Online Criminal Justice Degree Bachelor of Science

With the U.S. correctional system in a state of change, there's a need for professionals focused on prisoner rehabilitation and reintegration within the broader offender treatment system.

In Southern New Hampshire University's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Corrections, you'll explore evidence-based programs and practices for rehabilitating offenders in correctional institutions and in the community.

This program addresses the continuum of services provided in corrections, including community-based supervision and the social factors that lead to incarceration. Through simulated scenarios, you'll encounter actual challenges and solve them with the guidance of experienced instructors.

Career outlook:

While the U.S. prison system continues to need correctional officers, additional job opportunities may present themselves in community-based programs that rehabilitate prisoners and limit their risk of repeated offenses.

A bachelor's degree is often required for roles in this field. SNHU's online degree in criminal justice and corrections can help prepare you for a variety of roles within the corrections, probation and parole system. These jobs include:

• Correctional administrator
• Correctional case manager
• Correctional officer
• Correctional treatment specialist
• Parole officer
• Probation officer
• Public safety officer

In the field, most probation officers and correctional treatment specialists work either in state or local government – excluding education and hospitals – with a smaller amount working in social assistance.¹

In addition, probation officers and correctional treatment specialists can feel personal satisfaction from counseling members of their community and helping them become productive citizens.

Law enforcement positions may involve additional training and eligibility requirements.

Courses may include:

• Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice
• The United States Correctional System
• Offender Rehabilitation
• Correctional Administration

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology & Crime Analysis will give you the opportunity to apply criminological theory to develop crime reduction and prevention strategies.

Examine the important roles that criminologists and crime analysts play in the development of data-based, proactive policing methods and crime prevention policies with this online criminology degree concentration.

Courses may include:

• Criminology & Public Policy
• Prevention of Crime
• Data-Based Policing Strategies
• Crime Analysis and Solutions

In a society that has become inherently dependent upon technology, cybercrime is now a growing threat to individuals, corporations and governments.

Armed with the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Cybercrime, you'll have the knowledge and skills you need to combat a slew of tech-based criminal activity, from email hacking and identity theft to child exploitation and cyberbullying. 

"Cybercrime is no longer a niche area of concern or study reserved for technology experts," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, adjunct faculty at SNHU. "It continues to expand, placing unprecedented pressure on all levels, roles and assignments of law enforcement personnel."

Career Outlook:

If you aim to pursue or advance a career in law enforcement, a cybercrime degree offers a critical skillset that can help you shine in the eyes of employers. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment for police and detectives is projected to grow 3% through 2031.¹

As a graduate of this program, you'll gain the skills you need to analyze and investigate cyber criminal offenses. You'll have the foundational qualifications you need to pursue a number of different occupations, including:

• Computer forensic examiner
• Cybercrime investigator
• Cyber forensic analyst
• Cybercrime operational risk specialist
• Detective or criminal investigator
• Federal agent
• Information security analyst
• Private investigator

This cybercrime concentration also stands out for its heavy emphasis on practical application – giving you the experience you need to back up the knowledge you gain throughout the program.

"The SNHU Cybercrime concentration possesses highly effective content designed by industry experts and gives the student an enhanced understanding of cybercrime while immersing them into real-world problem solving activities," Czarnec said.

Courses may include:

• Cybercrime Principles
• Cybercrime Targets: Organizations
• Cybercrime Targets: Individuals
• Cybercrime Investigations

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Homeland Security & Counterterrorism offers a unique opportunity to gain a deeper understanding of the threat of terrorism.

Examine the history of terrorism, how terrorist groups succeed and fail, and responses to domestic and international terrorist campaigns with this online homeland security degree concentration.

Courses may include:

• Intelligence and Counterintelligence
• Terrorism in the United States
• Security Management

Learn how advocates intervene in the criminal justice system to help people find the resources needed to address a wide range of challenges they may face.

With your Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Human Services & Advocacy, you'll examine public policy, child welfare and support services that can help families navigate the system – including community medical and mental health providers, nonprofit organizations, family courts and human services departments.

Your coursework will dive into state and federal laws and regulations, as well as ethical principles that guide and impact child welfare programs. Other issues you'll discuss in the human services concentration include child protection programs, child abuse and treatment laws, parent and child rights and responsibilities, education law and emancipation laws. Go further into issues regarding children with course topics that include custody, foster care, adoption and best interest standards.

The human services and advocacy concentration also helps you gain the skills necessary to develop policies that allow you to plan and lead an advocacy campaign.

The need for social and community service managers continues to grow. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects 9% growth for these positions through 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.¹

Courses may include:

• Public Policy and Advocacy
• Family and Community Systems
• Ethics and Laws in Child Welfare

Students seeking to become a human services professional may also be interested in the online human services degree program. The degree has several concentrations that allow you to specialize your skill set even further.

This Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Police Administration and Operations helps students understand the demands, functions and goals of modern police agencies.

You'll dive into topics like deployment of patrol assets, policy development and crime analysis with this online law enforcement degree concentration, which provides a thorough understanding of the many roles police agencies assume throughout the United States.

Courses may include:

• Effective Patrol and Community Policing
• Crisis Intervention for Police
• Leadership/Management in Criminal Justice Organizations

In this innovative concentration, you'll take a deep dive into the diverse world of security management. From understanding the various types of security and the importance of preparedness to identifying potential threats and maintaining business continuity after a crisis, the Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Security Management explores what it takes to protect an organization's employees and assets.

Other topics discussed in this concentration include security partnerships, emerging industry trends, cybersecurity defenses, loss prevention and risk assessment.

With experienced faculty from the field by your side and hands-on coursework, this program is designed to give you the opportunity to develop the techniques, strategies and skills employers are looking for to help protect their business.

Earning your security management degree online can kickstart or advance your career in a number of industries. Corporations and other private organizations hire security management professionals in areas related to loss prevention, continuity planning, risk assessment and crisis management. Potential roles in security management include:

• Chief security officer (CSO)
• Corporate physical security supervisor
• Corporate security manager
• Internal security manager
• Security operations manager

Courses may include:

• Security Management Principles
• Security Risk Assessment
• Security Crisis Management
• Business Continuity and Resiliency Planning

If you wish to pursue a career in private security or hope to leverage your law enforcement experience with a managerial or leadership-focused opportunity, this concentration may be right for you.

Students seeking a more traditional cybersecurity career should check out our full online cybersecurity degree program.

With increasing recognition of the substance abuse crisis in the U.S., the need for highly skilled community workers is on the rise. Through 2032, growth for substance abuse, behavioral disorder and mental health counselors is projected to grow 18% – much faster than the average of all jobs – according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS).¹

The Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Substance Abuse was designed to help you become a voice for justice and a conduit for recovery for people in treatment facilities, outpatient programs and the court system. Graduates of the program are prepared to provide entry-level services to individuals, groups and families in residential addiction treatment facilities, outpatient addiction programs, the drug court system and corrections departments.

According to the BLS, counselors who work with substance abuse, behavioral disorders and mental health typically work for employers like:¹

• Outpatient mental health and substance abuse centers
• Individual and family services
• State, local and private hospitals
• Residential mental health and substance abuse facilities
• Government

The substance abuse program provides students with a strong foundation in the International Certification & Reciprocity Consortium (IC&RC) 12 core functions of a drug and alcohol counselor, theories of addiction, assessment, diagnosis and treatment of individuals diagnosed with substance use disorder, as well as legal and ethical issues associated with addiction. This program is an important educational first step toward becoming a drug and alcohol counselor.

Courses may include:

• Foundations of Addiction
• Substance Use: From Screening to Consultation
• Pharmacological Factors in Substance Use Treatment

If you have a heart for recovery, you may also be interested in the online Bachelor of Arts in Human Services with a substance abuse degree concentration.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Substance Abuse offered by Southern New Hampshire University (SNHU) does not directly lead to licensure. It does provide a significant portion of the substance abuse coursework most often recognized as necessary for licensure. Students seeking licensure and/or certification may be required to complete additional coursework and will be required to complete fieldwork as prescribed by each state. Most states also require a passing score on a licensing exam.

The licensure process and educational requirements for drug and alcohol counselors vary from state to state. This program does not directly lead to licensure.

It is the student’s responsibility to contact their state board or agency for additional information regarding the licensure process and educational requirements. If the student moves to another state, the requirements for licensure will likely be different from the state where the student currently resides, and the student is responsible for determining the licensure requirements in the state to which he/she relocates. Southern New Hampshire University does not guarantee that the completion of this program will result in state licensure or certification.

Flexible

With no set class meeting times, you can learn on your schedule and access online course materials 24/7.

Affordable

As part of our mission to make higher education more accessible, we’re committed to keeping our tuition rates low. In fact, we offer some of the lowest online tuition rates in the nation.

Prior coursework could also help you save time and money. SNHU’s transfer policy allows you to transfer up to 90 credits toward your bachelor's degree and 45 credits for an associate degree from your previous institutions—that means you could save up to 75% off the cost of tuition. You could also save time and money by getting college credit for previous work experience, or by taking advantage of military discounts and employer tuition assistance if available to you.

Respected

Founded in 1932, Southern New Hampshire University is a private, nonprofit institution with over 160,000 graduates across the country. SNHU is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE), a regional accreditor, which advocates for institutional improvement and public assurance of quality. 

