Online BA in Criminal Justice Leadership

Build the skills to advance your law enforcement career

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, I consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

At a Glance

The online Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Criminal Justice Leadership is a fully online program designed to elevate your career and position you as a leader in the criminal justice field. Taught by seasoned professionals with deep experience in law enforcement and leadership, the criminal justice leadership program equips you with the practical knowledge, strategic insight, and leadership skills needed to thrive in today’s evolving criminal justice landscape.

Admission requirements:

Be at least 25 years old or a minimum of five years post-high school graduation or GED
Have completed at least 60 credit hours of college coursework
Hold a minimum 2.0 GPA on a prior college coursework

100% Online

Time to Complete:

12+ Months

Credit Hours:

30+

Time Commitment:

10 to 20 Hours Weekly

start dates

Fall, Spring, Summer

cost

The BA in Criminal Justice Leadership delivers a strong return on investment by equipping you with the skills and knowledge to thrive in high-demand fields like aerospace, defense, and law enforcement. This degree completion program requires 120 credit hours, and you can transfer 60 to 90 of those hours from other accredited institutions, helping you finish faster and save more.

Tuition and fees range from $15,450 to $30,900 ($515 per credit hour), based on the number of transfer credits. Books and additional materials are not included.

YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE

Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.

By submitting this form, l consent to the University of Oklahoma (OU) and its agents contacting me about educational opportunities via automated calls, text messages, and/or email at the number and email provided. Message and data rates may apply. Consent is not required to attend the OU or to receive information by other means. For details on how OU collects and protects your information, review the Privacy Policy.

About the Online Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Leadership

The OU Online BA in Criminal Justice Leadership is a 30- to 60-credit-hour degree completion program that allows students who have already completed at least 60 hours of college credit to quickly complete the coursework needed to earn their bachelor’s degree.

Offered through the nationally ranked OU College of Professional and Continuing Studies, the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Leadership is a fast-paced, accelerated program designed to accommodate working adults want to take the next step in their law enforcement career.

What Can You Do with a BA in Criminal Justice?

Earning your BA in Criminal Justice Leadership online from the University of Oklahoma positions you for advancement across a wide range of high-impact careers. Whether you want to lead in local law enforcement or pursue federal opportunities, this degree gives you the tools to move forward with confidence. Accelerate your career in roles such as:

Detective
Federal Agent
Police Officer

Criminal Investigator
Fish and Game Warden
Sheriff

Industry Insights

Median Pay: $77,270
Job Outlook: Law enforcement employment is projected to grow 4% through 2033
Job Openings: An average of 796,800 law enforcement positions are projected to open each year

Source: U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

Program Outcomes: Skills That Drive Real-World Impact

OU’s online BA in Criminal Justice Leadership stands out for its career versatility and real-world relevance. Graduates leave the program with a strong foundation in leadership and management, advanced data analysis skills, and a deep understanding of criminal justice administration, policing, conflict resolution, and judicial processes.

You will:

Apply innovative problem-solving strategies to real-world challenges in both personal and professional settings
Use effective communication techniques to share ideas and information from a leadership perspective across written and digital platforms
Leverage digital literacy to assess the credibility and quality of information sources
Prepare for leadership roles across diverse law enforcement agencies by combining applied knowledge with hands-on experience built into the curriculum

Course Details

The BA in Criminal Justice Leadership blends core courses in leadership, communication, and digital literacy with modern business practices to deliver a well-rounded education rooted in real-world law enforcement principles. This integrated approach prepares you to lead with confidence, think critically, and adapt to the evolving demands of the criminal justice field. Students will work with their advisor to choose additional courses if more than 30 credit hours of coursework are needed to complete their degree.

Effective Communication

Credit Hours: 3

Students will enhance their interpersonal and professional communication skills in this course. Special attention is paid to recognizing the role of listening in communication, in addition to enhancing verbal, nonverbal, written, and presentation skills. Throughout the course, students will apply these concepts to real world situations and reflect on the impact of communication on their personal and professional lives.

Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies

Credit Hours: 3

This course requires students to locate, critique, and integrate literature/concepts to demonstrate their understanding of the foundational principles of interdisciplinary studies and their primary area of concentration. During the course, students will complete a series of assignments that will be used in the development of a comprehensive ePortfolio in the program practicum course.

Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies

Credit Hours: 3

The practicum course for the Interdisciplinary Studies program requires students to create a comprehensive ePortfolio, which showcases their key learnings about effective communication, digital literacy, data analysis, innovative problem-solving, and their primary area of concentration.

