At a Glance
$525
Cost per Credit
120
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2-4 years
Program LengthBachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice, BA
Program Overview
At a Glance
$525
Cost per Credit
120
Credit Hours
100%
Online
2-4 years
Program LengthWhy Study Criminology and Criminal Justice?
The bachelor criminal degree justice online program from Lindenwood University explores the extent, nature, and causes of crime, as well as the functions of the criminal justice system. The core of the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online program focuses on the role of the police, courts, and corrections and how these agencies serve the victim, the offender, and the community.
As you learn relevant statistics and research methods, you will develop an understanding of how crime is measured and its related theories. Our online bachelor’s degree in criminology program teaches you how crime is defined, its trends and patterns, and the development and evolution of criminal law. In addition, your bachelor of criminology and criminal justice coursework will explore how criminological theories are applied to public policy and practice.
Throughout the duration of the BA criminology and criminal justice program, you will learn from criminology and criminal justice faculty who are experienced professionals connected to the community.
What You'll Learn
The bachelor criminal degree justice online coursework can develop your approach to the fundamentals of criminal justice theory and application. Gain a solid foundation of knowledge and skills across law enforcement, including police administration, victimology, juvenile justice system, comparative crime, white-collar crime, and ballistics, enhanced through key topics such as the following:
- Police Academy Preparatory
- The Juvenile Justice System
- Comparative Crime and Justice Studies
- Criminal Justice Ethics
Essential Skills & Insights
Coursework in this bachelor criminal degree justice online program covers the following:
- Analytical Decision-Making: prepare to base decisions in a solid understanding of criminal justice procedures, criminal behavior and more.
- Communications: develop high-level communications aptitude across verbal and written communications.
- Management Skills: advance your approach to problem-solving and decision-making.
- Transferrable Learning: learning is immediately applicable to your workplace while you earn your degree.
What is Criminology and Criminal Justice?
Criminal justice is the academic study of the criminal justice system, including police, courts, and corrections. It analyzes the nature and extent of crime and the reactions of criminal justice agencies to break the law. Careers in criminal justice include law, public administration, local, state, and federal law enforcement, court systems, corrections agencies, juvenile delinquency, probation and parole, as well as nonprofit community service organizations.
Career Outlook
Graduates have the opportunity to impact the pursuit of criminal justice in roles such as police officer and detective. Additional career paths include Probation Officer, Paralegal and Arbitrator. Explore the career outlook for these roles and more below.
- Police and Detectives: $74,910 per year or $36.02 per hour
- Arbitrators, Mediators, and Conciliators: $71,540 per year
- Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists: $61,800 per year or $29.71 per hour
- Police and Sheriff’s Patrol Officers: $72,280 per year or $34.75 per hour
- Paralegals and Legal Assistants: $60,970 per year
Data is from BLS Occupational Outlook Handbooks and Legal Occupation projection – Overall employment in legal occupations is projected to grow about as fast as the average for all occupations from 2023 to 2033. About 85,600 openings are projected each year, on average.
Criminology and Criminal Justice students at Lindenwood Online have found themselves with internships at world-class companies such as:
- Louis County Family Court
- Area Law Enforcement Agencies
- Probation and Parole
- Prosecutor and Public Defender Offices
- Division of Youth Services
Criminology and Criminal Justice students have also found themselves at world-class companies such as:
- Prosecuting Attorney’s Office
- BJC Behavioral Health
- Division of Youth Services
- Youth in Need
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Family Court
- Probation and Parole
- Law Enforcement
- Department of Corrections
- Lutheran Family and Children’s Services
- Public Defender’s Office
- Crime Labs
- Child Advocacy Center
- Lost Prevention Services
- Crime Researcher
Career Connections Through Community Partnerships
Lindenwood Online offers strong continued networks with criminal justice professionals and Police Academy Partnership with 95% employment upon graduation. The Lindenwood University St. Louis criminology and criminal justice degree program has an active Criminal Justice Student Association and has a Partnership with St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. For online students pursuing a Law Enforcement emphasis, if the academy they plan to attend is not either St. Louis Metropolitan, St. Louis County and Municipal, or Missouri Eastern Police Academies, there would need to be an approval process.
Tuition Details
The cost per credit hour for this bachelor criminal degree justice online program is $525. Besides being ranked ranked No. 17 on Niche.com’s list of Best Value Colleges in Missouri, we build in unique benefits such as our 20 percent discount per credit hour for returning alumni pursuing their master’s degree.
Admissions Requirements
For admission to your online bachelor criminal degree justice online program, you will need to complete your online application and submit the following documents:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
All colleges and universities previously attended. If you have fewer than 24 college credits, you will need to submit your official high school transcript.
