Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice 2025

criminal justice degree bachelor of science

Students in the BCJ Bachelor of Criminal Justice program will study the societal forces that define crime, influence definitions of justice, shape offending and crime rates, and sway public reactions to it. They will also learn about the root causes of crime and how to develop effective crime prevention programs.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

A bachelor of arts in criminal justice is a degree in social science that includes the study of crime, law enforcement, and corrections. Students who complete this degree can pursue careers in the field of law enforcement and forensics. They may also work as security officers or crime analysts. This degree is ideal for people who want to make a difference in society and help protect the safety of others.

The criminal justice undergraduate program is unique in Aotearoa New Zealand because it combines multidisciplinary academic study with a strong vocational focus. It draws on UC’s expertise in criminology, sociology, developmental and abnormal psychology, policing, and legal systems and institutions.

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a big investment in your future. The total cost can vary based on your school, type of degree, and additional fees, such as books, tuition, and housing. Fortunately, there are many ways to finance your education, including scholarships, grants, and student loans. You can also use your income tax refund to cover some of your tuition costs.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Jobs

The criminal justice bachelor’s degree is one of the most popular degrees in America. It combines a broad liberal arts education with specialized preparation in the study of law, policing, and specific crime- and justice-related social problems. It also provides students with a foundation for conducting and interpreting research.

In addition, the degree prepares graduates to serve as a variety of public servants, such as family law mediators, human services assistants and guidance counselors. It also allows graduates to pursue careers in private industry, such as forensic science and homeland security.

Students can choose a concentration in a particular aspect of the field, such as forensic science or restorative justice. A forensic science concentration requires courses in biology and chemistry, while a restorative justice concentration examines how laws and courts address the victim-side of crime. Students may also choose to complete a field-based internship at a local agency, such as the FBI or state police department, to gain real-world experience in their chosen career.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

The bachelor of science in criminal justice administration is a degree program that provides students with a foundation for career advancement. It focuses on the administration of justice, corrections, criminology and law enforcement, while also emphasizing critical thinking skills. Students learn to select and organize information, identify assumptions and causal relationships, distinguish between verifiable facts and value claims, and recognize biases in interpreting evidence.

This upper-division degree is designed for students who have already completed an applied associate degree in a related technical field, such as law enforcement technology, paralegal, human services technology, security/safety or police science. Students may choose to complete this program at one of the regional campuses or online through OHIO Online.

The program consists of 40 11-week courses, and the student-to-instructor ratio is low. Students can also pursue an internship to apply classroom theories and procedures in a real-world setting. In addition, they will examine how international events influence crime control and public policy. They will develop a familiarity with research methodology and construct a criminal justice-related research question, while considering ethical issues and challenges.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online

Keeping people, neighborhoods and nations safe is at the heart of this online bachelor’s degree program. The curriculum explores timely issues, including violence and victims, justice-involved mental health populations, policing innovations and national security. It also builds your critical thinking and communication skills. The program offers you the flexibility to fit your studies around your schedule and career commitments. Fraternal Order of Police members and their dependents receive a 20% scholarship off Instructional Fees.

An online baccalaureate in criminal justice can prepare you for careers in law enforcement, corrections and administration, crime prevention, forensic science, terrorism and more. The program combines the skills and knowledge of a liberal arts undergraduate degree with the focus and expertise of a professional degree. You’ll also have the opportunity to tailor your studies by selecting three criminal justice electives that align with your interests and career goals.

Faulkner University’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online is designed to help you advance in your current position or find a new one. Its courses cover topics like policing, serial crime and American society law, as well as providing you with a Christian framework to guide your career.

Abbreviation for Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Criminal Justice (BCJ) is an undergraduate academic degree. Universities that offer this degree include University of Colorado Denver, Florida Institute of Technology, New England College, Loyola University in New Orleans, Ohio University, Tiffin University, Saint Leo University, and Washburn University.

The BCJ major provides students with an advanced understanding of America’s criminal justice system and the role it plays in society. It also teaches students how to apply multidisciplinary and comparative social science methods to understand crime and law enforcement. Students take courses that explore the underlying causes of criminal behavior, and how they can be addressed through police and legal responses.

This major teaches students to improve their attention to detail, critical thinking and ability to communicate orally and in writing. It also teaches students to be poised under pressure and how to work in a team environment. The program includes an internship option, which enables students to gain valuable experience in the field of law enforcement and learn about the nuances of working in the field.

