Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Online

Gear up to promote ethical principles, improve the justice system, and advance the scientific basis of criminal justice practices.

Apply by: 10/5/25
Start class: 10/27/25
Apply Now Request Information
Overview+

Overview

Prepare for a dynamic career with a bachelor’s in criminal justice

$ Total Tuition
As few as Variable Duration
120 Credit Hours

Customize the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program to fit your career goals. With electives in law enforcement, courts/law, corrections, juvenile justice, and social justice, this criminal justice bachelor’s degree online program covers an array of topics led by a diverse faculty.

Take advantage of the field experience portion of this flexible program to integrate theory and practice in a professional setting. Online curriculum includes forensic anthropology, civil liberties, constitutional law, diversity law, human rights, and more to prepare you for law school or a career in law enforcement, social work, victim advocacy, corrections, counterterrorism, or security.

UW-Parkside is ranked #1 in the state among the “Top Schools Supporting Careers in Criminal Justice & Corrections” by CorrectionalOfficer.org.

In this online B.A. in Criminal Justice program, you will learn to:

  • Apply criminal justice concepts and criminological theories
  • Articulate methods and strategies to improve the justice system
  • Identify and evaluate research needs and priorities of justice agencies
  • Exercise reasoned judgment to advance the scientific basis of criminal justice practices, policies and procedures, including ethical evaluation of evidence
  • Promote ethical principles and practices that emphasize both social and personal responsibility
  • Reflect the values that are the underpinnings of criminal justice as an academic discipline
In this online B.A. in Criminal Justice program, you will learn to:+
  • Apply criminal justice concepts and criminological theories
  • Articulate methods and strategies to improve the justice system
  • Identify and evaluate research needs and priorities of justice agencies
  • Exercise reasoned judgment to advance the scientific basis of criminal justice practices, policies and procedures, including ethical evaluation of evidence
  • Promote ethical principles and practices that emphasize both social and personal responsibility
  • Reflect the values that are the underpinnings of criminal justice as an academic discipline

As a graduate, you will be prepared for a variety of careers, including:

  • FBI Agent
  • Police Officer
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • DNR Ranger
  • TSA Officer
  • Game Warden
  • Correctional Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Juvenile Case Manager
As a graduate, you will be prepared for a variety of careers, including:+
  • FBI Agent
  • Police Officer
  • Crime Scene Investigator
  • DNR Ranger
  • TSA Officer
  • Game Warden
  • Correctional Officer
  • Probation Officer
  • Juvenile Case Manager

Also available:

The University of Wisconsin-Parkside offers a variety of undergraduate programs. Learn about our other online bachelor’s degree programs.

$425 Per Credit Hour
Up to 90 hours Transfer Credits
120 Credit Hours

UW-Parkside is ranked #1 in the state among the “Top Schools Supporting Careers in Criminal Justice & Corrections” by CorrectionalOfficer.org.

Apply Now

Need More Information?

Call 844-492-2160

Call 844-492-2160

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Tuition+

Tuition

Earn your degree with pay-by-the-course tuition

Tuition for the online B.A. in Criminal Justice program is the same for in-state and out-of-state students. All fees are included. Tuition may be subject to change on a yearly basis.

View additional tuition information +

Per Credit Hour Per Course
$425 $1,275
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Tuition breakdown:

$425 Per Credit Hour
Calendar+

Calendar

Important dates in our academic calendar

The B.A. in Criminal Justice online program is delivered in an online format ideal for working adults, conveniently featuring multiple start dates each year. Choose the start date that best suits your goals.

View full calendar  + 

TermStart DateApp DeadlineDocument DeadlineRegistration DeadlineTuition DeadlineClass End DateTerm Length
Fall II10/27/2510/5/2510/5/2510/15/2510/30/2512/12/257 weeks
Spring I2/2/261/11/261/11/261/21/262/5/263/20/267 weeks
Spring II3/30/263/8/263/8/263/18/264/2/265/15/267 weeks
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Now enrolling:

10/5/25 Apply Date
10/27/25 Class Starts

Have questions or need more information about our online programs?

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

Apply Now
Admissions+

Admissions

Here’s how to apply to the online bachelor’s in criminal justice program

For admission into the B.A. in Criminal Justice you must provide transcripts from all institutions previously attended as well as meet the requirements below.

Admission Requirements:

  • High school diploma or equivalency
  • All official transcripts
  • No fee to apply
View all admission requirements +

Freshmen

  • GPA 2.2 on a 4.0 scale unweighted
  • High School transcript or equivalent or all college transcripts for completed college-level course(s)

Transfer Student (12+ transferable credits)

  • GPA 2.0 or higher for transferable credit
  • Proof of High School Diploma or GED if the student does not already hold an AA/AS and official transcripts from all institutions of higher education previously attended
  • Science credit within seven years. If the foreign language requirement is completed with high school course work, provide high school transcripts (not needed for admissions, completion requirement).

