Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree
Earn your online criminal justice bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas. Build the skills to understand, evaluate, and improve systems related to law enforcement, policy, and public safety. This program is designed for students continuing their education, with major coursework offered online.
What is an online criminal justice degree?
An online criminal justice degree focuses on how laws are created, applied, and evaluated across systems that support public safety. It examines the structures that shape the criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections.
Students study how crime is understood, how justice is administered, and how policies influence outcomes at the local, state, and federal levels. This includes both the legal framework of the justice system and the broader social and institutional factors that affect how it operates.
At the University of Kansas, this criminal justice bachelor’s degree provides a foundation in key areas of the field while helping you develop skills in critical thinking, analysis, and problem-solving. These skills support a range of career paths and help you understand how criminal justice systems respond to complex challenges.
In an online format, you complete coursework remotely while engaging with the same core subject matter found in traditional programs. This allows you to build knowledge while balancing your education with work or other responsibilities.
As part of the University of Kansas, your coursework is grounded in the academic standards of a major public research university, reflecting KU’s commitment to rigorous study and student outcomes.
What you’ll study in the KU's online criminal justice program
Coursework in the criminal justice program introduces key areas of the field, including:
- Criminal law
- Criminology
- Policing
- Corrections
As you progress, you’ll continue to build skills in analysis, communication, and problem-solving while deepening your understanding of how justice systems operate in practice.
Students can choose between a Bachelor of Arts or Bachelor of Science, depending on their academic interests and career goals.
Why Get an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice from KU?
Choosing anonline criminal justice degree from KU means you will receive an accredited, flexible, and affordable education.
The University of Kansas combines the flexibility of online learning with the academic strength of a major public research university.
KU is a member of the Association of American Universities (AAU) and classified as a Carnegie R1 research institution. These distinctions reflect a high level of research activity and academic rigor, and they speak to the strength and credibility of a KU degree.
This program is designed to support your schedule, whether you’re balancing coursework with work or other commitments. You can enroll full time or part time depending on your goals.
- 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 program is designed to provide a robust, well-rounded education that prepares you for the workforce or graduate studies.
What careers are possible with an online criminal justice bachelor’s degree?
Students often explore how a criminal justice degree can translate into different career paths. This section highlights where the degree can lead and how it applies across roles.A criminal justice bachelor’s degree from the University of Kansas prepares you for roles across law enforcement, corrections, and related fields, as well as positions that involve analysis, coordination, and system-level decision-making. Graduates apply this degree across public safety, government, and private-sector roles depending on their interests and experience.
Common Career Paths in Criminal Justice:
- Police Officer or Detective
- Corrections Officer
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Specialist
- Cybersecurity-Related Roles
Professionals in these roles may:
- Investigate incidents and gather evidence
- Support legal processes and case outcomes
- Supervise individuals within correctional systems
- Analyze risk, compliance, and public safety concerns
- Coordinate programs and services across agencies or organizations
Career outlook for criminal justice professionals
Criminal justice professionals play a critical role across public safety, legal systems, and community organizations, with consistent demand across the field.
($43.32 / hourly)
*Source: Lightcast. Information shown is national aggregate data and is not specific to the KU program. KU students are not guaranteed to achieve these positions or income levels.
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Caleb Latas
Transfer Engagement Specialist
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.