College
Department
Degree
BS
Program Type
Undergraduate
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Program Overview
One of the most appealing things about a degree in criminal justice is how versatile it is.
Not only does it open doors for a career in local, state or federal law enforcement, there are also opportunities for careers in corrections, forensics, probation and parole, plus security and cybersecurity in the private sector. It can also lead to career advancement and specialization.
And because this program is 100% online, you get added flexibility:
- Courses begin every eight weeks.
- You have access to courses 24/7, so you can complete them when it's convenient for you.
- You can complete your degree in less than two years if you already have an associate degree.
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At Ashland University
- You may receive up to 30 hours of credit for life and work experience through a Prior Learning Assessment Portfolio.
- You may receive transfer credit for previous college courses.
- Veterans who served in the armed forces for at least 36 months after Sept. 10, 2001, have the Federal Yellow Ribbon program available. AU matches funding provided by the Veterans Administration up to a total of $11,000.
- There is a 15% tuition discount for members of the Fraternal Order of Police, First Responders and their immediate families.
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Learning Experiences
- Join other adult learners who have experience in the criminal justice field.
- Our professors have both academic and professional experience in criminal justice, with many connections in the field.
- Hear from expert speakers, such as judges, coroners, investigators, FBI agents.
- Alpha Phi Sigma – National criminal justice honor society
- Criminal Justice Club – Hosts guest speakers in the criminal justice field
Sample Curriculum
Choose one of five tracks within the program: criminal justice generalist, law enforcement administration, correctional administration, criminology and research or legal studies.
First Year
Introduction to Criminal Justice
Principles of Sociology
Const. & Criminal Procedure
Second Year
Ethics in Criminal Justice
Research Methods
Criminology
Third Year
Policing in the U.S.
Victimology
CJ Elective
Fourth Year
Restorative Justice
Field Experience or Advanced Research (CJ 403 or CJ 395)
CJ Elective
Full Curriculum
Career Opportunities
- Job prospects are predicted to be excellent for criminal justice positions, with seven percent growth expected through 2030. The median annual wage for police and detectives was $66,020 in May 2021. (Bureau of Labor Statistics)
- In addition to jobs with local, state and federal government, there are positions in the private sector.
- This degree can also prepare you for promotion within your current agency or advancement to a specialty position.
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