International Student

  • GPA 2.0
  • Official transcripts in English translation documenting completion of secondary school and attendance at all other institutions of higher education (if applicable)
  • Transcripts must be submitted to a professional evaluation service that is recognized through NACES (naces.org). Education Credentials Evaluators, Inc. (ECE) and World Education Services (WES) are recommended. An additional fee will be charged by the evaluation service.
  • Transfer students require a course-by-course evaluation. Freshman student evaluation does not need to be course by course. The evaluation cannot be more than five years old.
  • Proof of English Proficiency: (if education was not conducted in English)
    • TOEFL, 71 (internet based)
    • IELTS, 6.0
    • ACT English subscore, 23 or higher
    • DuoLingo, 100 or higher
    • Pearsons, 45 or higher

Official transcripts from high schools or all institutions of higher education previously attended or GED/HSED scores should be mailed directly from the institution(s) to UW-Parkside at this address:

Admissions Office

University of Wisconsin-Parkside

900 Wood Road

Kenosha, WI 53144

Official transcripts sent directly from issuing institution(s) are also accepted electronically by selecting UW-Parkside as the receiving institution and/or providing [email protected] as the email address.

Applicants are also strongly encouraged to upload a copy of their unofficial transcripts and a current resume at the time of application at: https://your.uwp.edu/register/appdocs.

Have a question? Call us at 844-492-2160.

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Courses+

Courses

Investigate course work for the B.A. in Criminal Justice

The B.A. in Criminal Justice online curriculum is comprised of 120 credit hours, including 27 credit hours of core courses, 15 credit hours of upper-level electives, 52-55 credit hours of concentration courses, and 52-55 credit hours of general university degree requirements.

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This 42-credit major includes a core of 27 credits of criminal justice courses and 15 credits of upper-level electives. At least 15 credits of upper-level courses in the major must be completed at UW-Parkside. 

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces agencies and processes involved in the criminal justice system: law enforcement, the courts, corrections and juvenile justice. Analyzes the roles and problems within criminal justice agencies in a democratic society. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers methods, philosophy and sources of criminal justice research. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines past and current theory and research including crime as a consequence of social, economic, political, and personal factors. Includes critique of approaches to prevention and correction. Cross-listed with: SOCA 233. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or SOCA 101 or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers conceptions of juvenile delinquency; the offender in the juvenile justice system; the philosophy, structure and function of juvenile courts; the philosophy, development, and organization of diversion, detention and treatment of the juvenile offender. Cross-listed with: SOCA 234. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or SOCA 101, or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Studies the various levels, roles and functions of law enforcement in America; evaluates the nature and responsibilities of law enforcement including police accountability and civil liability. Examines the racial, ethnic, and gender issues in law enforcement. Cross-listed with: SOCA 235. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or SOCA 101, or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the criminal justice response to family violence, including child abuse, spousal abuse, elder abuse, and date rape. Explores prevalence and extent of family violence as well as strategies for treatment and prevention. Cross-listed with: SOCA 305. Prerequisite: SOCA 101
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides a selective analysis of the constitutional amendments most relevant to criminal justice process. Designed to complement criminal law and criminal court process, it offers a comprehensive explanation of the Fourth, Fifth, Sixth, Eighth, and Fourteenth amendments; more commonly known as the criminal justice amendments. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores crime perpetrated via computers and/or other electronic means. Addresses the legal issues involved in cyber crime investigations. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101, Junior standing; or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analyzes the organization of correctional agencies and the role of corrections in the criminal justice system. Includes review of theories, practices, systems, and treatment methods. Cross-listed with: SOCA 363. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or SOCA 101.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores the intersections of race, crime and law in terms of the historical context, the present day situation and future directions. Focuses on multiple perspectives from offender to victim to criminal justice practitioner. Community-based learning designation. Cross-listed with: SOCA 365. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or SOCA 101; junior standing.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the causes and consequences of crime victimization including the history and re-emergence of the study of the victim and types and circumstances of victimization. Addresses victims' rights and the victims' rights movement. Cross-listed with: SOCA 368.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the study of violence and offers a historically grounded, multidisciplinary approach that integrates perspectives from the social sciences, humanities, and the natural and physical sciences in order to provide a comparative framework within which to understand violence.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An analysis of substantive criminal law. Included are elements of crime; crimes against person, property and public morality; complicity; and inchoate crime. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or consent of instructor.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines interrelationship among the mass media, crime and criminal justice. Covers media and the social construction of crime, crime and justice in the entertainment and news media, media as a cause of crime, and media-based anti-crime efforts. Cross-listed with: COMM 384. Prerequisites: CRMJ 101 or consent of instructor.

General Education requirements include skills requirements, and general education courses in the Humanities and Arts, Natural Science and Social and Behavioral Science. Courses are selected in consultation with an Academic Advisor.

Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers topics from college algebra (such as functions, linear, exponential and logarithmic models), statistics, and graphing. Emphasizes proportional reasoning, modeling, problem-solving and applications. Intended for students whose program does not require further coursework in pre-calculus or calculus. Four-hour lecture. Prerequisites: MATH 100 with a grade of C- or better; or appropriate placement.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops college-level competencies in writing and reading in a variety of subject and thematic contexts, emphasizing argumentation. Satisfies skills requirements in reading and writing. Prerequisites: Placement score or grade of C- or better in ENGL 100.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops professional speaking and presentation skills in live and virtual contexts. Explores methods of persuasion, argumentation, and organization in virtual and physical speaking contexts. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines art history from the prehistoric era to the present with a global perspective. Covers the application visual analysis and to understand art in its social, political and historic contexts.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores enjoyment and understanding of the art of theatre. Examines the teamwork involved to create live entertainment and the impact of theatre on society from ancient history to present day. Reviews plays and live theatrical performances. Open to all students. Requires field trip/ticket fee. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines social inequalities and injustices that influence politics, economy, education, and self image through the eyes and voices of multiple marginalized persons/groups. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Explores computer components and the principles of operation; networking, the Internet and the World Wide Web; problem solving techniques, introduction to algorithms, elementary programming concepts.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces fundamentals of geology as they relate to national parklands, including geological setting, geological features, and significance of designation. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops an understanding of the interaction of good nutrition and wellness. Focuses on nutritional strategies to maximize health including the needs and considers responses of special populations to diet. Community-based learning designation. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Investigates the patterns and processes of Earth's physical and biological systems and their influence on human behavior and distribution. Includes human impacts on climate, hydrologic cycle, and ecosystem development. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops and applies principles and models of demand and supply, consumer behavior, producer behavior, competitive and imperfectly competitive markets, and related contemporary economic policy issues. Prerequisites: MATH 104 or MATH 111 with a C- or better.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the scientific study of mind and behavior, providing coverage of the major areas of research in psychology, including thinking, social interaction, human development, the nervous systems, abnormal psychology, personality, learning, the history and applications of psychological science, and others. Prerequisites: ENGL 100 or concurrent registration.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Develops and applies principles and models of economic aggregates such as national income, unemployment, inflation, economic growth, and the monetary system and analyzes monetary and fiscal policy. Prerequisites: MATH 104 or MATH 111 with a C- or better.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines social relations, social organization, and social systems through the study of process, structure, and function. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces principles of leadership from an interdisciplinary theoretical and practical perspective. Introduces skills such as self-assessment, communication strategies, understanding group dynamics and working in coalitions, setting goals while remaining flexible, and managing conflict. Prerequisites: None.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides opportunity for analyzing and applying essential learning knowledge and skills to current work experience. Prerequisites: None. Students enrolled in UWP 294 should have a job for which they are working at least 6 hours per week.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces students to core skills for college, professional, and personal success. Explores the science and practice of human flourishing and well-being, interdisciplinary thinking, problem-solving, study skills and information literacy. Not available for students with credits in: GNED 102; GNED 104; GNED 106; UWP 111.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the international impact on the state, community and individual levels of human experience. Includes developing practical orientations toward the international experience, such as language and cultural appreciation, social and political tolerance, and environmental adaptation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Studies the individual in social contexts including person perception, attribution processes, the self, interpersonal attraction, attitude formation, aggression, prosocial behavior and social influence.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces individual and group behavior in organizations and to organizational theory. Includes motivation, communication, stress, leadership decision-making, organizational processes and structures, and interactions between organizations and external environments.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Writing instruction with an emphasis on presenting written and oral reports and interpreting technical writing. Prerequisites: ENGL 101 with a grade of C- or better.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the role of communication in organizational settings. Includes organizational communication theories and elements, as well as contemporary organizational systems and their functioning.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines approaches to understanding, transforming, and resolving conflicts. Includes case studies at the interpersonal, organizational, community, cultural, and international levels.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides a background in personal skills essential for effective project management, including general intelligence; emotional intelligence; groups and teams; project leadership; stress; ethics; and communication.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Provides opportunity for directed field experience, focusing on applying scholarly concepts to the workplace. Specific arrangements to be made in consultation with advisor. Maximum of 6 credits may be applied to the major.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers theories, concepts, and research pertaining to human development throughout the lifespan including biological, cognitive, emotional and social development
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Covers theory and research of human cognitive processes including perception, attention, visual cognition, learning, memory, language, decision making, problem solving, intelligence, and social cognition.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines managing employees to maximize job performance, including employee training and development as well as performance management. Applies a systems approach to design, implementation, and evaluation of the processes. SEG or CBL project component expected. Community-based learning designation.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the formation and dynamics of ethnic and race relations in the United States and their social consequences in terms of marginalizing people and the unfair distribution of their life chances. Fulfills Ethnic Diversity Requirement. Cross-listed with: ETHN 206. Prerequisites: ANTH 100 or SOCA 101.
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines mental illness as a social role/social label is examined in terms of institutional and sociocultural factors. Prerequisite: SOCA 101
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