Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Lead with Purpose in Criminal Justice and Public Safety
YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.
At a Glance
Advance your career with the University of Oklahoma’s online BS in Criminal Justice–a leadership-focused program designed to prepare you for leadership roles in law enforcement. Whether you’re working in policing, corrections, or public safety, this flexible, 100% online degree equips you to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and solve complex problems in justice systems. You’ll gain the skills to drive change, build community trust, and make ethical decisions in high-impact roles across local, state, and federal agencies.
Admission requirements:
- Be at least 21 years old by the first day of class or have current active-duty military status
- Have at least 24 credit hours of letter-graded college credit
- Hold a minimum 2.0 GPA on prior college coursework
100% Online
Time to Complete:
12 to 18+ Months
Credit Hours:
120 Credit Hours; 30 Major Hours
Time Commitment:
15 to 20 hours weekly
start dates
Fall, Spring, & Summer
cost
OU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.
Tuition and fees for the program are approximately:
- Oklahoma Residents: $375 per credit hour
- Non-Residents: $979 per credit hour
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.
About the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The University of Oklahoma’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is a 120-credit-hour program designed to prepare professionals for leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety.
Delivered through OU’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, the curriculum emphasizes ethical decision-making, strategic communication, and innovative problem-solving. Students gain a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system while developing the skills to lead with clarity and compassion in complex, high-stakes environments. Coursework includes real-world applications in policing, judicial processes, and corrections, empowering graduates to drive change and build trust within their communities.
This degree is similar to our Bachelor of Arts in Interdisciplinary Studies with a major in Criminal Justice Leadership. Connect with an enrollment coach to discuss which option is best for you.
BS in Criminal Justice: Career Paths in Law Enforcement and Public Safety
OU’s 100% online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares professionals to lead with confidence in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. Whether you're advancing in your current role or pursuing a new path, this degree equips you with the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to make ethical decisions and drive change in your community. Graduates are prepared for impactful careers in local, state, and federal agencies, as well as nonprofit and private-sector organizations. Whether you're seeking promotion, transitioning to a new agency, or stepping into a leadership role, OU’s Criminal Justice online degree gives you the tools to lead with clarity, compassion, and purpose. Career opportunities include:
- Detective
- Federal Agent
- Fish and Game Warden
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Chief of School Resource Officers
- Criminal Investigator
- Sheriff
- Campus Safety Officer
- Victims Advocate
- Public Safety Administrator
- Head Park Ranger (State or National Parks)
Industry Insights: Criminal Justice Workforce Outlook
Professionals with leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills in criminal justice are in high demand across law enforcement, corrections, and public safety sectors. OU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares graduates to lead with confidence in roles that require ethical decision-making, strategic thinking, and community engagement.- Median Pay: $77,270 for law enforcement professionals
- Job Outlook: 4% projected growth through 2033
- Job Opportunities: Approximately 63,000 openings annually due to growth and workforce transitions
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Program Outcomes: Criminal Justice Expertise for Career Growth
OU’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice equips professionals with the leadership, communication, and strategic thinking skills needed to thrive in law enforcement and public safety roles. You’ll graduate prepared to lead teams, solve complex problems, and make ethical decisions that build trust and drive change.
Through this program, you’ll learn how to:
- Lead effectively in law enforcement and justice system environments
- Communicate with clarity and purpose across diverse stakeholder groups
- Apply innovative problem-solving strategies to real-world challenges
- Make ethical decisions in high-pressure situations
- Understand and navigate institutional governance and oversight
- Build consensus and foster collaboration within agencies and communities
- Analyze criminal behavior and justice systems from a global perspective
- Strategically plan and manage public safety initiatives
Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for a leadership transition, the Criminal Justice degree gives you the tools to lead with impact and integrity.
Ready to take the next step?
Schedule a one-on-one call with an OU Online enrollment coach to get personalized guidance, ask questions, and explore how our programs can help you reach your goals.
Course Details
OU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice empowers professionals to lead with confidence in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety. Students begin the program with foundational courses in justice systems and criminal behavior, then build leadership and communication skills through advanced coursework in policing, judicial processes, and ethics. The curriculum blends flexibility with connection through asynchronous, 8-week courses designed for working professionals. Each course is structured to deliver practical insight, sharpen critical thinking, and foster collaboration with faculty and peers—preparing graduates to make informed decisions and lead with clarity and compassion. Students complete 120 credit hours, including 30 major hours, and finish the program with a capstone portfolio that showcases their ability to solve problems, communicate effectively, and lead in complex justice environments.
Comparative Justice Systems
Credit Hours: 3
Examines and compares the legal and criminal justice systems of different nations. Focuses on historical, political, and social factors, and explains their influence on legal institutions and systems of justice. Examines the points of divergence between other societies and the United States in their perceived causes of crime and their differing approaches to rehabilitation and crime prevention.
