Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS, Online
Quick Facts
Credit Hours: 120 | Estimated Time to Completion: 4 years | Cost Per Credit Hour: $480.65 | Start Dates: Fall, Spring, Summer
Program Details
- Location
- Akron Campus
- Level
- undergraduate
- Degree/Program Type
- Bachelor of Science / major
- Format
- online
- Course Info
- Course Sequence
- College
- Buchtel College of Arts & Sciences (BCAS)
- School/Department
- Criminal Justice Studies
Program Contact
- David A. Licate, Ph.D.
-
Department Chair and Professor
330-972-7392
Program Overview
The University of Akron Online offers a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminology and Criminal Justice that prepares you for careers in policing, courts, corrections, and related fields. Designed for both traditional students and working professionals, this accredited online criminal justice degree provides practical, career-ready skills on a flexible schedule.
100% online and taught by the same expert faculty who lead on-campus courses, the program combines academic rigor with real-world insight. You’ll study crime, law, and justice systems while building a strong foundation in research, policy, and professional practice.
What You’ll Learn
In this program, you’ll develop the analytical, legal, and research-based skills needed to understand how criminal justice systems operate and respond to complex issues.
Skills Gained
Analyze criminal behavior and patterns within justice systems
Communicate effectively in professional, legal, and community settings
Apply research and data to real-world criminal justice issues
Evaluate policies, procedures, and outcomes across justice systems
Interpret legal concepts and their impact on individuals and communities
Core Practice
Examine how policing, courts, and corrections systems operate together
Apply critical thinking to complex criminal justice challenges
Understand the role of social, political, and community factors in crime
Work with diverse populations across justice-related environments
Use evidence-based approaches to inform decision-making and policy
Key Topics
Criminology and theories of criminal behavior
Criminal law, courts, and legal processes
Policing strategies and correctional systems
Research methods and data analysis
Social inequality and its impact on justice systems
Career Outcomes
Graduates are prepared for entry-level roles across the criminal justice system, with pathways into law enforcement, corrections, courts, and analytical or investigative work.
Job Titles
Police officer
Corrections officer
Probation or parole officer
Crime analyst
Victim advocate
Juvenile justice specialist
Loss prevention specialist
Where You’ll Work
Law enforcement and public safety agencies
Courts and legal systems
Correctional facilities and rehabilitation programs
Government and public service organizations
Homeland security and investigative agencies
Nonprofit and community-based organizations
Healthcare and victim support services
Private sector organizations, including insurance and research firms
Criminology Curriculum at a Glance
The curriculum builds on foundational coursework to develop specialized expertise in your chosen concentration, while providing broad knowledge of the justice system.
Concentrations
Customize your degree by selecting a concentration that aligns with your career goals. Options include Policing, Corrections, or Criminology, allowing you to focus your studies in a specific area of the justice system.
→ Explore concentration options
Core Courses
Core coursework builds a strong foundation in criminal justice, political science, and sociology. You’ll study topics such as criminal law, policing, corrections, and the structure of justice systems while developing research and analytical skills.
→ View full program requirements
General Education Foundation
General education courses support your understanding of communication, critical thinking, and societal structures. Coursework in areas like writing, statistics, social sciences, and humanities helps you analyze crime and justice within broader social contexts.
→ See full general education requirements
Electives
Electives allow you to tailor your degree to your interests and career goals. You can explore specialized topics such as homeland security, law and society, crime analysis, or social issues related to justice.
Program Experience
Built for Real-World Application
Developed by practitioners, this program blends theory with applied learning to help you translate knowledge into practical skills for the field.
Rankings
Top-Ranked Criminal Justice Program
Ranked No. 11 among criminal justice programs nationwide and No. 2 among Ohio universities by Intelligent.com (2024), this program is recognized for its quality and career-focused curriculum.
Flexibility
Designed for Your Schedule
Complete your degree fully online while learning from the same expert faculty who teach on campus, with a structure that supports working professionals and nontraditional students.
Admissions Information
Understand the admissions process, application steps, and financial options as you plan your path into the criminology and criminal justice program.
To apply to the online criminology and criminal justice program, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
To apply to the online criminology and criminal justice program, you’ll need to:
- Submit an undergraduate application
- Provide official academic transcripts
- Meet general university admission standards
Need help? An Enrollment Advisor can guide you through each step.
Tuition and Cost Considerations
- Tuition is charged on a per-credit-hour basis of $480.65
- Online students pay in-state tuition, with a $1 per credit hour out-of-state surcharge
→ View bachelor’s degree tuition estimates
→ View additional cost of attendance information
Students may be eligible for a range of financial support, including:
- FAFSA (Free Application for Federal Student Aid)
- Federal and state grants
- Student loans and work-study programs
- Institutional scholarships and merit-based awards
The University of Akron awards significant financial aid annually, with a large percentage of undergraduate students receiving some form of assistance.
→ Learn more about financial aid
Scholarships and Value
- Many scholarships require no separate application
- Aid packages may include multiple funding sources
- Programs like the Tuition Guarantee help provide cost predictability over four years (for eligible students)
→ Learn more about scholarships
Get Help
The Office of Student Financial Aid provides support throughout the process, including help with FAFSA, scholarships, and understanding your aid package.
Online Criminal Justice Faculty & Staff
Learn from experienced faculty who bring real-world criminal justice expertise into both online and on-campus classrooms.
What our students are saying
“I chose an online program for a few reasons, 1) I live out of state and plan to move to Ohio soon. 2) I'm an introvert and crowds of people sometimes make me feel out of place. (I say this as a woman raised in New York!) Eventually, I will need to leave my comfort zone, but today is not that day! 3) It helps that I can do my work from anywhere and still be in contact with my teachers when I need assistance. One of the most important aspects of online learning is having a school support system.”
“The program allowed me to pace myself along with my other involvement and allowed me to do the work when I could, which really helped me balance school, work, and life.”
Online Criminal Justice Degree FAQs
Salaries in criminal justice vary by role, but many positions offer solid earning potential, with police and detectives earning over $75,000 annually on average and probation officers and correctional treatment specialists earning over $60,000, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Compensation depends on factors like experience, location, and specialization within the field. Roles in federal agencies or leadership positions may offer higher salaries. As you gain experience or pursue advanced education, your earning potential can continue to grow.
Some entry-level roles in criminal justice may not require a bachelor’s degree, but having one can expand your opportunities and your potential for career advancement. A degree provides a deeper understanding of law, policy, and systems that employers often value. It can also make you more competitive for specialized or leadership roles. Many agencies prefer or require a degree for advancement.
Yes, this program offers concentration options such as Policing, Corrections, and Criminology. These pathways allow you to focus your studies on a specific area of interest. Electives further help you tailor your degree to your goals. Specialization can strengthen your preparation for targeted career paths.
Yes, a criminal justice degree can be worth it if you’re interested in careers in law enforcement, public safety, or the legal system. It provides a strong foundation in how justice systems operate and prepares you for a range of entry-level roles. The degree also builds transferable skills like critical thinking, communication, and analysis. For many students, it can also serve as a stepping stone to graduate or law school.
A criminal justice degree prepares you for careers across policing, courts, corrections, and related fields. Common roles include police officer, probation officer, corrections officer, crime analyst, and victim advocate. You may also find opportunities in government agencies, nonprofit organizations, or the private security sector. The degree’s flexibility allows you to explore multiple paths depending on your interests.
Earn Your Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online
Turn your interest in crime, law, and justice into action with an online criminology degree built for your schedule and your goals.