Program Overview
Aurora University’s online degree in criminal justice helps you pursue your career goals without neglecting current work and family commitments. In a convenient and flexible format, you’ll develop the skills and knowledge needed to advance in your field. Graduates of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at AU Online are prepared for positions in law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation, parole, and private security.
Instructors in this program use open education resources (OER) in place of traditional textbooks for some courses. This means digital, openly licensed content is available free of charge to students.
This program is designed for busy, working students who have life experience in criminal justice. Start your journey at AU Online and build on your previously earned credit to complete your bachelor’s degree today.
Curriculum Overview
Aurora University’s online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides you with a broad academic background in the criminal justice system, criminology, and other core subjects. Prepare for advanced careers by personalizing your degree with elective courses in your area of interest. Each class is taught by faculty members who have real-world experience in the course topic.
Students will have the unique opportunity to apply skills learned in the classroom to real-life situations through an optional internship. In addition to offering placement support, you’ll be paired with a faculty mentor in your field who will provide feedback on various internship-related assignments. Rest assured, you can complete your internship locally as well as at your current place of work, assuming it meets the program director’s requirements.
Skills Gained in the Online Criminal Justice Degree
Complete 120 credit hours led by expert faculty members to earn AU’s online degree in criminal justice. Personalize your studies with elective courses in your areas of interest, and graduate ready to launch your career with new skills and expertise in:
- Communication
- Correctional services
- Criminology
- Critical thinking
- Policing
- Problem solving
- Research
- Report writing
- Strategic planning
Why Choose Aurora?
At Aurora University, you’ll learn from practitioner-based faculty members who are focused on teaching an industry-aligned curriculum. Our online programs are designed for working professionals and built with maximum flexibility in mind, so you’ll have the support you need to balance your studies with your busy schedule. Imagine what you can accomplish at a university that offers:
- A full suite of Career Services and Resources.
- A student-first educational experience.
- Programs accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC).
- The personal attention and support you expect from a small college.
Program Details
- Next Start Date:January 6, 2025
- Est. Program Length:2-4 Years
- Credit Hours:120 (40 in major)
- Course Length:8 Weeks
- Cost Per Credit:$465
Course Details
- CRJ1010 Introduction to Criminal Justice System – 4 hours
- CRJ2150 Correctional Services – 4 hours
- CRJ2220 Criminal Justice Report Writing – 4 hours
- CRJ2300 Criminology – 4 hours
- CRJ2420 Criminal Law – 4 hours
- CRJ2500 Policing America – 4 hours
- CRJ3610 Research Methods – 4 hours
- CRJ4800 Strategic Planning and Ethics – 4 hours
- CRJ electives – 8 hours
Course details are based on information available at the time of publication. Specific program requirements are subject to change.
Note: Tuition and fees are subject to change without prior notice. Please contact the Office of Student Accounts for questions or information on current tuition, fees, room, board, and other rates.
- A completed undergraduate application
- Transcripts (official, sealed) from all previously attended colleges and universities
- A resume demonstrating two or more years of work experience, military service, or relevant adult responsibilities
- A personal statement addressing why you wish to enroll in an online program and a description of how you will structure your time to be successful
- For applicants without an earned associate degree and/or 60 hours of transfer credit: Proof of high school graduation or completed GED
- For applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit: an official high school transcript with a GPA of 2.5 and above and ACT/SAT scores
- Test-Optional Admission: Applicants with fewer than 15 hours of transfer credit who do not have ACT/SAT scores may choose to be reviewed as test-optional. Admission will be based on your high school academic record.
All AU Online students must have unrestricted access to a computer or mobile device with high-speed internet to participate in online courses. AU Online uses Brightspace to host its online classes. All students will be charged an $80 Technology Fee per semester, regardless of the number of credits taken.
Students can transfer more than half the credits they need to successfully earn a four-year degree. Aurora University will accept up to 68 credits from a two-year institution and 90 credits from a four-year institution.
Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice Career Outcomes
Earning an online criminal justice degree from AU Online can help you advance in your field and make a more meaningful difference as a leader in criminal justice. In as little as two years, you can graduate prepared to protect and serve your community with an advanced understanding of criminology and ethics.
Upon completion of this program, you’ll qualify for a variety of criminal justice degree careers, including:
- Correctional supervisor ($107,940/year in Illinois1)
- Criminal investigator ($95,820/year in Illinois1)
- Police supervisor ($119,800/year in Illinois1)
- Fire inspector ($80,440/year in Illinois1)
Source
- U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Occupational Employment and Wage Statistics. “May 2023 State Occupational Employment and Wage Estimates: Illinois.” April 3, 2024. Retrieved October 29, 2024, from https://www.bls.gov/oes/current/oes_il.htm#25-0000.
Next Steps
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