Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology and Justice Studies
- Online
- On Campus
A criminology degree provides a deep understanding of human behavior, societal structures and the criminal justice system. As a fully online program, this degree offers a flexible path to a lasting career in criminal justice.
In the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies, you will gain crucial insights into the complexities of the criminal justice system, including the reasons behind illegal behavior and the broader societal impacts of crime. This criminology bachelor’s degree also covers the experiences of those who have been through the system, both as perpetrators and victims, and explores how to advocate for fair and just treatment. See the criminology and justice studies curriculum.
Program Overview
Courses offered online
Evening classes once per week, Monday – Thursday
Flexible part-time and full-time options
Complete the degree in as little as one year
At Cal Lutheran, we pride ourselves on providing personal attention to each of our students. Our classes are intentionally kept small so that you can connect with your instructors and peers. You’ll also have access to a personal academic counselor who will guide and support you every step of the way.
This major is part of our Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals, a degree completion program designed specifically for working adults. Each student enters the program with a minimum of 24 transfer credits, with many bringing in even more credits, allowing them to finish their degree faster.
What You’ll Learn
Our bachelor’s in criminology and justice studies program covers the essential knowledge you need for a career in criminal justice or roles in the legal field or social services. Graduates of this program will be able to:
- Define the scope and purpose of criminology and criminal justice
- Understand major theories, perspectives, principles and concepts in the discipline
- Create and share new knowledge and ideas based on existing theories and concepts
- Think critically, communicate clearly and find ethical solutions to complex problems
- Use research methods to analyze criminology and criminal justice-based issues
- Apply criminology and criminal justice knowledge to real-world situations
- Recognize and articulate individual and cultural differences in the field
“All classmates seem to be in the same position as myself with full-time jobs and more life experience than most, which is a big help! This program is so good that I recommended it to my veteran friends who are coming straight from active duty.”
Criminology and Justice Studies Career Paths
A Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies from California Lutheran University prepares graduates for diverse and rewarding career paths within the field of criminal justice.
This degree provides a strong foundation for professionals seeking roles in law enforcement, public safety, victim advocacy and corrections at the local, state or federal levels.
Graduates can pursue roles such as:
- Police Officer
- Detective/Criminal Investigator
- FBI Agent
- Probation Officer
- Correctional Officer
- Forensic Science Technician
- Cybersecurity Analyst
While many criminal justice roles are available to professionals with a bachelor’s degree, many students use this degree as preparation for graduate study in areas such as law, public administration, forensic psychology and criminology.
Criminology and Justice Studies Degree Curriculum
Required courses
All courses are 3 credits unless otherwise noted
Foundational courses
Research Writing for Professionals
Advanced Research Writing for Professionals
Essentials of Statistics
Introduction to Criminology
Introduction to Justice Studies
Criminology and Justice Studies Research Methods
Systems of justice for victims and offenders
Choose three courses from the following:
Contemporary Policing
Law and Criminal Courts
Corrections in the 21st Century
Forensic Psychology
Victimology
Global systems of justice for victims and offenders
Global Justice Systems
Diversity, equity, inclusion and justice for victims and offenders
Choose two courses from the following:
Gender, Crime and Justice
Race, Ethnicity, Crime and Justice
Diversity, Crime and Justice
Justice and advocacy for victims and ex-offenders
Victim Assistance and Advocacy
Assistance and Advocacy for Ex-Offenders
Criminology and justice studies capstone
Senior Seminar in Criminology and Justice Studies
Interested in seeing a class in action?
Get a closer look at what it’s like to be a PROS student by sitting in on a live online or on-campus class.
For more information, contact an enrollment specialist.
Total Credits to Complete the Degree
To graduate, students must complete 124 credits minimum. This total includes:
- Major courses: At least 45 credits are completed through criminology and justice studies major courses. Out of these, at least 36 credits must be upper-division courses (these courses are identified by course numbers in the 300 and 400 ranges).
- General education and other courses: The remaining credits can consist of general education courses, additional major courses if desired and any transferred credits.
Frequently Asked Questions
A degree completion program is a pathway to a bachelor’s degree that leverages a student’s previous education. These programs accept a significant amount of transfer credits, meaning that students can build upon the credits they’ve already earned.
For Cal Lutheran’s Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals, incoming students will need to have completed at least 25 credit hours from previous accredited associate or undergraduate programs.
A degree completion program is great for working adults who have some college experience but weren’t able to complete their studies. Cal Lutheran’s program includes support services that are dedicated to adult learners, like personalized academic advising, flexible coursework options and career counseling.
The application process for every major in the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals series is the same. You are welcome to apply if you have:
- Graduated from high school or possess a GED certificate
- Completed 24 semester hours of transferable college credit
- Earned a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.25
Visit our admissions page for more information, including an application checklist.
On average, Cal Lutheran students complete their bachelor’s degree in two years. However, the total time for each student depends on how many credits you transfer into the program, the applicability of the credits to your degree of choice and whether you take courses full time or part time.
Criminology and justice studies programs share many similarities and often have overlapping curriculums and career outcomes. Both areas explore factors that lead to crime and how society responds to it. Professionals in these areas often work within legal systems, law enforcement or policy development.
Criminology is the scientific study of crime and its causes. It focuses on understanding why crime happens: examining patterns, psychological and social influences and the impact of crime on individuals and communities.
Justice studies focus on the systems and structures that respond to crime, including policing, courts and corrections. This area emphasizes how laws are enforced, how justice is administered and how institutions function to maintain order.
If you have questions about whether your previous education qualifies as transferable credit, please reach out to an enrollment specialist. We’re here to help.
Want to learn more about earning your criminology and justice studies degree with California Lutheran University? Download our brochure and explore our FAQ page. Ready to apply? Start your application now.
Request Information
To learn more about the Bachelor’s Degree for Professionals offered by the Cal Lutheran School for Professional and Continuing Studies and download a brochure, please fill out the form. You can also get in touch with an enrollment specialist directly by calling us at 805-521-9856.
