Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online

This online degree program is designed to help law enforcement professionals complete their degrees quickly by offering accelerated courses and Police Training Academy credit (known as TCOLE credit) for academic credit. As a graduate of this program, your future career paths include law enforcement administration, national security, forensics and law.

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Start Date:

12/21/22
1/17/23
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Program Overview

Consider the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program

Lamar Online Degree Tuition Cost
$296**
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours
Transfer Credits
Degree Credit Hours Required
120*
Credit Hours

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program from LU is designed to help law enforcement professionals complete their degrees quickly by offering accelerated courses and providing opportunities to transfer work experience and training as academic credit. As a graduate of this program, your future career paths include law enforcement administration, national security, forensics and law.

You will gain real-life, hands-on experience, as multiple internship opportunities, throughout the online criminal justice bachelor's degree program. We also strive to provide you with individualized academic support throughout the entire degree program to ensure your successful degree completion and to fully prepare you for the law enforcement career you choose.

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

Career Options:

  • Law enforcement
  • Court systems
  • Corrections
  • Local and federal agencies

Also Available

Lamar University offers a variety of specialized bachelor’s program options. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.

"Top Ten Reasons to Enroll in Online Undergraduate Programs"

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Tuition

Discover the value of our low-cost tuition

The following is the tuition breakdown for students pursuing Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Our tuition is affordable, and can be paid by the course.

$296 Per Credit Hour. Price includes distance learning fee.

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.

"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, J.D. — Instructor

Read More »

Calendar

Add these important dates for our students

Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online 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.

Upcoming Start Dates:

Apply by:12/21/22
Start Class:1/17/23
View full calendar

8 week courses Program Start Date Application Deadline Document Deadline Payment Due Last Class Day
Fall 2 10/19/2022 09/28/2022 10/05/2022 10/10/2022 12/06/2022
Spring I 01/17/2023 12/21/2022 01/03/2023 01/09/2023 03/07/2023
Spring II 03/08/2023 02/15/2023 02/22/2023 02/27/2023 05/02/2023

Ready to take the next step toward earning your degree online?
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Admissions

Read about our admissions criteria for this criminal justice degree

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.

Online Application

Submit your application and one-time $25 application fee online.

Official Transcripts

Official Transcripts*

Submit transcripts from all colleges/universities you have attended.

View Admission Requirements
  • 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 three things to qualify for unconditional admission to Lamar University:

  • Receive a diploma from an accredited high school
  • Complete at least 14 high school credits in college preparatory courses: 4 credits in English, 3 credits in mathematics, 2 credits in laboratory sciences, 2.5 credits in social sciences (U.S. history, U.S. government, and world history or world geography) and 2.5 credits in college preparatory electives (preferably including 2 credits of foreign language)
  • Meet the test-optional admission criteria, or achieve a minimum composite score on the ACT or SAT through the secondary review criteria. (Click here for criteria)

    • 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:

  • Have an official copy of all college and/or university transcripts on file by application deadline.
  • Be eligible to re-enter all colleges and/or universities previously attended.
  • Have a cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 on a 4.0 scale for all work attempted.
  • Students who transfer fewer than 18 hours must also submit and meet the entrance credentials and requirements of a first-time college student

    • Send all required documents to:

    Lamar University Online Admissions
    PO Box 10017
    Beaumont, TX 77710

    OR

    Submit electronically to [email protected]

    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.

    Expand All

    Students will work with their advisor on 36 credit hours of the below

    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    History and philosophy of criminal justice and ethical considerations; crime defined; its nature and impact; overview of criminal justice system; law enforcement; court system; prosecution and defense; trial process; corrections.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The judiciary in the criminal justice system; structure of the American court system; prosecution; right to counsel; pre-trial release; grand juries; adjudication process; types and rules of evidence; sentencing.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Corrections in the criminal justice system; organization of correctional systems; correctional role; institutional operations; alternatives to institutionalization; treatment and rehabilitation; current and future issues.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Investigative theory; collection and preservation of evidence; sources of information; interview and interrogation; sues of forensic sciences, case and trail preparation.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The police profession; organization of law enforcement systems; the police role; police discretion; ethics; police-community interaction; current and future issues.
    Duration: 8 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.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    An examination of selected ethical issues and problems confronting criminal justice professionals.
    Duration: 8 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.
    Duration: 8 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.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    In-depth overview of current and comprehensive perspectives that investigate major topics, theories, and controversies within the field of criminal violence and victimization. Types of violence from a historical and empirical perspective are introduced and used to identify and delineate patterns, causes, and prevention of violent behavior. Social structure and culture are linked to violence and examined in the context of individuals, groups and societies. Emphasis is placed on the social control of violence.
    Duration: 8 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
    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.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A focal study of jails and prisons. Topics include inmate management, jail administration, prison gangs, emergency procedures, correctional design, and special populations. Low, medium, high, and supermax prisons will be examined.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Advanced analysis of major contemporary police problems from various perspectives. Examination of current issues in policing.

