Criminal Justice
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- Program developed for next generation law enforcement and human services leaders
- Comprehensive education to prepare students for law enforcement leadership
- 100% online
Program Details
- Next Start Date
- January 21st
- Est. Program Length
- 2-4 years
- Course Length
- 8 weeks
- Cost per Credit
- $321.80*
- Credit Hours
- 120
- Credits Accepted
- 90
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
Request InfoComprehensive Law Enforcement Training for Career Advancement
Gain the hands-on training necessary for in-demand law enforcement and human services careers with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from East Central University Online. Developed for the next generation of law enforcement and human services leaders, this bachelor’s degree examines relevant, real-world issues to help you build a strong understanding of what it takes to lead successfully.
The program is designed to prepare you for the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) certification. Students who live near campus may also participate in the Collegiate Officer Program (COPs) to build a strong background for the law enforcement career they want.* ECU also grants full-time certified law enforcement professionals credit from CLEET training.
Courses for the online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree are delivered in 8-week sessions through an interactive online classroom and are taught by educators with years of experience in the field. The degree offers five start dates each year, flexible schedule options and online access to all coursework. Begin your degree on your time and complete your education at a pace that works for your personal schedule.
*The Collegiate Officer Program (COPs) is a six-week, immersive internship offered to online students who live near campus and seek theoretical and practical preparation for a career in law enforcement. The purpose of COPs is to provide students with an opportunity to complete the State of Oklahoma peace office certification through a Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) approved curriculum in conjunction with the completion of bachelor’s degree requirements.
Topics of Study
The curriculum explores current law enforcement issues and diverse aspects of the criminal justice system to ensure you graduate with the broad knowledge necessary for the law enforcement or human services position you want.
You’ll study topics like:
- Police function
- Criminal investigation methods
- Legal aspects of criminal justice
- Criminal behavior theory
- Correctional institutions
- Rural criminal justice
- Criminal justice in Indian Country
- Causes of crime
- Society’s reaction to crime
Learning Outcomes
By the time you graduate, you will be able to:
- Completely understand the causes of crime and society’s reaction to crime, and utilize this understanding to prevent criminal activity.
- Demonstrate a thorough understanding of the police function and carry out criminal investigations effectively.
- Respond to a variety of crimes fast and efficiently to ensure those involved are safe.
- Secure crime scenes and collect criminal evidence properly to prevent potential contamination.
- Practice effective leadership techniques in diverse law enforcement settings to ensure officers are safe and protected while serving the community.
Courses & Requirements
The online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree requires a total of 120 credit hours. Students must take 40 credit hours in general education, 18 credit hours of core courses, 12 credit hours of internship work, 6 credit hours of related work, 24 credit hours of required electives and 26 credit hours of general electives.
Full-time certified law enforcement professionals credit for training will be accepted, specifically based on the courses outlined below. These courses are mandatory for our students to attain certification from CLEET (Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training). The material and skills requirements taught by CLEET align with those necessary for police officers to obtain certification upon completing the 16-week state academy. Considering the cumulative duration of these courses, it would be equitable to award students 27 hours towards their CLEET certification.
CLEET training courses awarded – 27 hours toward (CRJS 2453, CRJS 3423, CRJS 4293, CRJS 4333, CRJS 4343, CJRS P4946, CRJS P49f6)
A maximum of 12 hours may be counted in both the major/related work and general education.
Core Courses (18 credit hours)
- CRJS 2233
- CRJS 2253
- CRJS 2353
- CRJS 3333
- CRJS 3423
- CRJS 4293
- CRJS 4473
Introduction to Criminal Justice
3 Credits
An overview of the criminal justice system, to include police, courts, and corrections as they pertain to both adults and juveniles. An understanding of the participants, and their roles, in accomplishing the missions of the criminal justice system.
Adult Correctional Systems
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the Adult Correctional system, both in Oklahoma and on a nationwide basis. The course will provide the student with information regarding the entire field of Adult Corrections.
Juvenile Justice System
3 Credits
This course is designed to provide an understanding of the Juvenile Justice System, both in Oklahoma and on a national basis. The major areas explored will be diversion and treatment goals.
Criminal Behavior
3 Credits
An overview of the criminal justice system, to include police, courts, and corrections as they pertain to both adults and juveniles. An understanding of the participants, and their roles, in accomplishing the missions of the criminal justice system.
Introduction to Law Enforcement
3 Credits
Prereq. or Coreq.: 2233. An in-depth study of Oklahoma’s substantive and procedural criminal laws related to the regulation of the criminal justice system.
Police Administration
3 Credits
Prereq or Coreq: 2233. A comparative survey and analysis of administrative philosophy, problems, procedures, organizations, contemporary human resources trends (i.e., recruitment selection, A.D.A., E.E.O.C., Affirmative Action, diversity) for effective agency organization.