Bachelor of Applied Science Criminal Justice

The bachelor of applied science in criminal justice (BCJ) program is designed to meet the needs of mid-career adults with backgrounds in law enforcement, corrections or security. The program provides an academic foundation and specialized preparation in the study of criminological, sociological and psychological theories of crime causation.

The BCJ program is offered online and can be completed in two years. The accelerated pace allows working adults to progress through the program quickly. The curriculum consists of 40 11-week courses, and students will be assigned an advisor to create an individualized graduation plan.

The program prepares graduates to become highly effective leaders and problem solvers. They will be equipped with the skills to develop and implement effective policy, manage a variety of complex issues, and communicate effectively with colleagues and community members. The program will also teach them how to analyze the legal system, and develop critical thinking and leadership skills. This will help them succeed in a variety of career fields, including law enforcement, probation and parole, the courts, forensic sciences, and adult and juvenile corrections.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Salary

A criminal justice degree is a good choice for those who want to work in law enforcement, corrections, or the courts. Criminal justice majors take courses that explore legal traditions, judicial administration, and criminology. They may also study how criminals commit crimes, and how to rehabilitate them after their release from prison or jail.

The field of criminal justice is multidisciplinary, and combines elements from psychology, political science, the physical sciences, and criminology. Criminal justice professionals are dedicated to ensuring a just society and maintaining peace through law enforcement. They may also serve as forensic investigators, victim advocates, and probation officers.

Those with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can earn a solid salary, and may be eligible for retirement benefits and insurance plans. In addition, many criminal justice jobs offer excellent career prospects and the opportunity to make a difference in their community. They can also become part of a prestigious professional organization, such as the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, which promotes research and advocacy for social justice reform.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Human Services

Students earning a criminal justice degree study the causes of crime and explore how to prevent it. They also examine judicial systems and their effect on society. This type of degree can lead to a variety of careers in the field, including police officer, private security guard, and corrections administrator. Criminologists may also work with youth and help them develop life skills and overcome traumatic experiences.

Criminal justice graduates can also pursue a career in human services. These organizations provide assistance to a wide range of populations, including victims of crime, substance abusers, juvenile offenders, and the elderly. They can also find employment as family law mediators, human service assistants, public benefits interviewers, and guidance counselors.

Ohio University offers a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice through its online programs, including the BS in Criminology and Justice, and the BA in Criminal Justice Human Service. This program is ideal for those who have already earned an associate degree in a related area and want to complete a full baccalaureate degree. The curriculum includes a core of general education requirements as well as specific courses in the major. 

Bachelor of Criminal Justice Questions and Answers

Is criminal justice a bachelor of arts or science?

Depending on the institution, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice may be offered as a bachelor of arts (B.A.) or a bachelor of science (B.S.). Universities and institutions may differ in the particular nomenclature (B.A. or B.S.) of the criminal justice degree. With classes from fields like sociology, psychology, and political science, a B.A. in criminal justice frequently stresses the social and cultural dimensions of crime and justice. The focus of a B.S. in criminal justice, on the other hand, is typically more scientific and technical, including courses in forensic science, crime analysis, and research methodologies. The easiest way to find out whether a specific university offers a B.A. or B.S. in criminal justice is to look at the program’s criteria and curriculum.

What can you do with a bachelor of criminal justice?

Criminal Justice provides knowledge applicable to employment in law enforcement, corrections, offender rehabilitation, working with young offenders, criminal law, security, and border control, among others. Criminal Justice examines the criminal justice system and how criminals and victims are treated.

What is a bachelor of criminal justice?

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree is designed to provide students with a critical understanding of the nature and causes of crime and delinquency, the origins and meaning of law and social control (with an emphasis on criminal law), the nature of the criminal justice system and the processing of cases through that system, and proposals for reducing crime and delinquency. The curriculum is meant to provide a wide education, prepare students for professions in various criminal justice settings, and prepare students for graduate school.

What type of bachelor degree is criminal justice?

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice focuses on the study of crime, law enforcement, and the broader topic of criminal justice. It introduces students to crime theories, law enforcement tactics, the legal system, and related topics. The curriculum may include criminal law, criminology, police work, corrections, forensic science, and criminal investigations. Graduates can pursue professions in law enforcement, probation and parole, prisons, crime investigation, and forensic science, among other criminal justice system positions. The curriculum and program structure of this degree program may differ per institution.