If cumulative college GPA is below a 2.0, the following will also be required:
- Résumé
- Letter of intent/personal statement
(1–2 page document indicating your interest in the program and Lindenwood)
TRANSFER CREDITS
Lindenwood offers a generous transfer policy of up to 90 credits toward your bachelor’s degree in criminology online completion to further offset tuition costs. This means you can complete your degree in as few as 30 credit hours at Lindenwood—saving you time and money on your education!
Plus, you can personalize your transfer experience through Lindenwood’s Transfer Guides. These guides are part of our articulation partnerships with area community college to help you get the most value from your transfer credit.
Learn MoreCurriculum Overview
The online Bachelor’s in Criminology and Criminal Justice program provides a comprehensive curriculum that explores the complexities of crime, justice systems, and the social impact of public policy. Online coursework focuses on criminological theories, criminal law, law enforcement practices, and more. Courses are taught by faculty with practical and professional experience within the criminal justice system. Their insight will add dimension to your learning and help you build the confidence to reach the next level of your career.
Major Coursework – 27 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CCJ 11000 | Criminal Justice Systems | 3 |
| CCJ 20000 | Criminology | 3 |
| CCJ 30000 | Policing in America | 3 |
| CCJ 30100 | Criminal Law and Procedure | 3 |
| CCJ 30500 | Corrections | 3 |
| CCJ 32000 | Race, Crime, and Punishment | 3 |
| CCJ 33300 | Research Methods for Criminology and Criminal Justice | 3 |
| CCJ 44000 | Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice | 3 |
| MTH 14100 | Basic Statistics | 3 |
Elective Coursework – 24 Credit Hours
| Code | Title | Credits |
|---|---|---|
| CCJ 20500 | Criminal Justice Observation | 1 |
| CCJ 22500 | Comparative Crime and Justice Studies | 3 |
| CCJ 25000 | Understanding Police Use of Force | 3 |
| CCJ 31000 | Forensic Anthropology: An Introduction | 3 |
| CCJ 31100 | The Juvenile Justice System | 3 |
| CCJ 31500 | Victimology | 3 |
| CCJ 32100 | White-Collar Crime | 3 |
| CCJ 33500 | Cyber Crime | 3 |
| CCJ 35005 | Women, Crime, and the Law | 3 |
Criminology and Criminal Justice Emphasis Option
- Law Enforcement Academy
Career Opportunities
Probation Officer
Monitor individuals on probation to ensure they comply with court orders and lawfully reintegrate back into society.
Corrections Officer
Supervise individuals who have been arrested or sentenced to prison, to ensure safety and security at correctional facilities.
Victim Advocate
Provide support and advocacy for victims of crime by helping them navigate the criminal justice system and access resources to aid their recovery.
Faculty Information
For more information about this St. Louis bachelor criminal degree justice online program, contact Pernell Witherspoon, Department Head of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice at [email protected] (636) 949-4987 or Billi Patzius, Program Coordinator at [email protected] (636) 949-4511.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the purpose of criminology?
Criminology seeks to answer primarily who will commit crimes and who will become the victim of crimes. At Lindenwood University, our Bachelor of Criminology and Criminal Justice online program offers insights that help us understand criminal behaviors as well as the justice system to better commit and perform in careers for law enforcement, public safety, and crime prevention.
What should I know before studying criminal justice?
It’s important to understand the criminal justice job field and determine whether you are a good fit for a role in this industry. The criminal justice field is broad and offers opportunities for career paths in corrections, law enforcement, criminal justice administration, and more.
What can I do with a criminal justice degree?
With a criminal justice degree you can pursue a number of careers, including police officer, detective, corrections officer, emergency management director, homeland security operations, and much more!
How do I start a career in criminal justice or criminology?
First, it’s important to understand what aspect of criminal justice you want to work in, as this field is wide and covers everything from law enforcement to corrections to government intelligence more. Once you’ve decided on your path, education is the next step. Although there are opportunities to enter the criminal justice or criminology fields with a high school diploma, a degree is required in some areas. For example, the Federal Bureau of Investigation requires applicants to hold a bachelor’s degree. Also, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics notes that a significant number of police officers and detectives hold bachelor’s degrees.
Is an online degree in criminology and criminal justice right for me?
If you prefer a more flexible learning experience, an online bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice might suit you. An online degree program lets you complete your studies wherever it works best for you – and around your schedule.
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Throughout each step of your online degree program, you will receive support. From enrollment and tuition planning to staying on the right track, your support team is there to ensure your success.
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