Criminal Justice and Criminolgy, BS

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice is an exciting option that provides online students with the same dynamic quality of education offered in on-campus courses and a solid background in the field of criminal justice.

The study of criminology and criminal justice involves the analyses of theories, laws, policies and practices associated with criminal and delinquent behavior, as well as the government’s response to criminal violations. This program provides an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime and criminal justice that is based in social sciences and focuses on the policies and practices of criminal justice system components, such as law enforcement, corrections and the courts.

As part of the Watts College of Public Service & Community Solutions, criminal justice students have the opportunity to learn directly from a prestigious group of criminal justice professionals who are experts in policing, gangs, crime, fraud, and the court system. Students will develop a comprehensive understanding of the theoretical perspectives on criminal activity and hone the research, analytical and communications skills required for working in complex criminal justice occupations.

Employment and government experts anticipate rapid and sustained job growth in law enforcement, corrections and private security-related fields in the next decade. Graduates may choose to build upon the strong intellectual base they develop at ASU and pursue advanced degrees in law, criminology and criminal justice, or other social science disciplines.

  • No 1 ranked online program by Super Scholar
  • Affordable tuition (no residency requirements)
  • Internship opportunities
  • Nationally recognized faculty
  • Ability to study anytime, anywhere
  • Personalized attention

Plan of study

The Online Bachelor of Science is a 120-credit program. To earn this degree, students must successfully complete:

  • 24 hours of major core courses
  • 24 hours of major elective courses
  • 9 hours that meet the College Interdisciplinary Public Service requirement
  • 9 hours in related fields
  • A minimum of 35 hours General Education courses
  • Remaining hours needed to reach 120 credits can be fulfilled with a wide variety of General Elective courses.

core classes (24 credit hours)

  • CRJ 100: Introduction to Criminal Justice (SB)
  • CRJ 201: Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices
  • CRJ 225: Introduction to Criminology (SB)
  • CRJ 203: Courts and Sentencing or CRJ 230: Introduction to Policing or CRJ 240: Introduction to Corrections
  • CRJ 302: Research Methods (L)
  • CRJ 303: Statistical Analysis (CS)
  • CRJ 305: Women, Crime, and Justice (C) or CRJ 306: Race, Ethnicity and Justice (C)
  • CRJ 308: Advanced Criminological Theory

major elective courses (24 credit hours)

  • 200 level or higher CRJ electives (6 credit hours)
  • 300 level or higher CRJ electives (9 credit hours)
  • 400 level CRJ electives (9 credit hours)

College interdisciplinary public service requirement (6 credit hours)

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions has a college-level graduation requirement for all undergraduate students majoring within the college. This degree requirement is called the interdisciplinary public service requirement. Each student must complete course work from other schools within the college. Students may choose a core course from their major and three courses from the approved course list for this requirement in addition to completing ASU 101-CPP. ASU 101-CPP must be completed in the first year at ASU; the other courses can be taken while completing the degree. The approved course list for each catalog year is available on the major map. Questions about this requirement should be directed to the academic advisor for the major.

University undergraduate general studies requirement (35 credit hour minimum)

Remaining hours needed to reach 120 credits

  • general elective courses
  • courses toward minor or certificate
  • courses toward CRJ internship
  • area of interest courses

Major map

For a detailed summary of all of the degree requirements that includes a map sequencing the major by semester, visit the major map for the online B.S. degree in criminology and criminal justice.

A reminder

All colleges, schools, divisions, and departments establish certain academic requirements that must be met before a degree is granted. Advisors, directors, department chairs, and deans are available to help the student understand these requirements, but the student is responsible for fulfilling them. At the end of a student's course of study, if requirements for graduation have not been satisfied, the degree is not granted. For this reason, it is important for all students to acquaint themselves with all regulations, to be informed throughout their college careers, and to be responsible for completing all requirements.