Bachelor's Degrees in Criminal Justice Online: Criminal Justice Degrees & Programs

Program Highlights

In addition to a providing a broad liberal arts education, this baccalaureate program combines professional skills training with courses designed to help you develop a solid foundation of criminal justice knowledge. In this program you will have an opportunity to:

Gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the U.S. criminal justice system, its agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges they face
Explore applied research methods and techniques used in the field
Examine the development of criminal law, the elements and types of criminal offenses, and the principles of criminal culpability
Complete a capstone project to demonstrate your ability to apply the critical thinking skills and concepts you study online to real-world criminal justice scenarios

Emphasis Areas | Curriculum | Tuition and Fees

Career Opportunities

With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, you may qualify for employment opportunities related to computer crime, corrections, counterterrorism, crime scene investigation, detention, fraud investigation, homeland security, juvenile justice and detention, law enforcement, parole and probation, prisons, private investigations, or public safety.* Additional opportunities may be found in corporate, government, or private security.

Who Should Take This Program?

From homeland security to the security of your local neighborhoods, schools, and businesses, public safety is a top concern in today's society. Numerous career paths exist for people who want to take an active role in making their own community a better, safer place. Whether you are seeking entry-level employment in the field of criminal justice or want to advance your current career in law enforcement, private security, or corrections, earning a bachelor's degree in criminal justice may help you achieve your goal.*

A Fast Track to a Master’s Degree

Eligible students in this bachelor's degree program who want to continue on to pursue a master's degree within the School of Criminal Justice or School of Legal Studies may be interested in the accelerated master's degree option. Students complete graduate-level courses within this undergraduate plan of study. Once accepted to the master’s degree program, students transfer in the graduate courses and matriculate into a shortened degree plan. This accelerated option allows students to complete both their bachelor's degree and master's degree in less time and at a lower cost than completing both programs separately. Accelerated options are offered for the following programs:

Emphasis Areas for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Developing specialized skills in a specific area of criminal justice may set you apart from other applicants in today's competitive job market. Customize your curriculum with electives in one of the following areas of emphasis.

Explore the basics of computer crime and its possible impact on business and society, the investigation of computer crime, the legal implications of monitoring crime in cyberspace, the protection of digital assets, and computer forensics.

Study to further your expertise in the administrative and operational aspects of the U.S. correctional system, both institutional and community based. Confront issues such as overcrowding, alternatives to incarceration, sentencing, inmate rights, and juvenile justice. Explore challenges in community-based corrections.

Focus on techniques for locating, collecting, and analyzing crime scene evidence. Study how to identify boundaries of a crime scene and understand the principles of searching the crime scene for specific types of evidence, identifiable forensic material, and other items of evidentiary value.

Study psychology within the context of the criminal justice system. Focus on enhancing your ability to identify and interact with mentally ill individuals, intervene in crisis situations, and understand the impact of crime on its victims and the community.

Examine the roots of terrorism, response methods to weapons of mass destruction and other disaster incidents, crisis negotiation, and conflict resolution. This emphasis area is designed to help prepare criminal justice professionals, military personnel, or businesspeople for new opportunities in the field of criminal justice, especially with multinational corporations.

Focus on the unique needs of youth in today's justice system. Examine sentencing, risk and needs assessment, psychology, intervention/diversion/prevention programs, communication and relationship building, and case management for juvenile offenders.

Focus on landmark Supreme Court cases and how the U.S. Constitution and Bill of Rights apply in criminal law. Examine contemporary law enforcement organizations, community policing, policing in selected foreign countries, civil liability, and public expectations.

Computer Crime
Corrections
Crime Scene Investigation
Forensic Psychology
Homeland Security
Juvenile Justice
Law Enforcement

Curriculum for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Course #	Course Title	Credits
100/200-level	100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
	100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE	5 100/200-LEVEL: MATHEMATICS COURSE
	200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE	5 200-LEVEL: COMMUNICATION COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: ARTS AND HUMANITIES COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: PHYSICAL SCIENCE COURSE
300/400-level	300/400-LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE	6 300/400-LEVEL: SOCIAL SCIENCE COURSE

