Bachelor of Arts

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.

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Comprehensive 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

Internship (12 credit hours)

CRJS 4946

OR

CRJS 4946

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

Related Work (6 credit hours)

PSYCH 1113
SOC 1113

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 ComponentRequirementsCostTotal
Tuition120 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 Aid

Military 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 Benefits

Native 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 page

Are 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 page

Transfer 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 page

Career 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. 

Explore more criminal justice careers

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. 

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