Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online

Complete your degree. Expand your impact.
Lamar University’s online B.S. in Criminal Justice is designed for working professionals and future practitioners who want to finish their degree and move forward in law enforcement or related fields. With flexible online coursework, transfer-friendly policies, and built-in academic support, this program helps you gain both practical skills and career momentum to advance into investigative, administrative, and supervisory roles.
Home » Online Programs » Undergraduate » Bachelor Science » Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Program Overview
Achieve your career goals with an online BS in Criminal Justice:
Lamar University’s online B.S. in Criminal Justice equips students with a strong foundation in criminal justice theory and practice, preparing graduates to succeed in a variety of law enforcement and criminal justice careers. Our accelerated online format makes it possible to transfer eligible work experience and training into academic credit, reducing both time to graduation and overall cost.
This program provides a strong foundation in criminal justice theory, investigative methods, and legal frameworks, preparing you for entry-level and advancing roles across law enforcement, corrections, security, and legal support. You’ll also open doors to graduate study and career specialization in growing fields like cybercrime, homeland security, and criminal law.
In this program, you will learn:
- Crime prevention
- Structure of the American court system
- Organization of law enforcement systems
- Ethical issues confronting criminal justice professionals
- Crime prevention
- Structure of the American court system
- Organization of law enforcement systems
- Ethical issues confronting criminal justice professionals
Career outcomes for the online BS in Criminal Justice include:
- Corrections Officer
- Cybercrime Analyst
- Detective/Criminal Investigator
- Federal Agent (ATF, DEA, FBI)
- Foundations for a law career (preparation for admission to law school)
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Paralegal
- Police Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Security/Defense Intelligence Analyst
- Corrections Officer
- Cybercrime Analyst
- Detective/Criminal Investigator
- Federal Agent (ATF, DEA, FBI)
- Foundations for a law career (preparation for admission to law school)
- Loss Prevention Specialist
- Paralegal
- Police Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Security/Defense Intelligence Analyst
Career outlook for graduates of online BS in Criminal Justice:
- Strong regional labor market: Texas leads the country in unique job postings seeking criminal justice graduates
- Rising labor market demand for roles requiring specialized law enforcement skills, including forensic psychology, homeland security, and defense intelligence analysis.
- Compared a high school diploma or GED, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice opens doors to significantly expanded career opportunities across law enforcement and related fields, including potential education incentive pay and faster promotion into detective, supervisory, and specialized roles
(Data per U.S. Department of Labor, 2025
- Strong regional labor market: Texas leads the country in unique job postings seeking criminal justice graduates
- Rising labor market demand for roles requiring specialized law enforcement skills, including forensic psychology, homeland security, and defense intelligence analysis.
- Compared a high school diploma or GED, earning a B.S. in Criminal Justice opens doors to significantly expanded career opportunities across law enforcement and related fields, including potential education incentive pay and faster promotion into detective, supervisory, and specialized roles
(Data per U.S. Department of Labor, 2025
Also available:
Lamar University offers a variety of specialized bachelor’s program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.
*Price includes distance learning fee.
Tuition
Discover the value of our low-cost tuition
The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course, regardless if you’re in Texas or located elsewhere nationwide!
Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
---|---|---|
BSCJ | $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.
- Exemption for Peace Officers Enrolled in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Courses. The Peace Officer Tuition Exemption Program covers tuition and lab fees for eligible courses. Note that courses not directly related to law enforcement or criminal justice are not eligible for reimbursement, although they may be required for degree completion. Proof of employment as a paid officer must be provided to the Office of Student Financial Aid. For more information, see Criminal Justice Program FAQs.
Tuition breakdown:
Admissions
Read the online admission criteria for the bachelor’s in criminal justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcripts
- 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.
- Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
- Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program.
High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen – even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.
Incoming freshmen must do the following to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:
Students transferring from other Lamar University programs into a College of Business program must have a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and, if applicable, a minimum 2.0 GPA in business courses.
Students transferring from other colleges or universities into a College of Business program must:
Send all required documents to:
Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710
OR
Submit electronically to [email protected]
All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Send transcripts to: Lamar University, P.O. Box 10017, Beaumont, Texas 77710
Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.

