunities and see the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.

Graduate Program Pathways: To start a Graduate Program Pathway, students should consult with their Student Advisor to confirm eligibility. Not all Graduate Program Pathways are available on all tracks, and some may require students to meet academic standards to continue taking graduate courses in their bachelor’s degree program. Visit the University Catalog for more information.

Criminal Justice Job Growth: Source: U.S. Department of Labor, Bureau of Labor Statistics, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Protective Service Occupations, www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm, and Police and Detectives, www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm. National long-term projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions, and do not guarantee actual job growth.

Completion Time and Average Net Price: Cost and completion times for individual programs may vary. Average institutional completion time for Purdue Global degree students who graduated in the 2022–2023 academic year. Average net price reflects all institutional-level charges for all graduates, including those who transferred to Purdue Global, after application of scholarships, tuition reductions, grants (including federal Pell grants for undergraduate students), employer tuition assistance, and/or military tuition assistance. Source: Purdue Global Office of Reporting and Analysis, July 2023.

Graduate Program Pathways: To start a Graduate Program Pathway, students should consult with their Student Advisor to confirm eligibility. Not all Graduate Program Pathways are available on all tracks, and some may require students to meet academic standards to continue taking graduate courses in their bachelor’s degree program. Visit the University Catalog for more information.

Internship: The student is responsible for identifying and obtaining approval for an appropriate internship in his or her location.

Largest Providers of Public Safety Programs: Source: Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS), 2021–2022 Total Degrees and Certificates Conferred, First Major, Homeland Security, Law Enforcement, Firefighting, and Related Protective Services, https://nces.ed.gov/IPEDS. Based on total number of degrees and certificates granted by Purdue Global compared to other degree-granting institutions.

Three-Week Trial: Students who inform Purdue Global they do not wish to pursue the program during the 3-week trial will not be charged. Students who choose to continue at Purdue Global will be billed for the full first term's tuition, including the 3-week trial, and will need to meet other specific requirements. Classes will be applied toward a degree if satisfactorily completed and students select to continue their studies at Purdue Global. No credits are earned if the student withdraws during the introductory period (3 weeks for new qualifying undergraduate students), which begins day one of the first term. Graduate programs and BS in Professional Flight not included. Additional terms may apply to international and non-U.S. citizen students. For further information, see the University Catalog.

Tuition Case Study: Source: Purdue Global Office of the Registrar, September 2023. Totals paid to Purdue Global for the degree do not include amounts paid to other institutions. Individual experiences and savings will vary. Purdue Global does not guarantee transferability of credit. See the University Catalog for the Prior Learning policy.