B.A. in Criminal Justice

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Locations Offered
100% Online
Time to Completion
4 Years Full-Time*
Cost per Credit
$495
Credit Hours Required
120

*As few as 20 months for returning and transfer students, depending on credits applied.

Advance your career with a B.A. in Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminal Justice from Saint Peter’s University School of Professional Studies (SPS) features classes with criminal justice experts and hands-on experiences. You'll be equipped with latest knowledge and methods in law and justice, corrections, police administration, investigative sciences, as well as criminal research and intelligence analysis. Here, you’ll gain valuable experience through professional internships, some offered virtually.

Built on a foundation of criminal justice essentials and Jesuit educational principles, in addition to three career-specific concentrations, our flexible, 100% online program provides a unique combination of skills and experiences:

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Classes Start Soon – Apply Now
to Get Ahead!

Getting started is easy. We do not require entrance exams, standardized tests or admissions interviews to enroll in the online Criminal Justice B.A. program.
  • Spring 2024: Classes begin 2/26/24
  • Summer 2024: Classes begin 5/20/24

Don’t Wait – Secure Your Spot!
Classes Begin 2/26/24

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Discover lucrative opportunities in a
fast-growing field

The demand for criminal justice professionals has never been greater. In fact, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects a 13% growth for forensic science technicians by 2032. With your B.A. in criminal justice from Saint Peter’s University, you’ll develop sought-after expertise to succeed in local police precincts, the FBI, advocacy roles, or the courthouse and federal or state agencies.

Our program prepares you to protect and serve at every level, excelling in careers like:

$100,870*
per year

Police Lieutenant (NJ)

$81,370**
per year

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists (NY/NJ)

Sources: ZipRecruiter* and Bureau of Labor Statistics**

Finish faster with prior work and life experience credits

At Saint Peter’s University, many of our adult students bring valuable experience to their studies, whether earned on the job or through volunteer service. You may qualify to earn academic credit for your prior work experience, including military Joint Services Transcripts, up to 15 credit hours, or one full-time semester.

Many adult students have also taken college courses in the past. Saint Peter’s may accept your transfer credits from accredited colleges and universities, empowering you to finish your degree in as little as 20 months. Save money, too, with our competitive online tuition. Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Customize your career in criminal justice

As you progress through Saint Peter’s B.A. in Criminal Justice program, you’ll explore many diverse areas through core courses including procedure, law, ethics, multiculturalism, criminology, and more. Then, you’ll take courses in the concentration you feel best aligns with your career goals: law and justice, corrections, or police administration.

Your Courses

In addition to completing 54-57 credit hours in university core curriculum requirements, students seeking this degree will complete 42 credit hours in Criminal Justice-related coursework.

Criminal Justice Coursework

Major Requirements

  • CJ-165 Introduction to Criminology (3)
  • CJ-170 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
  • CJ/SO-253 Social Deviance (3)
  • CJ-258 Criminal Justice Ethics (Values) (3)
  • CJ-280 Juvenile Delinquency (3)
  • CJ-285 Criminal Corrections Systems (3)
  • CJ-315 Criminal Procedure (3)
  • CJ-350 Research Techniques and Data Analysis (3)
  • CJ-390 Criminal Law (3)
  • CJ-489 Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice (3)

Take one of the following:

  • AS/UR-412 Ethnicity and Race in Urban History (3)
  • SO-200 Ethnic and Racial Relations (3)
  • CJ-210 Multiculturalism in Justice (3)
  • Concentrations: Choose one of the 3 concentrations listed (9)

Total Credits 42

Concentrations

Law and Justice

  • CJ-222 Family Law (3)
  • CJ-250 Victimology (3)
  • CJ-290 Comparative Justice Systems (3)
  • CJ-299 Leadership for Criminal Justice (3)
  • CJ-316 Criminal Evidence (3)
  • CJ-333 Gender Crime and Justice (3)
  • CJ-486 Internship I or CJ-487 Internship II (3)
  • UR/AS-333 Black Community and the Law (3)

Corrections

  • CJ-265 History of Crime and Punishment (3)
  • CJ-290 Comparative Justice Systems (3)
  • CJ-299 Leadership for Criminal Justice (3)
  • CJ-395 Probation and Parole (3)
  • CJ-486 Internship I or CJ-487 Internship II (3)
  • PS-250 Personality (3)
  • PS-260 Abnormal Psychology (3)

Police Administration

  • CJ-175 Introduction to Law Enforcement-required (3)
  • CJ-177 Police Culture (3)
  • CJ-230 Homeland Security and Terrorism (3)
  • CJ-240 Gangs and Organized Crime (3)
  • CJ-299 Leadership for Criminal Justice (3)
  • CJ-359 Corruption (3)
  • CJ-396 Community Policing (3)
  • CJ-400 Police Administration (3)
  • CJ-418 Introduction to Forensics Techniques (3)
  • CJ-419 Terrorism and Threat Assessment (3)
  • CJ-486 Internship I or CJ-487 Internship II (3)

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University Core Requirements

Want more details about our University Core Curriculum? Complete our form and get a downloadable PDF.

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The support you need to succeed

Whether you already work in criminal justice or seek to enter the field, Saint Peter's Criminal Justice B.A. will prepare you to elevate and expand your expertise. You’ll learn from expert faculty with a wealth of criminal justice experience. Our small class sizes foster personal relationships and provide more opportunities for meaningful interaction. Here, you’ll experience our close connections with local and state law enforcement agencies, providing real-time opportunities that enhance your specialized knowledge and contemporary skills.

You'll have access to the same high-quality education as our on-campus students with online access to library information services, and academic planning and advising you can complete from home.

Flexible. Online. Convenient.

We understand that education is just one part of your busy life. That’s why we designed our 100% online B.A. in Criminal Justice program so you can keep it all balanced. Complete your coursework either part-time or full-time, with 8-week terms and rolling admissions. Learn from our expert Criminal Justice faculty, who teach you with the same high quality our on-campus students experience.

We’re here to help

From a dedicated enrollment coach to academic, financial aid and career advisors, we’re here to support you every step of the way. In addition to internships and other professional opportunities, our Center for Career Engagement and Experiential Learning provides lifelong career support to graduates.

Advance Your Career with Saint Peter’s

Saint Peter’s Criminal Justice alumni include members of the New Jersey State Police, Secret Service, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, and Fireworks, county prosecutor’s offices, and private practice attorneys.