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Take a look at the online curriculum for the B.S. in Criminal Justice program
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program provides certified peace officers the opportunity to transfer up to nine academic credits gained during their officer training toward their degree. Additionally Texas municipal, county or state peace officers may be eligible for the Peace Officer Tuition Exemption. Call an enrollment specialist for details.
Students will work with their advisor on 36 credit hours of the below
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
**120 credit hours: 42 core curriculum, 27 lower level electives, 45 advanced electives.
Calendar
Add these important dates for our students
Our online B.S. in Criminal Justice program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.
8 week courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2 | 10/13/25 | 9/22/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/7/25 | 12/10/25 |
Spring I | 1/20/26 | 12/30/25 | 1/6/26 | 1/13/26 | 3/13/26 |
Spring II | 3/16/26 | 2/23/26 | 3/2/26 | 3/10/26 | 5/6/26 |
Summer I | 5/26/26 | 5/5/26 | 5/12/26 | 5/19/26 | 6/30/26 |
Fall 1 | 8/20/26 | 7/30/26 | 8/6/26 | ||
Fall 2 | 10/12/26 | 9/21/26 | 9/28/26 |
Now enrolling:
Have questions or need more information about our online programs?
Ready to take the rewarding path toward earning your degree online?
Admissions
Read the online admission criteria for the bachelor’s in criminal justice
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program has specific requirements that applicants must meet to enroll. Please read the admission guidelines to ensure you qualify.
Admission Requirements:
- Online Application
- Official Transcripts
- 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.
- Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
- Verify specific requirements associated with chosen degree program.
High school graduates who have not attended college before are considered entering freshmen – even if they received college credit while in high school through dual credit, AP or IB programs. Transfer students with fewer than 18 hours of college credit also must meet admission requirements for entering freshmen.
Incoming freshmen must do the following to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:
Students transferring from other Lamar University programs into a College of Business program must have a minimum overall 2.0 grade point average (GPA) and, if applicable, a minimum 2.0 GPA in business courses.
Students transferring from other colleges or universities into a College of Business program must:
Send all required documents to:
Lamar University Online Admissions
PO Box 10017
Beaumont, TX 77710
OR
Submit electronically to [email protected]
All applicants must submit official, sealed transcripts from each institution attended to the Admissions Office. All degrees must be from a regionally accredited institution. Send transcripts to: Lamar University, P.O. Box 10017, Beaumont, Texas 77710
Check to see if the program is offered to residents in your state before applying by clicking here.
Tuition
Discover the value of our low-cost tuition
The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online. Our tuition is affordable and can be paid by the course, regardless if you’re in Texas or located elsewhere nationwide!
Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course |
---|---|---|
BSCJ | $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.
- Exemption for Peace Officers Enrolled in Law Enforcement or Criminal Justice Courses. The Peace Officer Tuition Exemption Program covers tuition and lab fees for eligible courses. Note that courses not directly related to law enforcement or criminal justice are not eligible for reimbursement, although they may be required for degree completion. Proof of employment as a paid officer must be provided to the Office of Student Financial Aid. For more information, see Criminal Justice Program FAQs.
Tuition breakdown:

My teaching career began in 2013 as a result of a last minute phone call from a friend at the University. I thought I would do it for one semester, but I fell in love with teaching and the interaction with all of the students.
Melissa Baldo, Lamar University Faculty
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You can't learn without hard work anymore than I can improve my physique without physical effort.
Lynn Godkin, Lamar University Faculty
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As a professional in the field, I realized there was a need for advocacy in our profession for underrepresented college student groups. I wanted to teach other counselors how to be advocates for those who may not feel they have a voice.
Melissa Wheeler, Lamar University Faculty
View Melissa Wheeler's profile »Calendar
Add these important dates for our students
Our online B.S. in Criminal Justice program features multiple start dates to accommodate your busy schedule. Find the start date that works best for you and apply before the application deadline associated with it.
8 week courses | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Payment Due | Last Class Day |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Fall 2 | 10/13/25 | 9/22/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/7/25 | 12/10/25 |
Spring I | 1/20/26 | 12/30/25 | 1/6/26 | 1/13/26 | 3/13/26 |
Spring II | 3/16/26 | 2/23/26 | 3/2/26 | 3/10/26 | 5/6/26 |
Summer I | 5/26/26 | 5/5/26 | 5/12/26 | 5/19/26 | 6/30/26 |
Fall 1 | 8/20/26 | 7/30/26 | 8/6/26 | ||
Fall 2 | 10/12/26 | 9/21/26 | 9/28/26 |
Now enrolling:
Courses
Take a look at the online curriculum for the B.S. in Criminal Justice program
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program provides certified peace officers the opportunity to transfer up to nine academic credits gained during their officer training toward their degree. Additionally Texas municipal, county or state peace officers may be eligible for the Peace Officer Tuition Exemption. Call an enrollment specialist for details.
Students will work with their advisor on 36 credit hours of the below
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
**120 credit hours: 42 core curriculum, 27 lower level electives, 45 advanced electives.
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Or call 866-223-7675
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