Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences — Emphasis in Criminal Justice Online

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Turn your field experience into career advancement. This transfer-friendly bachelor’s degree with a criminal justice emphasis leverages prior training in law enforcement, corrections or public safety to prepare you for leadership and promotion.

Apply by: 7/28/26
Start class: 8/18/26

Program Overview

Turn experience into opportunity with your BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis program

The Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences – Emphasis in Criminal Justice program is a transfer-friendly pathway ideal if you've completed an AAS and want to take the next step. This program helps you turn prior coursework into a bachelor’s degree with a clear path forward.

Through online criminal justice courses, you will deepen your understanding of the U.S. justice system across law enforcement, courts, corrections and community supervision. Coursework strengthens communication, ethical reasoning, decision-making and problem-solving skills while exploring current issues shaping modern criminal justice practice. Prepare for supervisory, investigative or administrative roles within public safety and justice agencies.

In this BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis program, you will:

  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of the U.S. criminal justice system
  • Apply ethical reasoning and professional standards in criminal justice settings
  • Analyze contemporary issues impacting law enforcement, courts and corrections
  • Communicate effectively in professional justice and public safety environments
  • Apply leadership and problem-solving skills within criminal justice organizations
In this BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis program, you will:+
  • Demonstrate knowledge of the structure and functions of the U.S. criminal justice system
  • Apply ethical reasoning and professional standards in criminal justice settings
  • Analyze contemporary issues impacting law enforcement, courts and corrections
  • Communicate effectively in professional justice and public safety environments
  • Apply leadership and problem-solving skills within criminal justice organizations

Career opportunities with a BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis include:

  • Police Officer (sworn role; academy required)
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Crime Analyst
  • Correctional Case Manager
  • Probation Officer or Community Supervision Officer
  • Victim Advocate
Career opportunities with a BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis include:+
  • Police Officer (sworn role; academy required)
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Crime Analyst
  • Correctional Case Manager
  • Probation Officer or Community Supervision Officer
  • Victim Advocate
Per Credit Hour $314*
Transfer Credits Up to
Credit Hours 120

*Price includes distance learning fee.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 866-223-7675

Call 866-223-7675

Tuition

What it costs to earn your BAAS – Criminal Justice Emphasis

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the BAAS – Emphasis in Criminal Justice online program. Our affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition helps you keep your education costs in check.

View additional tuition information+
Program Per Credit Hour Per Course
BAAS — Criminal Justice Emphasis $314 $942

*University fees are included in the tuition listed. University fees are able to be covered by Financial Aid if you choose to apply and are qualified.

Tuition and fees are subject to change without notice due to action by the Board of Regents or the Texas State Legislature.

Total program cost depends upon transfer hours and program advisement relevant to program requirements. For more information, contact a Lamar University enrollment specialist.

Financial Aid

Ready to get started on your degree program online but need help finding ways to fund your education? We can help you discover student financing sources that include grants, loans and other payment options. Learn more about financial aid here.

Tuition breakdown:

Per Credit Hour $314*

Calendar

Find a start date that fits your schedule

Our BAAS – Emphasis in Criminal Justice program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Choose the application deadline that works best for you and begin earning your degree any time of year.

View full calendar +

8 week coursesProgram Start DateApplication DeadlineDocument DeadlinePayment DueLast Class Day
Fall 18/18/267/28/268/4/268/11/2610/9/26
Fall 110/12/269/21/269/28/2610/6/2612/10/26

Now enrolling:

Apply Date 7/28/26
Class Starts 8/18/26

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?

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Admissions

See what you need to apply to the BAAS — Emphasis in Criminal Justice Program

The BAAS — Emphasis in Criminal Justice program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines carefully to ensure you qualify.

Admission Requirements:

  • AAS Degree in a Criminal Justice-Related Field
  • Official Transcripts
View all admission requirements +

University Admission Requirements

All applicants must complete an application packet, consisting of:

  • Complete online application and pay an application fee of $25
  • Submit official transcripts from all high schools, colleges, and universities you have attended
    • All transcripts are required regardless of accreditation. Only regionally accredited institutions will be eligible for transfer credit.
  • Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program

Admission Requirements for the Bachelor of Applied Arts and Sciences – Emphasis in Criminal Justice

  • Completed AAS degree from a regionally accredited community college, with a major in criminal justice or a related field
  • A course in Elementary Statistical Methods (MATH 1342)

AAS degrees accepted include law enforcement, criminal justice technology, forensics, corrections, police science, homeland security and other criminal justice-related majors. Required statistics coursework may be completed during the program.

Courses

Explore online criminal justice courses designed for real-world practice

The BAAS – Emphasis in Criminal Justice curriculum comprises 120 credit hours, including up to 42 hours in AAS transfer credit, 27 hours (nine courses) in emphasis-area classes and any general education coursework needed to meet bachelor's degree requirements.

Expand All
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
American crime problems in historical perspective; social and public policy factors affecting crime, impact, and crime trends; liberal and conservative views of the crime problem and policy implications; crime prevention.

