Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bring Your Future Career Into Focus

Earn an Online Criminal Justice Degree That Fuels Your Future

An online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree from Wilson College is a strong foundation for career success and community impact.

Whether you’re interested in criminal investigation, criminology, juvenile justice reform, law enforcement, corrections, behavioral health, or nonprofit work, you’ll have the power to transform lives and communities through ethical leadership.

Plus, you’ll get the educational groundwork for graduate study in areas such as law, psychology, political science, sociology, and more.

At just $380 per credit hour, our online criminal justice degree is a sound investment in your future. Are you ready to find the path that’s right for you in this dynamic field?

Choose Wilson for Your Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree

Our online bachelor’s in criminal justice program prepares you with the in-demand skills for employment and the communication skills to advance your career. Throughout the program, you’ll be able to apply your real-world experiences to classroom learning. You’ll learn to become an ethical leader who can:

  • Demonstrate comprehensive knowledge of the main elements of the criminal justice system
  • Interpret complex information to make informed conclusions in a criminal justice role
  • Cultivate ethical reasoning and awareness in preparation for your chosen profession
  • Engage in diverse and inclusive perspectives on the criminal justice system Apply your knowledge and skills in real-world contexts

What Will You Do With Your Criminal Justice Degree?

At Wilson, criminal justice majors develop the critical reasoning and analytical skills needed across all criminal justice careers, while their close relationships with faculty help prepare them for career discernment and the job search.

A degree in criminal justice from Wilson also serves as great preparation for advanced study in law, political science, psychology, and more.

Some potential career paths include:

  • Police/law enforcement officer
  • Detective or criminal investigator
  • Forensic science technician
  • Correctional treatment specialist (juvenile or adult)
  • Social worker
  • Substance abuse, behavioral disorder, or mental health counselor
  • Paralegal or legal assistant
  • Victim advocate or counselor
  • Nonprofit manager

Curriculum & Courses

Major Requirements

The following are the major's requirements. Students must also fulfill all other requirements in the degree to obtain 120 credits for graduation.

Required Courses

CJ 101

Introduction to Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

CJ 201

Ethics in Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

CJ 204

Introduction to Law & Courts

3 credit hours

CJ 210

Corrections

3 credit hours

CJ 220

Law Enforcement

3 credit hours

CJ 230

Deviance & Criminal Justice

3 credit hours

CJ 301

Criminal Law and Procedure

3 credit hours

CJ 310

Transforming Communities

3 credit hours

CJ 315

Gender, Crime and Justice

3 credit hours

CJ 355

Internship or LDR 349 Leadership Models and Practice

3 credit hours

One of the Following Two

MAT 115

Introductory Statistics

3 credit hours

- or -

PSY 115

Understanding Statistics

3 credit hours

Four of the following courses; at least two courses must be at the 200 or 300 level

PS 120

American Government

3 credit hours

PS 207

Women in American Government & Business

3 credit hours

PSY 110

Introduction to Psychology

3 credit hours

PSY 209

Abnormal Psychology

3 credit hours

PSY 217

Social Psychology

3 credit hours

PSY 380

Cognitive Psychology

3 credit hours

RLS 109

Ethical Issues Today

3 credit hours

SOC 120

Introduction to Sociology

3 credit hours

SOC 225

Social Problems & Inequalities

3 credit hours

Tuition and Financial Aid

6-14 credits per semester

Summer ’24: $370 per credit hour Fall ’24: $380 per credit hour

6-14 credits per semester

6-14 credits per semester

98% of students receive financial aid

98% of students receive financial aid

Wilson College Online is committed to making your education as affordable as possible. We’re proud to offer online courses at under $400 per credit hour as a private college—which is lower than the national average cost of four-year public universities. Plus, our dedicated financial services team will help you get the aid you deserve.

Learn More About Financing Your Degree

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I do with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

An online bachelor’s of criminal justice can open career opportunities in various in-demand fields including law, political science, corrections, psychology, government intelligence, criminology, forensic science, and more.

What is the average salary for graduates of a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree program?

The average annual salary for B.A. in Criminal Justice degree graduates is approximately $66,000, according to Payscale.

Is the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice program accredited?

Yes. Wilson College is accredited by the Middle States Commission on Higher Education.

How long is the online bachelor’s in criminal justice program?

For full-time students working at a regular pace with no prior transfer credit, the average time to completion is about four years. However, transfer credits may significantly reduce your path to graduation.

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Personal Learning Environment

Our 13:1 student-to-faculty ratio ensures every student gets the individualized attention they deserve.

Flexible Coursework

Flexible Coursework

Asynchronous coursework allows you to work at your own pace with no set class times—enabling you to earn a degree when and where it makes sense for you.

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Attentive Faculty

Our devoted faculty truly care about your success, both in the classroom and beyond. Their virtual door is always open for mentorship, career advice, and academic support.

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Regional Recognition

Wilson College provides the opportunity for transformative education, which is why U.S. News named the institution among the Top Performers on Social Mobility in the North.

Ethical Education

Ethical Education

Our liberal studies emphasis creates agents of justice who fuel meaningful positive change in society. You’ll learn to put your accounting degree toward social good.

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Sense of Belonging

Our online programs honor Wilson’s rich history of providing accessible and inclusive education. No matter your background, you belong at Wilson.

Get Your Degree While You Work

The next class start date is approaching. Don't wait to apply!

We know you're more than just a student and you have many responsibilities outside of school. That’s why we offer flexible, asynchronous online courses that allow you to study at your own pace, on your own schedule.

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What You Need for Admission

We believe in equitable education and the individuality of every student. Each student has had their own experiences that have led them to Wilson, and those specific experiences should be weighed when a student is applying for admission.

That’s why Wilson College Online reviews every application on a holistic, case-by-case basis, without any steadfast GPA or standardized test score requirements. Every student's application is assessed solely on their own merits, not against any hardline admission requirements.

Required Documents for
First-Time-in-College Applicants

  • Official high school transcript

Required Documents for
Transfer Applicants

  • Official high school transcript
  • Official college transcript(s)

About Wilson College

Initially founded as an all-women’s college in 1869, Wilson College’s mission is to empower students to be confident critical thinkers, creative visionaries, effective communicators, and agents of justice in their communities. Across all programs and fields of study, the College is fiercely committed to and passionate about providing student-centric education and individualized attention and support to ensure our students succeed.

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