Colleges

Degree Programs

With the influence of new technologies, the face of crime is constantly changing. As a result, the need for criminal justice specialists continues to grow at a steady rate. Our Bachelors degree in Criminal Justice online program can enable you to meet this need and propel your career in the broad field of criminal justice.

The Criminal Justice education that our program offers is for law enforcement practitioners seeking to enhance their career potential, for those in other occupations looking to make a change, and for high school graduates preparing for a future in the criminal justice field. Our Criminal Justice classes are designed to offer comprehensive, relevant, practitioner-oriented preparation for this dynamic, rapidly growing profession.

Students may choose one of five specializations:

• Corrections – Study the correctional systems designed to protect the public from convicted offenders, as well as ways to rehabilitate and integrate this group back into society.
• Crime Scene Investigation – Learn about the cornerstones of crime solving. Focus on collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene, understanding the functions of a crime laboratory, and reconstructing crime scenes.
• Cyber Crime – Become familiar with one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal justice, which focuses on the recovery of digital information that has been used to commit crimes ranging from identity theft and embezzlement to cyber stalking and homicide.
• Law Enforcement – Prepare to protect the public and serve on the front lines of homeland security by learning about law enforcement operations, criminal law and investigation, and terrorism and homeland security.
• Juvenile Justice – Learn the triggers to juvenile justice problems while you focus on juvenile protection, rehabilitation and incarceration.

Graduates with Criminal Justice degrees will be prepared for entry-level positions or to apply their understanding of law enforcement, criminology, the judicial process, juvenile justice, corrections, and criminal law to their current job.

Employment Outlook for Criminal Justice

According to the U.S. Department of Labor, "Overall opportunities in local police departments will be excellent for individuals who meet the psychological, personal, and physical qualifications." "There will be more competition for jobs in Federal and State law enforcement agencies than for jobs in local agencies. Employment of police and detectives is expected to grow 11 percent over the 2006-16 decade, about as fast as the average for all occupations." "Applicants with a bachelor's degree and several years of law enforcement or military experience, especially investigative experience, will have the best opportunities in Federal agencies."

Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, 2008-09 Edition, Police and Detectives, on the internet at http://www.bls.gov/oco/ocos160.htm.

Academic Requirements

To be admitted to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program online at South University, the prospective student must be a high school graduate OR have the equivalent GED (General Education Development certificate).

After meeting this qualification, applicants must:

1. Achieve a satisfactory score on either the SAT I, the ACT, or the CPTs OR
2. Meet the eligibility requirements for a transfer student.

For additional information, view the Undergraduate Admissions Requirements.

Get Started

Set a course for your own career growth by enrolling in our Criminal Justice online program. Click here to be contacted by an admissions representative.