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:

1/4/22
1/18/22
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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

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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:1/4/22
Start Class:1/18/22
View full calendar

8 week courses Program Start Date Application Deadline Document Deadline Payment Due Last Class Day
Spring I 01/18/2022 01/04/2022 01/11/2022 01/10/2022 03/11/2022
Spring II 03/21/2022 02/28/2022 03/07/2022 03/14/2022 05/10/2022
Summer I 05/31/2022 05/09/2022 05/16/2022 05/23/2022 07/06/2022
Fall 1 08/16/2022 07/26/2022 08/02/2022 08/09/2022 10/10/2022

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.

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

    **Price includes distance learning fee.

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