Legal Aspects of the Criminal Justice Process
3 Credits
An in depth study of the constitutional basis for law in the U.S. The course will examine the relationship of the judicial process and constitutional law to criminal justice practice. Special emphasis will be placed on case decisions.
Internship (12 credit hours)
- CRJS 4946
Internship – Criminal Justice
12 Credits
(No Description)
OR
- CRJS 4946
Internship – COPs*
12 Credits
The Collegiate Officer Program (COPs) is a six-week, immersive internship offered to online students who live near campus and seek theoretical and practical preparation for a career in law enforcement. The purpose of COPs is to provide students with an opportunity to complete the State of Oklahoma peace office certification through a Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) approved curriculum in conjunction with the completion of bachelor’s degree requirements.
Required Electives (24 credit hours)
Select from the following:
- CRJS 2423
- CRJS 2453
- CRJS 3643
- CRJS 4333
- CRJS 4343
- CRJS 4623
- CRJS 4981-4
- HURES 2083
- HURES 2103
- HURES 3183
- HURES 3763
- KIN 2273
Introduction to Law Enforcement
3 Credits
An in-depth study of Oklahoma’s substantive and procedural criminal laws related to the regulation of the criminal justice system.
The Police Function
3 Credits
Prereq or Coreq: 2233. Police systems established in America and abroad; functions and activities; division and subdivisions with responsibilities of each. Special emphasis is placed on constitutional rights, rules, principles and concepts governing arrest, search, and seizure.
Criminal Justice Issues
3 Credits
Focus on contemporary issues concerning the philosophy, management and operations of criminal justice agencies. The scope and direction of this course is determined by the instructor.
Criminal Investigation I
3 Credits
Prereq. or Coreq: 2423. Introduction to the fundamentals of criminal investigation, including theory and history, conduct at crime scenes, collection and preservation of evidence.
Criminal Investigation II
3 Credits
Prereq.: 4333. Advanced techniques in criminal investigations including forensic examinations of crime scenes and trace evidence. Police responses to crime will include fingerprint lifting and preservation of evidence, as well as methods of identifying perpetrators.
Interrogation Techniques
3 Credits
Prereq or Coreq: 2423. This course is in compliance with the Council on Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) requirements, and is constructed specifically for law enforcement officers. The focus of this course is to prepare for and to conduct interviews and interrogations incorporating non-verbal kinetics (body language) techniques, grammatical clues to indicate deception, verbal behavior analysis, and evasive verbal responses during interviews and interrogations.
Seminar in Criminal Justice
1-4 Credits
Prereq: Departmental approval. Directed group study on special subject or problem.
Human Behavior and Social Environment I
3 Credits
Prereq: For Social Work Majors, SOC 1113, PSYCH 1113 and BIOL 1114. Theoretical frameworks drawn from the biological, social, and behavioral sciences for understanding across the life span and the range of social systems in which people live; and the ways social systems promote or deter achievement of health and well-being. Explored is the impact of factors including ethnicity, race, class, age, gender, sexual orientation, disability, and culture on human development and behavior.
Interviewing Techniques
3 Credits
Introductory course in Human Resources. This course is designed to aid the student in developing basic communication interviewing skills used in the various Human Service fields. The course will familiarize the student with communication theory as well as the stages, planning, and styles of interviewing.
Case Management Practice
3 Credits
Prereq.: 2103 and an introductory course in Human Resources or departmental approval. A study and practice of case management and knowledge and skills for effective case management. Areas of emphasis include: identification and assessment of client situations, use of formal and informal assessment techniques, case recording skills, and development of individualized assessments and case plans.
Group Processes and Practice
3 Credits
Prereq: 2103 or departmental approval. A study of the nature and purpose of various types of groups, techniques of group facilitation and direction, and the roles of participant and leader in various practice settings. Includes experiential component designed to expose students to group process.
First Aid
3 Credits
Immediate and temporary treatment for accidental injuries, sudden illness, traumatic shock and thermal burns. Major emphasis is placed on CPR, artificial respiration, transporting injured persons from one location to another, immobilization of suspected fractures and poison control. Also included, mental health considerations as related to sickness, injury and stress management.
Related Work (6 credit hours)
- PSYCH 1113
- SOC 1113
General Psychology
3 Credits
A survey of the major areas in psychology including motivation, perception, learning, memory and cognition, physiology, personality, social psychology, and abnormal behavior and treatment. (NOTE: This course satisfies gen ed requirements and must be completed prior to enrollment in HURES 2083 Human Behav and Soc Env I and HURES 2103 Interviewing Techniques.)