Recently, SNHU has been nationally recognized for leading the way toward more innovative, affordable and achievable education:

• U.S. News & World Report named SNHU the 2021 Most Innovative University in the North and one of the nation's "Best Regional Universities"
• Awarded the 21st Century Distance Learning Award for Excellence in Online Technology by The United States Distance Learning Association (USDLA)
• A $1 million grant from Google.org to explore soft skills assessments for high-need youth

Network

At Southern New Hampshire University, you'll have access to a powerful network of more than 300,000 students, alumni and staff that can help support you long after graduation. Our instructors offer relevant, real-world expertise to help you understand and navigate the field. Plus, with our growing, nationwide alumni network, you'll have the potential to tap into a number of internship and career opportunities.

93.6% of online students would recommend SNHU (according to a 2022 survey with 17,000+ respondents). Discover why SNHU may be right for you.

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That’s why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

• Completed free undergraduate application
• Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you
• Test scores are not required as part of your application

Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

If you’re ready to apply, follow these simple steps to get the process going:

• Complete a free undergraduate application
• Submit any additional documents required
• Work with an admission counselor to explore financial options and walk through the application process

If you have questions or need help filling out your application, call 1.888.387.0861 or email enroll@snhu.edu.

Notes: 

• Laptop or desktop?  Whichever you choose depends on your personal preference and work style, though laptops tend to offer more flexibility. 

• Note:  Chromebooks (Chrome OS) and iPads (iOS) do not meet the minimum requirements for coursework at SNHU. These offer limited functionality and do not work with some course technologies. They are not acceptable as the only device you use for coursework. While these devices are convenient and may be used for some course functions, they cannot be your primary device. SNHU does, however, have an affordable laptop option that it recommends: Dell Latitude 3301 with Windows 10. 

• Office 365 Pro Plus is available free of charge to all SNHU students and faculty. The Office suite will remain free while you are a student at SNHU. Upon graduation you may convert to a paid subscription if you wish. Terms subject to change at Microsoft's discretion. Review system requirements for Microsoft 365 plans for business, education and government. 

• Antivirus software: Check with your ISP as they may offer antivirus software free of charge to subscribers. 

Yes. A bachelor's degree in criminal justice can be earned online the same way you would get a degree at a brick-and-mortar school: through classes and assignments, interactions with your classmates and discussions with your instructor.

Getting an online criminal justice degree is especially ideal for those who are already working in the field. Many people in the industry don't work a standard 9-to-5 schedule, meaning a traditional, set class time on campus isn't the most convenient. By having access to a classroom that's open 24/7, you can do your classwork when it's most convenient for you.

"I chose SNHU because I was looking for a program where I could continue working full-time while working towards my degree," said Kaitlin Roach '21, a graduate of the online criminal justice program. "I wanted to be considered a full-time student and the schedule with SNHU worked with my work schedule."

Thousands of students have graduated with SNHU's online criminal justice bachelor's degrees, and many continue on to earn their master's degree online.

The best place to earn your online bachelor's degree in criminal justice depends on what you are looking to get out of your program, as well as what your career goals are.

SNHU may be the right online college for you. Here are some unique features of our online program:

• An emphasis on cultural literacy, problem-solving and decision making, as well as exposure to new technologies in criminal justice and developing research skills
• A criminal justice communication certificate that’s embedded in your online program
• Field authentic learning experiences
• Prior learning assessment opportunities for police academy and corrections academy training, saving you time and money
• Faculty members who bring experiences from law enforcement agencies ranging from big city departments – like Houston and New York – to federal agencies – like the FBI and the Department of Homeland Security

The time it takes you to earn your 120-credit bachelor's degree in criminal justice completely depends on how many credits you start your program with.

If you begin the online program with no credits – and you enroll full-time – it would take you around 4 years to graduate. At SNHU, being a full-time online student means taking 2 classes per 8-week term. And there are 6 terms each year.

Most students who begin an online program here are transferring in any number of credits – from a handful of courses up to the maximum 90 credits that the university accepts. Transferring credits can significantly reduce the number of courses you need to take – helping you get across that finish line quicker.

For Kaitlin Roach '21, transfer credits made a big difference to her timeline. "Not only did I graduate, I graduated with honors and did so in less than four years," she said.

You may be able to earn credit for your criminal justice degree from your law enforcement training – from basic police, corrections, or probation and parole academies. With at least 400 hours of instruction, you could receive up to 12 credits toward the following courses:

• CJ-112 Introduction to Criminal Justice
• CJ-140 Communication Skills for Criminal Justice
• CJ-207 The United States Judicial System
• CJ-205 Policing in the United States OR CJ-210 The United States Correctional System

There are a wide range of careers in the criminal justice field. Depending on your background, interests and qualifications, you may find some positions to be a better fit.