Course #	Course Title	Credits
CJ 101	INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM	5 INTRODUCTION TO THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Students gain an understanding of the philosophy and development of the criminal justice system, the current state of the criminal justice agencies and institutions, and the issues and challenges facing them.
CJ 102	CRIMINOLOGY I	5 CRIMINOLOGY I This course presents a framework for studying the nature and causes of crime and antisocial behavior. It focuses on explanations provided through criminal topologies and criminological theories, using a variety of multidisciplinary perspectives. Topics range from crime causation to the extent of crime, victimization, social and psychological theories, and various types of criminality including violent, property, and public order offenses.
CJ 210	CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION	5 CRIMINAL INVESTIGATION This course explains the importance and legal significance of evidence. It demonstrates how the investigative process works, from crime scene preservation to case preparation and courtroom presentation. It also examines various techniques used during criminal investigations, such as photography, interviewing, evidence handling, and scene reconstruction, and how each applies to specific types of crimes.
CJ 216	COMPUTERS, TECHNOLOGY, AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS	5 COMPUTERS, TECHNOLOGY, AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE INFORMATION SYSTEMS This course is an introduction to information systems used within the criminal justice system at the local, state, and federal levels. Included is an overview of existing systems, the impact of technology upon criminal justice agencies, and a summary of future needs.
CJ 227	CRIMINAL PROCEDURE	5 CRIMINAL PROCEDURE This course examines the constitutional protection and due process afforded every person arrested in the United States. It provides students with a thorough understanding of the U.S. justice system from the time of arrest through the sentencing of the criminal off ender. In addition, this course examines such matters as victims' rights and the effects of gangs on the crime problem.
CJ 230	CRIMINAL LAW FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE	5 CRIMINAL LAW FOR CRIMINAL JUSTICE In this course, students learn how to identify the elements of a crime and to categorize crimes by type, including homicide, crimes against the person, and crimes against property or habitation. Students learn about criminal capacity, different defenses, and who may be considered parties to a crime.
CJ 340	APPLIED CRIMINAL JUSTICE ETHICS	6 APPLIED CRIMINAL JUSTICE ETHICS This course teaches students the fundamentals of morality and ethics in the context of applied criminal justice. Topics covered include the role of ethics as it pertains to the recruitment, hiring, and promotion of personnel; the mission of the criminal justice system; the importance of maintaining public trust; the responsible use of discretionary authority; the devastating consequences of official misconduct and recommendations for its control; the importance of organizational leadership; the role of training; and the future of the criminal justice system.
CJ 490	RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE	6 RESEARCH METHODS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE This course is designed to provide students with a fundamental understanding of applied research in the context of criminal justice. Topics covered include quantitative, qualitative, evaluative, and predictive research; principles of the scientific perspective; research ethics; methodology and design; sampling procedures; survey research; nonreactive data collection techniques; measurement of data; relationships between variables; descriptive statistics; and preparing and reading research reports.
	300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES	24 300/400-LEVEL MAJOR ELECTIVES
CJ 499	BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE	6 BACHELOR'S CAPSTONE IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE This course is designed as the culminating experience of the baccalaureate program in criminal justice. This course comprises a series of assignments that integrate concepts from the criminal justice curriculum. The assignments are designed to test application and critical thinking skills as students work through fact-based scenarios and analyze issues affecting contemporary practice.
Choose one of the following courses:*
CJ 100	EIGHT SKILLS OF THE EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT	5 EIGHT SKILLS OF THE EFFECTIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE STUDENT Eight Skills of the Effective Criminal Justice Student is an important component of the new student experience in the undergraduate criminal justice program at Kaplan University. It is designed to ensure criminal justice students' successful social and academic transition into and pursuit of academic excellence within the University community, and provide a foundation for success within the profession. Students will be introduced to eight key skills (reading, writing, research, planning, observing, thinking, interviewing, and communicating) of criminal justice professionals through dynamic and engaging interactions and presentations by practicing professionals in many areas of criminal justice. Real-life examples and interactions with practicing professionals will provide students with a sense of the culture and nuances of the field. The goal of this course is for students to become academically, personally, and socially successful within and beyond this intellectual community.