American Judicial Processes
Credit Hours: 3
Introduces the structure of state and federal courts, including jurisdiction, sources of law, and civil and criminal procedures. Explores substantive law and policy issues related to the judiciary’s role in representative government.
The American Correctional System
Credit Hours: 3
Surveys the development of corrections in the United States. Discusses the function of jails, correctional facilities, probation, parole, and private/contract corrections.
Interdisciplinary Inquiry
Credit Hours: 3
Focuses on adult learning theory, assessment of prior learning, and development of self-directed learning skills. Prepares students for academic writing and career planning.
Critical Inquiry in Interdisciplinary Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Teaches students to locate, critique, and integrate literature and concepts. Builds toward the development of a comprehensive ePortfolio showcasing interdisciplinary understanding.
Theories of Criminal Behavior
Credit Hours: 3
Provides an overview of theories of criminal behavior and current issues in criminology. Covers biological, sociological, and psychological theories of crime, along with opposing viewpoints on key topics in the field.
Police and Policing
Credit Hours: 3
Offers a historical and contemporary perspective on policing. Covers the CSI effect, the creation of the Department of Homeland Security, and developments in community policing. Highlights the evolving role of officers in society.
Juvenile Delinquency
Credit Hours: 3
Explores juvenile delinquency in the United States, including classic studies and current research. Examines the emergence of the juvenile justice system and trends in youth crime.
Foundations of Ethics in Liberal Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Provides a foundation for scholarly research and discussion of ethics. Uses an interdisciplinary approach to explore historical and philosophical perspectives on ethical decision-making.
Portfolio in Interdisciplinary Studies
Credit Hours: 3
Capstone course requiring students to create a comprehensive ePortfolio. Highlights key learnings in communication, digital literacy, data analysis, and problem-solving within their concentration.
Why OU Online Delivers Career-Ready Criminal Justice Education
OU Online delivers high-quality, career-focused programs built for working professionals—combining the flexibility of a 100% online format with the academic excellence of a flagship public university. Offered through the University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares students to lead in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety.
With a curriculum grounded in leadership, communication, and ethical decision-making, this degree equips you to navigate complex justice environments and drive meaningful change. OU Online’s student-centered approach ensures you receive personalized support, expert instruction, and a flexible learning experience that fits your schedule and goals.
Whether you’re advancing in your current role or preparing for a leadership transition, OU Online gives you the tools to lead with clarity, compassion, and confidence.
Faculty Expertise: Real-World Leadership in Criminal Justice
The University of Oklahoma’s College of Professional and Continuing Studies brings together faculty with deep experience in law enforcement, criminal justice policy, and public safety leadership. These educators specialize in areas such as policing, judicial processes, corrections, and organizational governance—fields that shape the program’s practical, career-focused curriculum.
OU faculty are recognized for their ability to translate complex justice system concepts into actionable knowledge for professionals. Many have held leadership roles in local, state, and federal agencies, and they bring that insight into every course. Their mentorship and real-world expertise prepare students to lead with confidence, communicate effectively, and make informed decisions that strengthen communities and justice institutions.
Robust Student Support
OU Online offers robust student support services, including academic support, online tutoring, mental health counseling, and career development resources. The program is designed to meet the needs of working professionals, allowing you to build leadership and communication skills while maintaining full-time employment.
Global Alumni Network
OU offers a powerful alumni network in law enforcement, public safety, and government leadership. With more than 250,000 alumni across the globe, becoming a Sooner connects you to a strong community of professionals committed to justice, service, and leadership. OU Online students benefit from shared experience, mentorship, and career connections that help accelerate impact in the field.
Flexible Format
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is delivered 100% online in a flexible format built for working professionals. Earn your degree in as little as 12 to 18 months while balancing full-time work, family responsibilities, and personal commitments. Study from anywhere and gain the leadership, communication, and problem-solving skills needed to advance in law enforcement, corrections, and public safety.
With asynchronous, 8-week courses and a student-centered approach, OU Online makes it possible to grow your career without putting it on hold. Whether you’re seeking promotion, transitioning to a new agency, or stepping into a leadership role, this program is designed to fit your schedule and support your goals.
Tailored Experience
Elective options and interdisciplinary coursework allow students to customize their learning experience based on career interests in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, or victim advocacy. The program’s dynamic format keeps professionals engaged, fosters collaboration with faculty and peers, and builds the skills needed to lead with clarity, compassion, and impact in diverse justice environments.
Cost & Financial Aid
Earning your Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is an investment in your future—and OU Online is committed to making that investment accessible and transparent.
Tuition and fees for the program are approximately:
- Oklahoma Residents: $375 per credit hour
- Non-Residents: $979 per credit hour
Books and additional materials are not included.
Financial aid, scholarships, and employer tuition assistance may be available to help offset the cost. For questions about financial aid for your online program, contact the Online Aid office at onlineaid@ou.edu or call 405-325-2929.
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YOUR FUTURE STARTS HERE
Complete the form below to learn more about our online programs and how to get started.