Upon successful completion of this course, the student should be able to:

  • Demonstrate understanding of the critical elements and body of knowledge of crime and the criminal
  • Evaluate the nature and extent of crime and criminals in society
  • Speculate on the explanation of crime and criminals offered by criminological theories
  • Debate criminological theories and explain selected crimes or criminals adequately

These outcomes will be assessed by multiple choice exams, classroom discussions and debates, and the writing of analytical papers and/or a presentation.

Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of crime, criminals, and the criminal justice system using critical analysis of recently published materials as sources for research, discussion, and student seminar.

At the end of this course, students will:

  • Increase their knowledge of criminal justice approaches to crime control
  • Develop critical-thinking and problem-solving skills related to problems facing criminal justice organizations
  • Evaluate responses to crime and identify which ones may be more effective
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the research methodologies used in the evaluation of crime and criminal justice systems. The course will provide students with a foundation in research design, analysis, interpretation, and communication of results.

Students who successfully complete this course will:

  • Define and identify various research methods used in criminal justice and analyze their strengths and limitations (inquire and analyze; critical evaluation of criminal situations)
  • Communicate research findings effectively through written reports and presentations, demonstrating clear and persuasive oral and written communication skills (oral and written communication)
  • Evaluate the quality and effectiveness of existing research studies and methodologies in criminal justice (critical thinking; ethical reasoning; foundations and skills for lifelong learning)
  • Propose, develop and test a research proposal addressing a specific issue in criminal justice (critical thinking; oral and written communication; integrative learning practices)
  • Reflect and articulate the ethical considerations in conducting research within the criminal justice field, including potential impacts and implications (critical thinking; oral and written communication; integrative learning practices)
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth examination of principles of substantive criminal law with emphasis on Texas penal statutes and case law.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Apply the basic concepts of criminal law, including the essential elements of a crime and criminal liability to various scenarios
  • Differentiate between the various criminal defenses, including the insanity defense
  • Critically examine the law governing the use of force to establish liability depending on the totality of circumstances
  • Compare and contrast crimes against the person and crimes against property, including white collar crimes and cybercrimes
  • Think critically and apply criminal law to real-life-like situations as in films
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth view of the social structure and organizational factors leading to the development of organized criminal activities in the United Sates and other selected countries.

At the end of this course, students will:

  • Understand the key elements of organized crime
  • Comprehensively understand the history and impact of organized crime in modern society
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of selected ethical issues and problems confronting criminal justice professionals.

Students will be able to:

  • Define important ethical terms and ethical systems and apply them to the field of criminal justice
  • Differentiate between ethical issues and ethical dilemmas
  • Critically analyze ethical dilemmas
  • Apply the deontological, teleological and other ethical systems to real-life situations
  • Critically analyze ethical dilemmas that criminal justice professionals face due to their power of discretion
  • Discuss relevant issues related to police subculture, attorney-client privilege, ethics for correctional personnel and community corrections
  • Engage in critical discourse of ethical systems and criminal justice topics through the analysis of ethical dilemmas
  • Learn to evaluate and value different ideas, perspectives, cultures and viewpoint
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theories of justice; relationship of justice to freedom and democracy; injustices in social class, gender, and race relationships.

Students who complete this course will:

  • Identify and articulate interdisciplinary theories, concepts and principles related to social justice (critical thinking)
  • Evaluate, analyze and integrate information from a variety of sources and methods used to understand social justice (critical thinking and empirical and quantitative skills)
  • Demonstrate effective writing and communication skills by illustrating patterns of social justice, relative to the criminal justice system (critical thinking and effective communication)
  • Recognize how diverse economic, political, cultural and religious practices relate to local and global social justice (social, cultural and global competence)
  • Apply social justice theories and frameworks to real-life social justice by generating an actionable social justice project (critical thinking, effective communication and social responsibility)
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Role of social class, race and gender in the etiology and control of crime. Injustices within the criminal justice system and broader society. Cultural sensitivity.

By the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Identify the crime control enterprise and the relationship with the components of the criminal justice system, law enforcement, courts and corrections
  • Explain each of the concepts of class, race and gender and their individual relationships with crime and the American criminal justice
  • Analyze the issues of inequality, privilege and victimization as they relate to class race, gender and crime in the American criminal justice system
  • Appreciate the relationships (intersectionality) between class, race and gender
  • Explain the issues of inequality and privilege as they relate to class, race, gender and crime in the American criminal justice system
  • Assess the relationships between income inequality, race, and gender, their intersectionality with each other and with the criminal justice system
  • Develop critical-thinking skills by examining and presenting ideas and concepts learned in the first six chapters of the text “Class, Race, Gender, and Crime”
  • Determine and explain how laws and policies are created and administered in America's criminal justice system in relation to the concepts of class, race and gender
  • Examine criminal justice punishment, sentencing, and imprisonment philosophies as they affect class, race and gender
  • Evaluate key social frameworks within which to engage in in-depth conceptualization, contextualization and critical analyses related to the importance of race, class, and gender in criminal justice policy and practice through an article analysis assignment
  • Explore future directions for research, policy and practice on the issues of inequality in class, race and gender and their relationships with crime and the criminal justice system by participating in an article analysis assignment
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the typologies of criminal behavior. Psychological issues related to criminality and deviance will be presented. Topics include offender motivation, psychopathy, serial murder, sex offenders and career criminals.