CS 121	PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS	5 PATHWAYS TO ACADEMIC SUCCESS Designed to facilitate personal and professional success, this course introduces students to the purposes and processes of university education. An emphasis is placed on study, communication, and thinking skills that support academic achievement. Students also examine the relationship between learning and motivation. Onsite only.
Choose one of the following 200/300-level courses:
CJ 212	CRIME PREVENTION	5 CRIME PREVENTION This course provides an overview of the diverse field of crime prevention with a heavy emphasis on primary prevention and a minor focus on secondary and tertiary prevention. Students will explore such elements of crime prevention as physical environmental design, the role of the community and the mass media, deterrence, community policing, school programs, drug abuse issues, and rehabilitation.
CJ 215	EXPLORATION OF COMPUTER CRIME	5 EXPLORATION OF COMPUTER CRIME This course will explore the historical foundations of computer/high-tech crime and will make concrete connections to current issues. It is designed so that students develop an understanding of the multidisciplinary relationships involved in computer crime. It will begin with a review of computer crime and an exploration of what is being protected. The course will explore sociological and theoretical aspects of computer crime, including the social and economic impact of cybercrime. Additional topics will examine laws and regulations, how to prevent cybercrime, and future trends in the management of high-tech computer crime.
CJ 233	INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY	5 INTRODUCTION TO FORENSIC PSYCHOLOGY This course introduces the student to the field of forensic psychology and encourages the student to examine the legal system through the use of psychological concepts, methods, and research results. Topics covered include the theories of crime, the role of psychology in the legal system, the police and the criminal justice system, and the use of forensic assessments in both criminal and civil cases. Using case law and landmark Supreme Court decisions, the student will explore the foundations of forensic psychology and its impact on the criminal justice system.
CJ 264	WHITE-COLLAR CRIME	5 WHITE-COLLAR CRIME This course examines the various types of white-collar crime, as well as the methods used to investigate and prosecute economic crime. This course also includes a study of the economic, social, and political impact of white-collar crime on society.
CJ 266	DEVIANCE AND VIOLENCE	5 DEVIANCE AND VIOLENCE This course explores research in the field of behavioral deviance. Students analyze case studies of various types of serial killers, focusing on causal explanations, police investigative strategies, and research-based recommendations for preventing and responding to these violent acts. Students also examine the responses of the justice system and victimization profiles, along with situational factors such as victim-off ender relationships. This course presents a special concentration on stalking, domestic violence, abusive behavior, and public policy efforts to reduce the threat of violence.
CJ 293	INVESTIGATING TERRORISM	5 INVESTIGATING TERRORISM This course covers the contemporary issues faced by the U.S. government and criminal justice professionals in containing terrorism. Students discuss and evaluate government strategies in combating terrorism. They also explore important issues linked to terrorism, including the effects on federal laws, the use of the media by terrorists, and the impact on civil liberties and the economy.
Choose one of the following 300/400-level courses:
CJ 343	COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS	6 COMPARATIVE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEMS This course compares and contrasts justice systems around the world. Topics covered include crime on the world scene, legal traditions, substantive law and procedural law, and an international perspective on policing, the courts, corrections, and juvenile justice. The study of other cultures and countries is an important feature of a com¬prehensive educational experience. In this course, students discuss the positive and negative at¬tributes of the various justice systems of England, France, Sweden, Japan, and Russia.
CJ 345	SUPERVISORY PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE	6 SUPERVISORY PRACTICES IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE This course combines state-of-the-art behavioral theory with numerous cases that allow students to identify and resolve personnel and organizational problems. It prepares students for effective police management and supervision.
CJ 350	ORGANIZED CRIME	6 ORGANIZED CRIME The course investigates the international phenomenon of organized crime from historical origins through future trends in organized criminal enterprise. Special emphasis is given to domestic organized crime involving different racial and ethnic groups. Law enforcement's efforts to describe, understand, and combat organized crime are discussed.
CJ 444	MANAGING CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS	6 MANAGING CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS This course deals with concepts and theory in the field of organizational behavior. The course focuses on the historical perspectives of organizational theorists, theories of motivations and leadership, and future trends and developments in modern organizations.
*Online students will take the program-specific Eight Skills of the Effective Student course.

