Online Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Program Overview: Online Criminal Justice Degree
The online criminal justice degree from the University of Kansas offers students the opportunity to explore the criminal justice system through an accessible, flexible, and accredited program. Whether you’re looking to make a meaningful impact on society or advance your career in law enforcement, corrections, or legal fields, this program is designed to provide you with a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice theory, criminal law, and crime prevention strategies.
This criminal justice bachelor degree is ideal for those who seek to combine academic rigor with real-world applicability. With both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and Bachelor of Science (BS) available, the program allows you to choose the path that best aligns with your career goals. The criminal justice degree online accredited by KU ensures that you receive a quality education recognized by employers nationwide.
As you progress through the program, you will study a variety of essential topics, including criminal law, criminology, policing, and corrections, and gain practical skills in critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. With this flexible online format, you can earn your criminal justice online degree at your own pace while maintaining your personal and professional commitments.
What is Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the system of laws, institutions, and policies designed to maintain social order and enforce the law. It encompasses a range of practices, including policing, legal proceedings, corrections, and the prevention of crime. This field is constantly evolving to meet the needs of society and respond to emerging challenges in areas like cybercrime, criminal justice reform, and social justice.
By pursuing an online criminal justice degree, you’ll gain a deep understanding of how crime is defined, prosecuted, and prevented. You’ll also learn how the criminal justice system interacts with other fields, such as psychology, sociology, and political science, to create solutions that improve society as a whole.
Why Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from KU?
Choosing an online criminal justice degree from KU means you will receive an accredited, flexible, and affordable education. Here’s why KU is an excellent choice:
Flexible Learning: The online format lets you study from anywhere, allowing you to balance your education with personal and professional commitments.
Accredited Program: KU’s program is fully accredited, ensuring you receive a high-quality education that’s recognized by employers nationwide.
Expert Faculty: Learn from experienced professionals who bring real-world experience into the classroom.
Supportive Environment: Benefit from academic advising, career counseling, and access to a strong network of criminal justice professionals.
KU’s criminal justice degree online accredited program is designed to provide a robust, well-rounded education that prepares you for the workforce or graduate studies.
Career Outcomes
Earning your online criminal justice degree from KU opens doors to a variety of career opportunities in law enforcement, legal services, corrections, and more. Graduates are well-prepared for roles such as:
Police Officer/Detective
Corrections Officer
Probation Officer
Forensic Specialist
Cybersecurity Specialist
According to Lightcast, a criminal justice bachelor degree can lead to rewarding positions across public and private sectors, with opportunities for growth in emerging fields like forensic computing and cybersecurity. Salary potential varies depending on the role, but criminal justice professionals can expect competitive wages, with salaries ranging from $45,000 to $70,000 annually in common positions.
With a criminal justice online degree, you’ll gain the expertise needed to succeed in the dynamic and evolving field of criminal justice.
With an online criminal justice degree, you will be prepared to make a positive impact in fields like law enforcement, legal services, corrections, or criminal justice reform. Whether you’re looking to enter the workforce immediately or pursue further education, a criminal justice degree can provide the skills and knowledge you need to succeed.
How Long Does it Take to Get a Criminal Justice Degree Online?
The time it takes to earn your online criminal justice degree from the University of Kansas can vary depending on your prior academic experience and course load. On average, it takes about 4 years to complete a Bachelor of Science (BS) or Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice if attending full-time. For students who have earned college credits prior to enrollment, the program may be completed in less time.
At KU, we offer a flexible online format for students, which allows you to balance your coursework with work or other commitments. Full-time students typically take around 15 credit hours per semester, while part-time students can take fewer courses, extending the duration of the program.
It's important to note that KU’s accredited online criminal justice degree offers a personalized path, so your progress may differ based on transfer credits, scheduling preferences, and the specific plan created with your academic advisor.
For more detailed information and to discuss your individual timeline, reach out to KU’s academic advising team.
Program snapshot
Top employers include FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elevance Health, Deloitte, Citigroup, Amazon.
Top skills listed in job postings: management, communications, leadership, planning, and operations.*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU program or its graduates. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions.
How flexible is online learning at KU?
KU’s online degree programs are designed with your busy schedule in mind and offer the flexibility to study wherever — and often whenever — is most convenient for you. Our online courses contain the same rigorous curriculum and instruction — taught by the same highly regarded faculty — as the instruction in our on-campus programs.
Program details
Costs
Admission
Curriculum
FAQ: Online Degree
This program has a rolling application deadline with five start dates per year. We will work with applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course. If you’re unable to meet that deadline, you can wait until the next available start date.
The online degree program is specifically designed with working professionals in mind. All courses are online, asynchronous, and 16 weeks long (with the exception of 8-week summer courses). Students will work closely with their academic success coaches to ensure they progress toward a graduation timeline that best fits into their lives.
Our online courses are taught by the same highly regarded faculty and expert instructors, with the same rigorous educational standards as our on-campus programs. When you study business administration at KU, you earn a KU degree with the reputation of a Tier 1 research institution and an AACSB accreditation.
Yes, this program can be completed 100% remotely.
Learn more about this online program
Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.