Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

Bring Your Future Into Focus

Earn a Criminal Justice Degree That Fuels Social Good

Criminal justice professionals serve on the front line of our nation’s legal systems. They have the power to transform lives and communities through ethical leadership. At Wilson College Online, our criminal justice program places focus on diversity, ethics, and critical thinking—empowering you to become an agent of change across a variety of fields.

Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, corrections, criminology, juvenile reform, or nonprofit work, our degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a lifetime of impact. Our real-world curriculum and expert faculty will position you to use your degree for social good so that you can embark on a career of purpose.

Choose Wilson for Your Criminal Justice Degree

Our online criminal justice program prepares you with the in-demand skills for employment and the communication skills to advance your career. You’ll learn to become an ethical and social justice-oriented 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?

A degree in criminal justice prepares you for a variety of fulfilling careers beyond law enforcement. All criminal justice majors interact with professionals in various areas of criminal justice and complete internships or experiential learning activities so that they can discover where their passions reside.

Some potential career paths include:

  • Paralegal
  • Security analyst
  • Victim advocate or counselor
  • U.S. National Park Service ranger
  • Legal assistant
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Legal assistant
  • Nonprofit manager
  • Law enforcement officer
  • Corrections officer
  • Parole or probation officer
  • Criminal investigator

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

PHI 109

Ethical Issues Today

3 credit hours

PS 120

American Government

3 credit hours

PS 207

Women in American Government & Business

3 credit hours

PS 216

Public Policy

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

SOC 235

Race, Class and Gender

3 credit hours

Tuition and Financial Aid

6-14 credits per semester

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 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
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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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