• Course Delivery
    100% Online
  • Total Credits
    120
  • In-State Tuition Per Credit
    $242.48
  • Out of State Tuition Per Credit
    $352.96

Criminal Justice, BS

Bachelor Of Science

US News and World Report - best bachelor's 2023

Criminal justice is a social science that focuses on the definitions, causes, and prevention of crime; legal processes; and the treatment and rehabilitation of offenders.

The IU Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice explores crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system through an interdisciplinary approach that combines legal studies, sociology, political science, psychology, forensic science, public administration, urban studies, and philosophy. Study a myriad of topics related to theories about crime, public policy, law, criminal courts, policing, corrections, juvenile justice, and the practice of criminal justice. As a graduate of the program, you will be well prepared to attend graduate or law school.

Your IU Online BS in Criminal Justice prepares you for such careers as: 

  • Police officer 
  • Corrections officer 
  • Law enforcement teacher or trainer 
  • FBI, CIA, or Secret Service agent 
  • Immigration and customs enforcement agent 
  • US Postal Inspector 
  • Court clerk 
  • Crime scene investigator 
  • Private security officer 
  • Compliance manager  

Degree Requirements

To graduate with the BS in Criminal Justice, you must complete a total of 120 credit hours. A minimum of 36 credits must be taken at the 300 level or above, with at least 18 in the major. No course with a grade below a 2.0 (C) will be accepted in the major/concentration area. You may be able to transfer an associate degree or up to 64 credit hours from a regionally accredited two-year college and up to 90 credit hours from a regionally accredited four-year college or university.

Requirements are broken down as follows: 

  • General education courses (30 credit hours) 
  • Criminal justice core courses (27 credit hours) 
  • Criminal justice elective courses (9 credit hours) 
  • First-Year seminar (0-3 credit hours) 
  • Ethics course (3 credit hours) 
  • Information literacy course (3 credit hours) 
  • Diversity course (3 credit hours) 
  • Social work course (3 credit hours recommended) 
  • General education courses and electives, as needed to reach 120 credit hours

IU Online provides friendly services and resources to help you succeed.

Download a printable PDF summary of the BS in Criminal Justice.

Admissions

To be accepted to this program, you must have:
  1. Admissions requirements vary.

NOTE: This program is authorized, exempt, or not subject to state regulatory compliance and may enroll students from all 50 states

To apply to this program:
  • Complete application for admission.  
  • Submit high school transcript or equivalent (applicants with fewer than 12 credit hours).  
  • International applicants may be asked for additional materials.  
  • Submit official transcripts to applynow@iue.edu or:   
         Office of Admissions
         Indiana University East
         Whitewater Hall, Room 151
         2325 Chester Boulevard
         Richmond, IN 47374-1289

Application Deadlines

Rolling admissions. Application review will begin upon receipt of all required application materials.

Courses

Core
CJUS-P100Introduction to Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P200Theories of Crime and Deviance3 Credits
CJUS-P295Criminal Justice Data, Methods and Research3 Credits
CJUS-P301Police in Contemporary Society3 Credits
CJUS-P302Courts and Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P303Corrections and Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P370Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P411Criminal Justice Management3 Credits
CJUS-P470Senior Seminar in Criminal Justice3 Credits
Elective
CJUS-P210Service Learning Experience in Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P300Topics in Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P320Foundations of Criminal Investigation3 Credits
CJUS-P330Criminal Justice Ethics3 Credits
CJUS-P372Evidence3 Credits
CJUS-P375American Juvenile Justice System3 Credits
CJUS-P376Procedural Criminal Law3 Credits
CJUS-P422Crime in the Mass Media3 Credits
CJUS-P457Seminar on White-Collar Crime3 Credits
CJUS-P458Wrongful Conviction3 Credits
CJUS-P481Field Experience in Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P493Seminar in Criminal Justice3 Credits
CJUS-P496Research Internship3 Credits

Find course descriptions with our Search Schedule of Classes/Courses tool.

Tuition & Fees

Cost for Indiana Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $242.48
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $727.44
Note: 

Additional fees will apply.

Cost for Out of State Residents
  • Per Credit Hour
  • Tuition: $352.96
  • 3 Credit Hours
  • Tuition: $1,058.88
Request More Information
Questions?Chat With Us.