Get Your Criminal Justice Degree

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is customary for advancement in law enforcement, corrections, and courts. Many law enforcement jurisdictions require a bachelor’s degree as entry-level into the profession. This degree gives you a well-rounded background for diverse careers in criminal justice at the local, state, and federal levels.

Criminal Justice Program Highlights 

  • Professors provide student-centric learning and a hands-on approach.
  • Our variety of concentrations, minors, and certificates allow you to customize your education and hone your expertise. 
  • Our program provides an understanding of the components of criminal justice, constitutional limitations, theoretical approaches, and critical thinking skills warranted to address diversity in an ever-changing environment.
  • Our additional 1-year master's program prepares you to be a leader in CJ administration.

Modality & Benefits

Get a traditional college experience with lively in-person classroom discussions and close proximity to your professors, mentors, and best friends. 

Start Dates: 

January & August  

  • Semester-Based Timeline
  • Face-to-Face Instruction (some Online options)
  • In-Person Office Hours & Support
  • Relationships & Networking
  • Extracurriculars & Immersive Campus Experience

Our 100% online degrees are top-ranked by U.S. News & World Reports. Finish your degree and advance your career with a degree designed to fit your busy life. 

Start Dates: 

January, March, May, June, August & October 

  • 7-Week Courses
  • No Login Times
  • Transfer Up to 90 Credits, including 24 Training Hours
  • 10-Hour Weekly Commitment (varies)
  • Free E-Books

Criminal Justice Curriculum

Major, Minor & Certificate Requirements

Popular Criminal Justice Classes

  • Law Enforcement & Report Writing 
    Explore the organization and administration of the criminal justice system. 
  • Criminological Theory 
    Critically evaluate theories about crime and criminal behavior.
  • Forensic DNA with Lab
    Learn to conduct forensics and crime scene investigations with scientific analysis of evidence.

Enjoy Stability and Opportunity

Employment growth is at a steady rate for police and detectives roles. Additional training for leadership and management roles can increase compensation across these fields.

Contribute to the World's Safety

  • Airport Security
  • Correctional Officer
  • Criminal Profiler
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Public Safety Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Private Security

Master Your Field in One Year

Increase your earning potential and become eligible for leadership positions with a master's degree. Your solid foundation will make you a strong candidate for any graduate program. Check out our online CJ master's program.

Student Experiences

Student Experiences

"I love being a criminal justice major at Columbia College! The professors push you out of your academic comfort zone to become better with critical thinking and investigative skills. This program has made me prepared to go out into the criminal justice work force."

Kayla Harmon

Faculty

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