Course #	Course Title	Credits
	OPEN ELECTIVES	59 OPEN ELECTIVES

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 333	FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE	6 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE This course discusses the relationship between criminal justice and social service systems that deal with family and domestic violence, including, but not limited to, how the criminal justice, research, and social service communities work to provide a multiagency approach to this devastating issue.
CJ 355	HOMELAND SECURITY	6 HOMELAND SECURITY The course provides an introduction to homeland security and the agency role in preparing national security for threats of domestic and international terrorism. This role ensures homeland security management and operational assistance for federal, state, and local agencies. The goal of this course is to ensure students develop an understanding of how the Department of Homeland Security prepares and addresses domestic and international terrorism. The student should be able to apply this knowledge from both an academic and practitioner perspective. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge by identifying and applying homeland security management principles and practices.
CJ 370	CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II	6 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II This course provides students with a general overview of crime scene techniques for a basic understanding of how to process crime scenes. Students will also learn the importance of evaluating and processing evidence in order to assist crime laboratory experts.
CJ 421	ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS	6 ORGANIZATIONAL BEHAVIOR IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE ORGANIZATIONS This course explores human behavior in criminal justice organizations. Students examine individual behaviors, attitudes, personalities, values, perceptions, and emotions and how these affect organization outcomes. The course also looks at the theories, concepts, and application of motivation as well as the importance of stress management and professional ethics in criminal justice organizations.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 130	INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS	5 INTRODUCTION TO CORRECTIONS This course examines the administrative and operational aspects of modern corrections in the United States. The historical development of corrections, the philosophy of punishment and corrections, correctional institutions, programs, and services, as well as topics such as inmate rights and correctional staffing, are examined. Contemporary issues, such as overcrowding and privatization are also explored.
CJ 355	HOMELAND SECURITY	6 HOMELAND SECURITY The course provides an introduction to homeland security and the agency role in preparing national security for threats of domestic and international terrorism. This role ensures homeland security management and operational assistance for federal, state, and local agencies. The goal of this course is to ensure students develop an understanding of how the Department of Homeland Security prepares and addresses domestic and international terrorism. The student should be able to apply this knowledge from both an academic and practitioner perspective. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge by identifying and applying homeland security management principles and practices.
CJ 411	DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM	6 DRUGS AND ALCOHOL IN THE CRIMINAL JUSTICE SYSTEM This course examines all aspects of drug use and abuse, with the goal of providing students with the information and knowledge to identify and un¬derstand drug use and abuse from the perspective of the criminal justice system. Students will learn about the history of drug use and abuse in the United States, the impact of drugs on the human body, various theoretical explanations for drug use and abuse, current treatment and prevention strategies, as well as the business of drugs and the criminal justice system's response in terms of law enforcement and public policy.
CJ 433	PROBATION AND PAROLE	6 PROBATION AND PAROLE This course provides an introduction to probation, the most common response to criminal offenders, and parole. As the problem of prison overcrowding continues, probation and parole will expand, and so will the controversy surrounding their use. Students gain an understanding not only of probation and parole history, administration, policy, and procedures, but also areas of controversy. The course also provides insight into the difficult but interesting work performed by probation and parole officers.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 325	PSYCHOLOGY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT	6 PSYCHOLOGY FOR LAW ENFORCEMENT The goal of this course is to provide the student with practical knowledge and information pertaining to the field of psychology within law enforcement. It will cover fundamental issues regarding crisis/hostage negotiations and the various psychological services provided to police officers by the organizations they work for. This course will aim to counter any myths about using these services by illustrating the benefits they can provide officers and their families.
CJ 440	CRISIS INTERVENTION	6 CRISIS INTERVENTION The goal of this course is to provide the student with practical knowledge and information to effectively mediate in a crisis situation. This course will review empirically validated approaches to crisis intervention. It will describe the evolution of crisis intervention as a field, theoretical bases, and the role of law enforcement in crisis situations. In addition, assessment and diagnosis of psychological issues commonly found in crisis situations will be covered.
PS 440	ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY	6 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY This course presents an integrative and multidimensional perspective to the fascinating field of abnormal psychology. Students will acquire basic knowledge of various psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychotic and mood disorders. Students will be introduced to how abnormal behavior is defined, assessed, and diagnosed using the current classification system, as well as the limitations of assessment. The course will provide an overview of the various models used to understand psychological disorders and the therapeutic approaches used to treat them. Additionally, students will be given an overview of the legal, economic, and sociocultural influences on abnormal behavior and the mental health system in order to gain a greater understanding of how mental illness affects all in our society.
	300/400-LEVEL: CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVE	6 300/400-LEVEL: CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVE

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 305	LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE	6 LEGAL FOUNDATIONS OF CRIMINAL EVIDENCE This course explores the trial process, the definitions and types of evidence, and proof. Students will learn about trial proceedings and the role of the prosecutor and defense counsel. They will gain a thorough understanding of the different types of evidence, including real or physical evidence, testimonial evidence, documentary evidence, and demonstrative evidence. They will also study constitutional concepts such as the Exclusionary Rule, search and seizure, and discovery.
CJ 370	CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II	6 CRIME SCENE INVESTIGATION II This course provides students with a general overview of crime scene techniques for a basic understanding of how to process crime scenes. Students will also learn the importance of evaluating and processing evidence in order to assist crime laboratory experts.
Choose one of the following courses:
CJ 327	CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY	6 CRIME SCENE PHOTOGRAPHY This course provides the student with introductory knowledge of crime scene photography. The course will cover the fundamentals of photography, as well as photography's application to law enforcement. The course examines the mechanics of a camera, the methodology of photography at crime scenes, advances in digital photography and image enhancement, videography, and recent court decisions regarding the admissibility of photographic evidence in court.
CJ 328	FORENSIC FINGERPRINT ANALYSIS	6 FORENSIC FINGERPRINT ANALYSIS This course provides the student with a historical view of the science of fingerprints, as well as a look at the struggle to develop a universal classification system. It will discuss the basic fundamentals of the formation of friction ridge skin and the functions of the different layers of human skin. As the course explores the systematic approach to processing crime scenes for latent fingerprints, the student will experience hands-on fingerprint processing techniques. In addition, various types of computer software and photography equipment will be evaluated as latent print enhancement and documentary tools. In summation, the course will delve into the actual evaluation and comparison of latent prints, ending with a discussion of the latent print examiner as an expert witness in court.
Choose one of the following courses:
CJ 385	FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS	6 FORENSIC CHEMISTRY AND TRACE EVIDENCE ANALYSIS This course enhances the student's understanding of forensic science and its application to criminal investigations. It examines the history and development of the crime laboratory, forensic services provided to the law enforcement community, and the function of the forensic scientist. It provides an overview of the various types of physical evidence commonly submitted to the forensic laboratory for analysis. Students will explore how the forensic scientist uses analytical instruments and microscopes to examine, identify, and compare chemical and physical properties of suspected drug and toxicology samples, and trace evidence (e.g., glass, soil, metal, hair, fibers, paint, flammable liquids, and explosives).
CJ 386	FORENSIC BIOLOGY AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE	6 FORENSIC BIOLOGY AND IMPRESSION EVIDENCE In this course, students will explore historical serological and modern DNA techniques used to examine, identify, and compare types of biological evidence. This course will enhance the student's understanding of how forensic scientists examine and compare types of impression evidence. This course also provides an overview of other forensic science disciplines, including document examination, voice identification, and the recent field of computer forensics.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 315	INTERNET VULNERABILITIES AND THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF MONITORING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN CYBERSPACE	6 INTERNET VULNERABILITIES AND THE LEGAL IMPLICATIONS OF MONITORING CRIMINAL ACTIVITY IN CYBERSPACE This course will provide techniques and develop strategies for properly documenting investigations involving crimes committed by way of the Internet. Students will review legal information and procedures that affect Internet investigations.
CJ 316	INVESTIGATING CYBERCRIME	6 INVESTIGATING CYBERCRIME This course focuses on the legal challenges of cybercrime and technology-based fraud. Students learn about techniques for cybercrime investigation through real-world examples. Online intelligence gathering, the nature of evidence in high-tech crime, and tracking methodologies for cybercrime are explored. Through the use of actual cases, students examine the threats presented by hackers and high-tech terrorists, as well as the dangers presented by online pedophiles. Students will learn how to properly respond and investigate high-tech crime with current technology.
CJ 317	COMPUTER FORENSICS	6 COMPUTER FORENSICS This course provides an overview of computer forensic investigation principles, computer forensic software, and techniques for capturing and analyzing data from various digital storage media such as Apple iPads, GPS (Global Positioning System) devices, and portable USB devices. Students will understand the scientific principles behind forensic science and learn to apply those principles to the examination of digital evidence.
CJ 416	PROTECTING DIGITAL ASSETS	6 PROTECTING DIGITAL ASSETS This course will provide a comprehensive introduction to network protection issues including basic physical security and network protections such as cryptography, digital signatures, authentication, and firewalls. Topics will include how to identify what is at risk, how to develop a personnel security program, identification of threats, and design and implementation of personnel security measures.

