Whether your criminal justice career will be in policing, the courts, corrections, security, investigations, or another segment of the field, you will benefit from a multifaceted understanding of why people commit crimes and what society does --- and can do better --- to both respond to crime and to prevent it.
The BS program in criminology and criminal justice is for students who want to understand the causes of crime, the role of criminal justice agencies in the control of crime and the consequences of crime.
Students learn sociological, psychological, biological and economic explanations for individual crime as well as differences in crime across neighborhoods, states, countries and over time. They also learn about the history, legal issues and current practices of crime control via police agencies, the court system, prisons, probation and parole.
These topics are delivered by top-ranking research faculty who offer students hands-on research opportunities and by experienced criminal justice professionals with intimate knowledge of the daily realities of crime and criminals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities in more than 200 agencies, study abroad programs and flexible course scheduling offered in-person, online and across multiple campuses.
Students interested in completing the Bachelor of Science program in Yuma are encouraged to complete a MyPath2ASU program.
At A Glance
Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS
- Offered by: Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions
- Location: Downtown, West, ASU@Lake Havasu, ASU@Yuma, Online
- First Required Math Course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
- Math Intensity: General
Required Courses
A major map outlines a major's critical requirements, courses, and optimal course sequence and aids students in remaining on track to graduation.
While circumstances vary between students and their paths towards graduation (utilizing placement testing to fulfill required math or foreign language courses, fulfilling multiple General Studies requirements with one course, etc.), completing the courses listed in a major map fulfills all of the requirements for graduation.
Application requirements
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements:
Affording college
Scholarships
Find and apply for relevant scholarships.
Financial Aid
ASU has many financial aid options. Almost everyone, regardless
of income, can qualify for some form of financial aid. In fact,
more than 70 percent of all ASU students receive some form of
financial assistance every year.
Career outlook
Graduates of the criminology and criminal justice program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities exist in:
- bank fraud
- corrections
- courts
- domestic terrorism
- federal agencies
- homeland security
- law enforcement
- legal offices
- parole offices
- private security
- probation offices
- victim advocate agencies
Graduates also may pursue advanced degrees in law, criminology and criminal justice, and other social science disciplines.
Example careers
Students who complete this degree program may be prepared for the following careers. Advanced degrees or certifications may be required for academic or clinical positions. Career examples include but are not limited to:
| Career | *growth | *median salary |
|---|---|---|
| Correctional Officers and Jailers | -7.7% | $43,540 |
| Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers | 7% | $61,050 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | -7.8% | $62,500 |
| Customs and Border Protection Officers | 7% | $61,050 |
| Detectives and Criminal Investigators | 4.5% | $79,970 |
| Police Identification and Records Officers | 4.5% | $79,970 |
| Fraud Examiners, Investigators and Analysts | 9.6% | $69,520 |
| Intelligence Analysts | 4.5% | $79,970 |
| First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | 6.6% | $87,910 |
| Child, Family, and School Social Workers | 14.2% | $44,380 |
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
- Bright Outlook
- Green Occupation
What are Accelerated Programs at ASU?
ASU students may accelerate their studies by earning a bachelor’s and a master’s degree in as little as five years (for some programs) or by earning a bachelor’s degree in 2.5 or 3 years.
Accelerated bachelor's and master's degree programs are designed for high-achieving undergraduate students who want the opportunity to combine undergraduate coursework with graduate coursework to accelerate completion of their master’s degree. These programs, featuring the same high-quality curriculum taught by ASU's world-renowned faculty, allow students to obtain both a bachelor's and a master's degree in as little as five years.
Accelerated bachelor’s degree programs allow students to choose either a 2.5- or a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor.
What are ASU's Online Programs?
ASU Online offers programs like Criminology and Criminal Justice in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year.
More information on the program is available directly from ASU Online.