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.
The online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice is open to anyone interested in building a career in the justice system or related public policy or social service fields—whether you are just starting out, looking to advance in your current role, or preparing for law or graduate school. This flexible, fully online program supports a wide range of academic and professional goals.
Offered by the College of Arts & Sciences at the University of Louisville, the online BS in Criminal Justice provides a comprehensive understanding of the function and impact of the criminal justice system. You will build the knowledge and practical skills needed to serve effectively, while receiving the support and guidance to grow, lead, and make a lasting impact.
Tuition rate does not include costs associated with a specific course or program, such as textbooks.
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Complete this degree on your own time with fully online classes and 24/7 access to learning tools.
Learn MoreSave up to $16,200 in tuition for workplace learning and training with our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA).
Learn MoreUofL's CJ faculty received research grants from agencies including the U.S. Department of Justice and the U.S. State Department.
"Our PLA expressly recognizes that knowledge and learning happen in many ways. Our students bring in-depth subject matter knowledge and a strong understanding of evidence-based practice to the communities they serve. New possibilities emerge when knowledge and compassion are used to address difficult issues."
The Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) course is a systematic approach of comparing and evaluating formal and informal learning accumulated through various situations and activities carried on at work, in school and through training against the requirements of an academic program of studies.
Our PLA expressly recognizes that knowledge and learning happen in many ways. Our students bring in-depth subject matter knowledge and a strong understanding of evidence-based practice to the communities they serve. New possibilities emerge when knowledge and compassion are used to address difficult issues.
Those interested in understanding more should contact CJ Student Services (kim.hendricks@louisville.edu) to see if a PLA is appropriate way to pursue their educational goals.
We are committed to helping our online Criminal Justice students connect their academic experience to real-world career goals. You will have access to support from our faculty and staff, as well as dedicated career resources through the University Career Center and one-on-one support from your Criminal Justice Career Coach. For additional information please contact CJ Student Services (kim.hendricks@louisville.edu).
As a criminal justice undergraduate student, you may now be eligible to pursue our accelerated Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) degree online. You may be able to earn up to 9 hours of graduate credit applicable toward the master’s in criminal justice degree while you’re completing your bachelor’s. For additional information please contact CJ Student Services (kim.hendricks@louisville.edu).
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:
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:
Careers available to BS in Criminal Justice graduates can be found in the following categories:
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.
Priority Deadline* | Term | Start Date |
---|---|---|
July 1 | Fall | August |
December 1 | Spring | January |
April 1 | Summer | May/June |
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.
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New Students and Transfer Students with less than 24 transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
Transfer Students with 24 or more transferable credits from accredited institutions must have:
*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.
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.
Courses | Hours |
---|---|
The following courses are required by the program and can satisfy the respective General Education Requirement: | |
CJ 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice - SB (or CJ201 or CJ202 ) | |
CJ 326 Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice - QR |
*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.
Courses | Credit Hours |
---|---|
GEN 100 Student Success Center First Year Experience | 1 |
GEN 101 OR Arts & Sciences First Year Experience | |
Foreign Language1 | 6-8 |
Electives in Humanities or Natural Sciences at 300 level or above 2 | 6 |
WR—two approved courses at the 300 level or above 3 | |
Minimum Total Hours | 13-15 |
Courses | Hours |
---|---|
CJ 200 Introduction to Criminal Justice - SB4 | 3 |
CJ 201 Introduction to Law Enforcement - SB4 | 3 |
CJ 202 Introduction to Corrections - SB4 | 3 |
CJ 305 Theories of Crime and Behavior | 3 |
CJ 306 Criminal Procedure | 3 |
CJ 325 Criminal Justice Research Methods | 3 |
CJ 326 Quantitative Analysis in Criminal Justice - QR4 | 3 |
CJ 360 Juvenile Justice | 3 |
CJ 395 Criminal Law and Evidence | 3 |
CJ 485 Seminar in Criminal Justice - CUE, WR5 | 3 |
Minimum Total Hours | 30 |
Criminal Justice Electives (see approved list below) 6 | 24 |
Minimum Free Electives 7 | 21-23 |
Minimum Total Hours for Graduation | 121 |
Courses | Hours |
---|---|
Requirement fulfilled by completing: | |
CJ 485 Criminal Justice Senior Seminar5 - CUE,WR |
Students must have a minimum of 50 hours at the 300 level or above. START YOUR APPLICATION
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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.Online BS in Criminal Justice Course Descriptions
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.
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.
Yes. The “Bachelor of Science” will be granted by the University of Louisville and represented as such on the diploma.
Yes, the University of Louisville is accredited by the Commission on Colleges of the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC).
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:
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.
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).