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 355	HOMELAND SECURITY	6 HOMELAND SECURITY The course provides an introduction to homeland security and the agency role in preparing national security for threats of domestic and international terrorism. This role ensures homeland security management and operational assistance for federal, state, and local agencies. The goal of this course is to ensure students develop an understanding of how the Department of Homeland Security prepares and addresses domestic and international terrorism. The student should be able to apply this knowledge from both an academic and practitioner perspective. Students will demonstrate the ability to apply this knowledge by identifying and applying homeland security management principles and practices.
CJ 407	CRISIS NEGOTIATION	6 CRISIS NEGOTIATION This course will cover crisis intervention and hostage situations where people are being held against their will as hostages, or in cases where a person has threatened violence or has barricaded themselves in preparation for a law enforcement response. Students will explore the reasons for the increase in school, workplace, and domestic violence and formulate comprehensive strategies to resolve the conflict.
	CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVES	12 CRIMINAL JUSTICE ELECTIVES

Course #	Course Title	Credits

CJ 150	JUVENILE DELINQUENCY	5 JUVENILE DELINQUENCY This course involves the study of the historical development of the juvenile justice system, the current programs and services available to juvenile off enders, as well as delinquency hearings and criminal trials.
CJ 333	FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE	6 FAMILY AND DOMESTIC VIOLENCE This course discusses the relationship between criminal justice and social service systems that deal with family and domestic violence, including, but not limited to, how the criminal justice, research, and social service communities work to provide a multiagency approach to this devastating issue.
CJ 420	JUVENILE JUSTICE	6 JUVENILE JUSTICE This course provides an overview of the juvenile justice system in the United States. It focuses on the design and application of the juvenile justice system. Upon completion of the course, students will have a full understanding of the interrelationships among philosophy, notions of causation, and procedural requirements provided to youthful off enders and abused children. Students will also be able to discuss and identify diversion and prevention programs, the effects of incarceration, and possible alternatives to incarceration. Last, the future of juvenile courts and the juvenile justice system will be addressed.
CJ 445	CASE MANAGEMENT	6 CASE MANAGEMENT This course provides an overview of case management approaches within a juvenile justice context. Students will explore the use of case management strategies to reduce recidivism, prevent unnecessary incarceration, and address problematic issues facing juvenile offenders. Students will examine the use of a comprehensive range of treatment perspectives and alternative sanctions, and understand the complexities of integrating multidisciplinary services. Additional topics include case management models and related components; managing caseloads while working with schools, courts, parents, and service providers; effective communication and relationship building; selecting appropriate intervention strategies; and traditional and innovative community-based prevention and treatment approaches to youth sentencing.
PS 440	ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY	6 ABNORMAL PSYCHOLOGY This course presents an integrative and multidimensional perspective to the fascinating field of abnormal psychology. Students will acquire basic knowledge of various psychological disorders, including depression, anxiety, and psychotic and mood disorders. Students will be introduced to how abnormal behavior is defined, assessed, and diagnosed using the current classification system, as well as the limitations of assessment. The course will provide an overview of the various models used to understand psychological disorders and the therapeutic approaches used to treat them. Additionally, students will be given an overview of the legal, economic, and sociocultural influences on abnormal behavior and the mental health system in order to gain a greater understanding of how mental illness affects all in our society.

Total Program Requirements	180 Total Program Requirements

Core
Major
Open Electives
Emphasis Area/Law Enforcement
Emphasis Area/Corrections
Emphasis Area/Forensic Psychology
Emphasis Area/Crime Scene Investigation
Emphasis Area/Computer Crime
Emphasis Area/Homeland Security
Emphasis Area/Juvenile Justice
Total Program Requirements

You Could Save Time and Money on Your Kaplan University Degree

Credit for Prior Learning

Our undergraduate degree programs feature large pools of open electives designed to offer greater flexibility when applying transfer credits toward program requirements. In addition, you can enroll in our portfolio development course, which helps you document your work and life experience in a portfolio you can submit for consideration for college credits. Qualifying transfer credit may reduce your total costs for undergraduate programs. Refer to the University Catalog for our transfer of credit policy.

Students in the Military

Kaplan University is proud to support our military and veterans in their educational pursuits by offering significantly reduced tuition. Undergraduate program tuition is reduced up to 55 percent for active-duty servicemembers and up to 38 percent for veterans. In addition, Kaplan University participates in the Yellow Ribbon program for all of our graduate programs, and both active-duty servicemembers and veterans are eligible for special tuition rates for these programs. A 10 percent tuition reduction is also available to spouses of active-duty servicemembers. For more information, call 866.583.4412 (Toll Free) to speak to a military Admissions Advisor or visit the Kaplan University military site.

Tuition and Fees

Cost per credit hour	$371.00
Total program requirements Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice	180
Total cost of tuition	$66,780.00
This program requires a $100 technology fee per term (online students only). A nonrefundable application fee, depending on your program and as described in the Tuition and Fees Supplement, may be required at the time of enrollment. We encourage you to explore the availability of financial aid and scholarships.

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*Additional police academy training may be required for law enforcement jobs.