    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: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Basic forms of expository writing. Frequent themes. Collateral reading in articles and essays of a factual and informative type.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Application of the fundamentals of speech production to the needs of the professional person. For non-communication majors only.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The application of common algebraic functions, including polynomial, exponential, logarithmic and rational, to business, economics and the social sciences are addressed. The applications include mathematics of finance, including simple and compound interest and annuities; systems of linear equations; matrices; linear programming and probability, including simple value. Prerequisites: TSI complete or TSI exempt. Students with a TSI score of 336 or higher, or with a S in MATH 0370 may take this course with co-requisite course MATH 0224. Students who are registered for MATH 1324 and MATH 0224 are not allowed to drop these courses due to the state's TSI compliance requirements.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    An introduction to contemporary environmental issues and human interactions with ecosystems. Not to be used as a biology major course.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Survey of elementary inorganic/organic chemistry and gas laws for allied health science majors. Prerequisites: (High school chemistry or CHEM 1375 with a grade of "C" or better) and (Mathematics Readiness Score>= 700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a "C" or better).
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Elementary survey of structure, function and metabolic processes of molecules in organisms. Designed for students majoring in health sciences. Prerequisites: CHEM 1306, CHEM 1106. Offered: Summer
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Algebra-based review of chemical laws and theory for science, engineering and preprofessional majors. Prerequisites: Mathematics Readiness Score >=700 or MATH 1314 or higher with a C or better
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A continuation of CHEM 1311. Theories of solutions, equilibrium, thermodynamics and kinetics. Prerequisites: CHEM 1311 and CHEM 1111 both with a C or better.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This course is an introduction to the relationship between human activities, geologic resources and processes and environmental quality. Topics include the relationship between human populations and geologic hazards, as well as how human activities may increase the chances of geologic hazards occurring. Emphasis will be from the geologic perspective, but will include all basic sciences. Field trips are an integral part of this course. Offered: Fall, Spring
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    This course is intended to provide a basic understanding of many aspects of space exploration, including discovering the physical make-up of the universe and evidence surrounding its origin, learning the discoveries made in the solar system and evidence surrounding its origin. This course in addition to lecture material will include a class project to assess teamwork skills.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A close reading of related themes, authors or periods and/or a close viewing of films with related themes or makers. The course will focus on literature, the arts, politics, philosophy or culture. It will not take the place of other 2000 level courses that require ENGL 1301 and 1302. It will not take the place of ENGL 1302. It is intended for students who do not take 6 hours of composition. Course may be repeated when content varies. Pre-requisite: English 1301.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A historical examination of theories and principles of social and personal conduct ranging from Plato and Aristotle to Mill and Nietzsche. Applications to current issues. Prerequisite: ENGL 1301 Offered: Fall, Spring.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    An introductory course emphasizing the understanding and appreciation of visual arts (painting, sculpture, and architecture).
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A survey of the field of film with emphasis on current trends in cinema, past and present directors, and the historical development of film. Satisfies the Fine Arts core curriculum requirement.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The synthesis of computer games with a focus on the artistic elements of games, including graphics, animation, audio and narrative.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A survey of the art of dance and its role in world cultures, history and current issues. This course satisfies the fine arts core for non-dance majors. Offered: Fall, Spring, Summer
    Duration: 15 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Survey of music for non-music students. Covers the major style periods from the Renaissance to the present with emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. Requires attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A survey of the development and history of Jazz as a musical form from its origina in earlier styles to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor specified recitals or concerts.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    A survey of the development and history of Rock Music from its origins in earlier styles up to the present. Covers the major styles and musicians with an emphasis on the development of basic listening skills and critical thinking. May require attendance at instructor-specified recitals or concerts. No Prerequisites.
    Duration: 15 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    United States history from the revolutionary period through reconstruction.
    Duration: 15 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    United States history from the post-reconstruction period to the present.
    Duration: 15 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Texas history from the beginning to the present time.
    Duration: 15 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The national and Texas constitutions; federalism; political socialization and participation; public opinion and interest groups; parties, voting, and elections.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    The legislative, executive, and judicial branches and the bureaucracy; policy formulation and implementation including civil rights and civil liberties, domestic and foreign policies.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Emphasizes monetary theory; national income analysis; fluctuation and growth; public finance; international trade; and current economic problems.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Introduction to economic principles; allocation of resources; determination of output and prices; distribution; and managerial economics.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Forms of expository and analytical writing. Topics from composition suggested from wide reading in at least two of the three genres: prose fiction, poetry, and drama. Research paper required.
    Duration: 8 weeks
    Credit Hours: 3
    Introduction to the quantitative methods of analysis as applied to business problems. Topics of study include collection of data, statistical description, probability theory, probability distribution, sampling theory, estimation of parameters and testing hypothesis. Prerequisite: MATH 1325 or MATH 1324.

    *120 credit hours: 42 core curriculum, 27 lower level electives, 45 advanced electives.

    **Price includes distance learning fee.

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