Introduction to Sociology
3 Credits
A general survey of the field of sociology; the origin and development of social institutions; social processes. (NOTE: This course satisfies gen ed requirements and must be completed prior to enrollment in HURES 2083 Human Behav and Soc Env I and HURES 2103 Interviewing Techniques.)
Students must complete 26 credit hours of approved elective courses.
*The Collegiate Officer Program (COPs) is a six-week, immersive internship offered to online students who live near campus and seek theoretical and practical preparation for a career in law enforcement. The purpose of COPs is to provide students with an opportunity to complete the State of Oklahoma peace office certification through a Council of Law Enforcement Education and Training (CLEET) approved curriculum in conjunction with the completion of bachelor’s degree requirements.
Admission Requirements
To be accepted into the ECU Online B.A. in Criminal Justice program, you must meet the following criteria:
- All transfer students must have completed at least 24 college credits with a retention grade-point average of 2.0 or higher to meet transfer admission criteria. Transfer students with fewer credits will be required to submit their high school transcript and ACT or SAT scores for consideration.
How to Apply
To apply, you must submit the following materials:
- Online application
- Official high school transcript or college transcript from an accredited institution
- ACT/SAT scores
Have a question about this program or the admission process? Get connected to one of our knowledgeable enrollment counselors.
Costs & Financial Aid
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Total |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 120 credit hours | $321.80* | $38,616.00 |
| Total with transfer credits (up to 90)** | $9,654.00 | ||
*Price reflects tuition for Oklahoma residents. Non-resident tuition is $638.80 per credit hour. There is a non-resident tuition waiver available if certain requirements are met. Speak to an enrollment counselor for more information. An additional semester fee of $89 will apply for all students and possible charges for course related fees.
**Note: Transfer students must have completed at least 24 credit hours.
Fees and tuition subject to change.
Financial Aid
At ECU Online, we strive to ensure your education is as affordable as possible. Learn more about your options for financing your education by visiting our Financial Aid page.
View Financial AidMilitary Benefits
East Central University is a proud military-friendly school. Discover how your status as a U.S. military veteran or active-duty service member can help you earn your degree by visiting our Military & Veterans page.
View Military BenefitsNative American Students
Eligible Native American students can find financial aid programs, heritage scholarships, grants, and academic support services to help ensure their success at ECU.
View our Native American Students pageAre You the First in Your Family to Go to College?
At ECU, we recognize that “going first” can be difficult. We provide the extra financial support, scholarships, resources, services, and skills you need to succeed.
View our First-Generation College Students pageTransfer Students
If you’ve taken college-level courses elsewhere, you could save time and money earning your degree by transferring credits to ECU and may qualify for scholarships.
View our Transfer Students pageCareer Outlook
The need for law enforcement professionals is on the rise. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the number of available positions for police officers and detectives will increase by 5% by 2029, creating more than 40,000 new jobs. With the online bachelor’s in criminal justice degree, you’ll gain the skills necessary to fulfill this demand and land the law enforcement leadership position you want.
Corrections Officer
Corrections officers are employed by jails, prisons and juvenile detention centers to ensure such facilities follow legal and safety procedures. They provide a safe working and living environment for staff members and inmates.
Average annual salary: $40,654
Probation Officer
Probation officers provide supervision to those who have been convicted of crimes and are sentenced to a period of probation. These professionals may meet with the convicted regularly to ensure they do not violate their probation.
Average annual salary: $44,469
Police Detective
Police detectives are responsible for investigating major property crimes or crimes involving injury or death. They may gather and analyze evidence, interview suspects, testify in court and fill out extensive paperwork while on the job.
Average annual salary: $63,620
Police Officer
Police officers are responsible for enforcing the law. They may patrol neighborhoods, respond to complaints, arrest offenders and engage in other actions that deter criminal activity.
Average annual salary: $54,461
All information cited from PayScale.
Frequently Asked Questions
The online criminal justice degree is a versatile credential that prepares you for a number of exciting professional opportunities. Many graduates rise to management levels within their police departments. Others choose to work in the legal system, forensics, human services or even the FBI. Others go on to study at higher academic levels.
Ideal for working students, ECU Online’s interactive learning environment offers the flexibility you need to balance your education with your personal and professional schedule. As an online student, you’ll receive ample opportunities to virtually discuss course materials with your educators and classmates, plus the freedom to access courses on your time and complete your degree at your own pace.
As the only online degree in Oklahoma, this program trains students to think about long-term implications of decision-making in the criminal justice system. Our curriculum emphasizes criminal justice, law, political science and policy– an interdisciplinary approach that truly prepares you for a range of careers.
Our online format makes it easy to attend classes on a schedule that’s right for you. Earn your degree in a way that allows you to continue working and keep your previous commitments.