Law enforcement agencies may have specific requirements for sworn officers such as age, fitness or education. But there are also many positions in the criminal justice system for civilians, including those for crime analysts, victim advocates and private investigators.

Likewise, SNHU's online bachelor's in criminal justice offers a wide range of concentrations to match your interests:

• Corrections
• Criminology & Crime Analysis
• Cybercrime
• Homeland Security & Counterterrorism
• Human Services & Advocacy
• Police Administration & Operations
• Security Management
• Substance Abuse

Getting a bachelor's in criminal justice won't solely earn you a uniformed position – but it can be a big advantage in your career.

To become a police officer, you typically have to graduate from the police academy and pass the law enforcement entrance exam – though requirements can vary by department.

A bachelor's degree can give you a leg up on gaining entry-level jobs. It also can help you if you're interested in climbing the law-enforcement ladder as your career progresses.

In addition, the curriculum here complements academy training, which is often focused on tactics and procedure. Our bachelor's in criminal justice teaches critical thinking and working with diverse populations – as well as communication skills, which is why SNHU's program includes an embedded communication certificate.

Criminal justice refers to the system of law enforcement, courts and corrections, while criminology tackles the academic and research side of the field.

Those who study criminal justice more often are on the front line, dealing with criminals and unlawful behavior. Those in the field aim to both prevent criminal activity and punish criminal acts.

Students pursuing a criminology path may be more interested in profiling, data collection, analysis, psychology and environmental factors. Criminologists study crime and the who, why and how behind the criminals.

At SNHU, you can earn your bachelor's in criminal justice, but you can add a concentration in criminology.

"A cybercrime degree can help with the foundational understanding of emerging technologies and bridge the gap that law enforcement has in this ever-changing field," said Tim Craig, a cybercrime SME and adjunct professor at SNHU.

As a graduate of the program, you'll have the foundational qualifications you need to pursue a number of occupations, including:

• Computer forensic examiner
• Cybercrime investigator
• Cyber forensic analyst
• Cybercrime operational risk specialist
• Detective or criminal investigator
• Federal agent
• Information security analyst
• Private investigator

Like many professions, employers often look for candidates who have the education, knowledge and demonstrable skills they need to succeed in their field.

"Most careers require a certain level of experience, but what makes the SNHU Cybercrime degree program unique is that there is real-world experience injected into the curriculum week by week," said Jason Compton, a cybercrime subject-matter expert and adjunct professor at SNHU. "Students will have the exposure and knowledge needed to shine in a pool of professional candidates."

With practical application at its core, our cutting-edge program will help give you an operational understanding of how to investigate cybercrimes, collect evidence and understand relevant laws on the local, state and federal levels.

"This places the student into an advantageous position in future career aspirations, as they will have a deep knowledge base which will enable them to excel in many applicable professions," Compton said. "Cybercrime changes and advances at the speed of evolving technology, so students will finish the program with advanced and current knowledge to apply to real-word careers immediately upon graduating."

"Cybercrime is frequently associated with the term 'hacker,' but cybercrime is much more in depth than just that," said Jason Compton, an adjunct professor at SNHU. As he points out, there are hundreds of types of cybercrime. Of those identified, the most frequently observed examples are:

• Email compromise – Business and personal e-mails open the door to gaining access to many different accounts that could cause much more severe harm.
• Identity theft – Your identity is sacred. The impacts of your identity being compromised can be severe.
• Ransomware – As the name suggests, this is malicious software that locks down your sensitive files and holds them “hostage” until you pay a fee or “ransom” to have them unlocked.
• Spoofing and phishing – One of the more common methods of gaining sensitive information or enabling an adversary to compromise your account(s).
• Online predators – One of the most severe issues faced today. Exploitation of youth online is extremely prevalent.

While often mistaken as interchangeable terms, there are, in fact, key differences between cybercrime and cybersecurity.

"Cybercrime is a situation where an actual individual and/or their property is targeted by an adversary," said Jason Compton, an adjunct professor at SNHU. "Cybersecurity involves incidents where a larger business or corporation is targeted with the intent to compromise their network by various different methods of attack."

While there may be crossover between the two – and both can qualify as criminal offenses – it's "the act itself and the actions in response to the act that truly separate cybercrime from cybersecurity," Compton said.

¹Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, on the internet, at:

• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/probation-officers-and-correctional-treatment-specialists.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/management/social-and-community-service-managers.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)
• https://www.bls.gov/ooh/community-and-social-service/substance-abuse-behavioral-disorder-and-mental-health-counselors.htm (viewed Nov. 15, 2023)

Cited projections may not reflect local and/or short-term economic or job conditions and do not guarantee actual job growth.