Students who complete this course will:

  • Explain and analyze various psychological and developmental factors that contribute to criminal behavior (inquire and analyze and critical evaluation of criminal situations)
  • Influence others' attitudes towards criminal behavior and typologies via written discussion assignments and a final project (oral and written communication)
  • Demonstrate ethical awareness by recognizing and upholding the professional code governing the criminal justice field in relation to analyzing criminal behavior (critical thinking, ethical reasoning, foundations and skills for lifelong learning)
  • Critically analyze and apply psychology concepts and frameworks and crime measurements to the real world by generating an investigative project with the help of peers (critical thinking, oral and written communication, integrative learning practices and teamwork)
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the juvenile justice process to include specialized juvenile law, role of the juvenile courts, role of police agencies, role of correctional agencies, and theories concerning delinquency.

Students who successfully complete this course will:

  • Gain perspective on the origins of juvenile justice systems as well as the various suggestions for reform
  • Enhance their understanding of juvenile justice systems in the U.S. by examining how similar problems are addressed in other countries. Through class discussions, readings and individual research projects, students will demonstrate an appreciation for different juvenile justice systems.
  • Engage in critical thinking and analysis of current issues relevant to juvenile justice systems
  • Learn the functions of juvenile courts, the sentencing process and community correctional programs for juvenile offenders
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Legal aspects of correction; rights of the convicted. Laws governing correctional officers and facilities. Legal liabilities in correctional activities.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Compare and contrast the various legal remedies available to inmates like Habeas Corpus, Torts and Section 1983
  • Analyze United States Supreme Court precedents related to correctional law and apply them to scenarios
  • Critically analyze the rights inmates have under the Constitution and how these rights can be limited or restricted, by taking part in discussions and solving hypothetical questions
  • Develop critical-thinking skills by exploring ideas presented in recent peer-reviewed and/or law review articles
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine the topic of murder from a criminological perspective. Special attention will be paid to extreme forms of murder, such as, serial murder, cult killings, hate-motivated murders, and mass murders. Throughout this course we shall also examine multiple murders in the past, present, and future. Finally, this class will provide a critical analysis of the manner in which serial murder has been depicted by the popular media.

At the end of this course, students will:

  • Define the key terms needed for our understanding of serial murder, i.e., the murderer
  • Distinguish between serial murder, mass murder and spree murder. Cite real-life examples of each.
  • Identify the various motivations of serial murderers
  • Differentiate organized and disorganized serial murderers
  • Understand and apply important concepts related to law enforcement in response to serial murder
  • Differentiate serial murder in the U.S. and serial murder in other countries
  • Distinguish between male and female serial murderers
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Contemporary Issues in Criminal Justice: Current topics in criminal justice. May be repeated for credit when topic is varied.
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will examine the history and current states of white-collar crime. Theoretical explanations of white-collar crime and its control are discussed.

Students who complete this course will be able to:

  • Demonstrate their understanding of the genesis of white-collar crime through a general presentation
  • Recognize the types and seriousness of white-collar crimes in modern society through their writing
  • Identify the key factors that may contribute to white-collar crime through the course exams
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The global reach of the internet, the marginal cost of online activity and the relative anonymity of users have contributed to a wide escalation in cybercrimes. consequently, information and communication technologies (ICT) are being increasingly employed to investigate threats to global civil society. this course provides an overview of cybercrime.

At the end of this course, students should be able to:

  • Understand what cybercrime is and the basic knowledge required to enter the cybersecurity field in organizations and agencies in the United States
  • Understand different types of cybercrimes and how they affect law enforcement and organizations by attending class lectures and participating in quizzes and exams
  • Understand the laws in cybercrime and cybersecurity
  • Use critical-thinking skills to analyze cases using their understanding and knowledge acquired during class lectures in their own individual/group case study analysis and group project/competition
  • Write a paper that will help them identify their career goals and determine which certifications are necessary for their cybersecurity career path using the CyberSeek interactive tool
  • Design a cybercrime awareness project using their knowledge and understanding of cybersecurity principles to create an awareness program for victims of cybercrime
  • Appreciate cybersecurity as a part of cybercrime studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course offers students the opportunity to learn the knowledge and skills of proven techniques of managing conflict and to obtain the ability to resolve disputes.

Students who successfully complete this course will be able to:

  • Recognize how differences in communication may affect workplace situations
  • Learn to listen for what people are actually saying (as opposed to just the words coming out of their mouths)
  • Provide varying techniques to address a range of workplace tension

Communication - 6 Hours
Mathematics - 3 Hours
Life and Physical Sciences - 6 Hours
Language, Philosophy and Culture - 3 Hours
Creative Arts - 3 Hours
American History - 6 Hours
Government/Political Science - 6 Hours
Social/Behavioral Sciences - 3 Hours
Component Area Options - 6 Hours

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks

42 hours of technical or academic credit taken as part of completed AAS degree.

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