What will I learn as an online BS in Criminal Justice student?

As an online BS Criminal Justice student, you will build a comprehensive understanding of how the justice system works along with the skills to think critically, communicate effectively, and impact in your community. Specific expertise gained from the program will include:

• Understand the roles and functions of the U.S. criminal justice system, including policing, courts, and corrections, with attention to contemporary issues
• Examine the causes of crime through biological, psychological, and sociological theories, along with broader structural influences.
• Learn how criminal cases move through the justice system—from investigation and arrest to trial, sentencing, and appeal.
• Gain familiarity with key legal concepts like criminal liability, and understand the legislative and judicial processes by which acts and omissions are criminalized, investigated and prosecuted.
• Apply foundational knowledge of research methods and data analysis to study crime and justice issues.

What can I do with an online BS in Criminal Justice?

A degree in Criminal Justice can lead to meaningful, stable careers that impact both individuals and communities. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (bls.gov), many roles in this field are growing steadily and offer competitive salaries:

• Police officers and detectives: 4% projected job growth, $74,910 median annual salary
• Probation officers and correctional treatment specialists: 4% projected job growth, $61,800 median annual salary
• Social and community service managers: 8% projected job growth, $77,030 median annual salary

Careers available to BS in Criminal Justice graduates can be found in the following categories:

• Law Enforcement
• Corrections
• Courts
• Public Interest & Advocacy
• Private Security/Loss Prevention

Whether you are interested in law enforcement, community programs, victim advocacy, corrections, law, or policy and research, a criminal justice degree opens the door to a wide range of career paths.

Want to explore more? Visit the Occupational Outlook Handbook to learn more about career options, salaries, and job outlooks that align with your interests.

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Online BS in Criminal Justice Application Deadlines

Note: We admit students on a rolling basis. The preferred deadlines help you complete the application process on time, be notified of acceptance and enroll before the term begins. We review applications as they become complete, and admit students for a specific term up to the day classes start. We recommend you work on and submit your complete application well in advance of the preferred deadline, as obtaining transcripts and other materials may take more time.

How to Apply for the Online BS in Criminal Justice

1. Start your application for undergraduate admission
2. Submit $30 non-refundable application fee
3. Complete any checklist items listed on your Application Portal*
4. Request official transcripts from all previously attended institutions. Transcripts are only accepted directly from the institution(s) by email: adetran@louisville.edu (recommended) or mail: University of Louisville, Office of Admissions, Dept AO, Louisville, KY 40292
5. Create a financial plan

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Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Admissions Requirements and Materials

New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• High school diploma from an accredited institution (GED or equivalent also accepted)
• Minimum high school GPA of 2.5 on a 4.0 scale; AND for transfer students, a minimum college GPA of 2.0 (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)
• Composite ACT* score of 21 or higher (test optional admission is granted on a case-by-case basis)

Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:

• Minimum college GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale (applicants who do not meet the minimum GPA may inquire about conditional acceptance)

*Your Application Portal:
Once you have started an undergraduate application, you can check the status and review any additional checklist to-do items. Log in to your application using the email address you used to apply for admission and your password. Your checklist items may include additional materials or documentation that facilitate a smooth admissions process. You will also have access to important contact information and next steps after an admissions decision is made.

No ACT/SAT? Test-optional admissions are granted on a case-by-case basis and require a comprehensive review of high school transcript, including grades and college-preparatory courses. A personal statement may be requested during the admissions review process.

Transfer Credit for Online BS in Criminal Justice Students

Students may transfer up to 60 hours from a community college and up to 90 hours from an accredited 4-year college. Transfer applicants must have a minimum college GPA of 2.5 to be admitted in good standing. Complete the credit transfer pre-evaluation to get an idea of how many credits you'll be able to transfer in toward your UofL bachelor's degree, and visit our General Transfer Student page for more details.

Are you a KCTCS student? KCTCS students can transfer completed associate degrees in their entirety and begin immediately with online upper level coursework at UofL. Visit our KCTCS Transfers Page for more information.

See the UofL Transfer Credit Policy for more information.

General Education Requirements

^*All degrees require the completion of the University-wide General Education Program (link provided above). Some General Education requirements may be met in the requirements for the major or supporting coursework, in which case additional electives may be required to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

College/School Requirements

Program/Major Requirements

Students must have a minimum of 50 hours at the 300 level or above.
¹ Completion of the second semester of a single foreign language; hours will vary depending on language taken
² In addition to courses counted toward General Education
³ May be incorporated into other degree requirements
⁴ Fulfills General Education requirement
⁵ Fulfills 3 hours of the 6 hour 300+ WR requirement.
⁶ Criminal Justice electives must be from approved departmental list at the 300 level or above. A minimum of 15 hours must be in Criminal Justice, but may not exceed 30 hours
⁷ 7Students who satisfy General Education Requirements by courses defined by the program will require additional electives to complete the minimum hours for the degree.

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Community Engagement for the Online BS in Criminal Justice Student

The Department of Criminal Justice faculty work closely with partners across the justice system to stay connected to current practices and community needs. As an online BS Criminal Justice student, you will benefit from these relationships through relevant coursework, engaged faculty, and opportunities to connect with professionals in the field.

• Metro Louisville Government
• Alcohol Beverage Control
• Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco,
  Firearms & Explosives
• Anne Braden Institute of Social Justice
• Center for Women and Families
• Administrative Office of the Courts
• Crime Analysis/Real Time Center
• Drug Enforcement Agency
• Department of Corrections
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• International Service Learning Program
• Jefferson County Public Schools
  (JCPS) Advisory Board for Public Safety
• Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice Training
• Kentucky Department of Insurance Fraud Investigation
• Office of Homeland Security
• Kentucky Court of Justice
• Kentucky Derby Festival
• Kentucky State Police
• Louisville Metro Police Department
• Office of the Medical Examiner
• Public/Private Security/Loss Prevention
• Restorative Justice
• Think IR
• UL Police Department
• U.S. Marshal Service
• U.S. Postal Inspectors
• U.S. Secret Service

Online BS in Criminal Justice Success Team

Online BS in Criminal Justice Featured Faculty

Online BS in Criminal Justice Success FAQ

• What is the criminal justice or legal system?

  Many people automatically think of police officers, but the field encompasses much more than law enforcement. The legal system includes law officers, court systems, corrections, and victim advocacy.

• Will I earn my degree from UofL?

  Yes. The “Bachelor of Science” will be granted by the University of Louisville and represented as such on the diploma.

• Is UofL’s BS in Criminal Justice program accredited?

  Yes, the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).

• When can I begin this program?

  You can begin the Online BS in Criminal Justice program in Fall, Spring, or Summer, with three start dates each year to fit your schedule.

  Priority Application Deadlines:

  • Fall Start (August): July 1
  • Spring Start (January): December 1
  • Summer Start (May/June): April 1

  Visit the Application tab for more details on how to apply and meet upcoming deadlines.
• Is financial aid available? How do I apply?

  Yes. Financial aid is available to students who qualify. Please contact our enrollment counselor who will connect you with the financial aid representative for more details regarding your financial aid application.

• Is Tuition Assistance available for active-duty military?

  Yes, Tuition Assistance (TA) is currently available for active-duty military at the rate of $250 per credit hour (subject to change without prior notice).