American Judicial Processes

Credit Hours: 3

This course acquaints students of criminal justice with the overall structure of state and federal courts, including jurisdiction, sources of law, civil and criminal legal procedures from initial pleadings through appeal, substantive civil and criminal law, and policy issues about the role of the judiciary in representative government.

Leadership in Organizations

Credit Hours: 3

The general purpose of this course is to learn about contemporary thinking regarding leadership in organizations and the applications of these insights for growth as a leader.

Digital Literacy & Data Analysis

Credit Hours: 3

This course is designed to increase students' knowledge and application of digital and quantitative data literacy. Students will also be introduced to principles of ethical decision-making. Using applied activities and analyses, students will learn how to utilize these skills in the real world and the workplace.

Innovative Problem-Solving

Credit Hours: 3

This course is intended to empower students to think clearly and analytically about information and beliefs. Students will be prepared to recognize bias and common fallacies in reasoning and evaluate informational resources. An introduction to innovative thinking and creative decision-making will help position students to tackle problem-solving at the personal, academic, and career levels.

Criminal Justice Administration

Credit Hours: 3

This course covers the development, proliferation, institutionalization, and goals of the components of the criminal justice system and their administration. The course will also cover the ethics of managing justice and punishment.

Police and Policing

Credit Hours: 3

This course provides a historical perspective of policing as well as up-to-date information on policing and the issues that police deal within a post-9/11 society. The course will provide students with a basic understanding of the CSI effect, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and developments in community policing. The course also highlights the role of officers in society.

Conflict Resolution

Credit Hours: 3

A review of several contemporary theories of the nature of conflict and how best to manage it. Students examine the communication process and practice effective communication skills through practice.

Why Choose OU Online: A Proven Path to Criminal Justice Leadership

OU Online delivers high-quality, affordable undergraduate and graduate programs in a flexible, fully online format—backed by the reputation of a top-tier public university. Courses are led by experienced law enforcement professionals who bring real-world insight into the classroom, helping you understand the challenges officers face and how to lead with practical, effective solutions.

Faculty Expertise

The Criminal Justice Leadership bachelor’s degree is led by a team of instructors with extensive experience in law enforcement and leadership, the criminal justice leadership program will help you gain the knowledge and skills necessary to lead in law enforcement.

Robust Student Support

OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and an online career development center. The program accommodates the needs of working professionals, allowing you to expand your career possibilities while maintaining full-time employment.

Global Alumni Network

With more than 250,000 alumni across the world, becoming a Sooner means you’ll have access to a strong network of law enforcement leaders to accelerate your career. As a Sooner, you’ll be part of a powerful network of leaders working in organizations across the world, helping you expand your career potential.

Still have questions?

Our FAQ provides answers to questions about what to expect, how to apply, and where this degree can take you.

Flexible Format

The BA in Criminal Justice Leadership is delivered in a fully online, flexible format built for working professionals around the world. Earn your degree in as little as 12 months while managing full-time work and personal commitments. Study from anywhere, on your schedule, and gain the skills you need to advance your career without putting your life on hold.

Tailored Experience

Move through the program as part of a focused cohort of professionals who share your drive to lead and grow in the field of law enforcement. Courses are delivered asynchronously for maximum flexibility, while still offering a highly interactive and engaging experience.

Cost & Financial Aid

Earning your BA in Criminal Justice Leadership is a powerful investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.

Tuition is $515 per credit hour, with total program costs ranging from $15,450 to $30,900, depending on the number of transfer credits. Books and additional materials are not included.

Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help reduce your out-of-pocket costs. Our dedicated financial services team is here to support you every step of the way—so you can stay focused on your education and career goals.

Have questions about financial aid? Contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929 for personalized guidance.

Take the Next Step

To apply to the online BA in Criminal Justice Leadership program, you must meet the following admission requirements:

Be at least 25 years old or five years post high school graduation or GED by the first day of class
Have completed a minimum of 60 college credit hours
Hold a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher on prior college coursework

Application Timeline

The admissions committee follows a rolling admissions process, allowing applications up to two weeks before classes begin. However, some programs may have earlier deadlines, so applying early is encouraged. Once your application is complete, the committee typically responds within two weeks—keeping your path to enrollment clear and efficient.

Step 1

Contact an Enrollment Coach to discuss your qualifications and interest in the program.

Step 2

Complete the online application.

Step 3

Provide undergraduate transcripts from all prior institutions.