Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (BA)
Examine how law enforcement procedures and protected civil liberties influence criminal justice in the United States. This online bachelor’s degree program at American Public University (APU) explores the legal frameworks and criminology theories that shape the public safety field.
Program Overview
This online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program examines how the U.S. justice system upholds criminal law to protect public safety. Students explore the distinct functions of police, courts, and corrections as they discuss how cases progress from arrest through adjudication, incarceration, and supervision.
APU’s curriculum also provides insight into why crimes occur and how investigators solve them. Learners study criminology to better understand the social and psychological factors that influence criminal behavior. Coursework prioritizes career-readiness as students review the legal processes for collecting and preserving evidence.
Students seeking in-depth study in digital forensic science should explore American Public University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.
Note: This degree program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any country, state, province or other jurisdiction. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional licensure.
Choose a Concentration for Your Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
Students pursuing this bachelor’s degree select from one of several concentration tracks to align their studies with their professional goals. Each concentration combines specialized courses that examine a wide range of real-world issues, such as human trafficking and juvenile justice.
Select a concentration to learn more.
About the Concentration
This general concentration allows you to select from many different concentration courses offered within this program, enabling you to create your own focused area of study.
Program Objectives
About the Concentration
Analyzes policy and operational strategies used to ensure the security of border and coastal access including defensive measures to protect ports from disruption. Explores laws and doctrines governing navigation and shipping, as well as the law of the sea. Looks at chemical, biological, and radiological classification and response to incidents involving hazardous materials.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Analyze various policy and operational strategies used to ensure the security of border and coastal access.
- Examine ports to trade and their vulnerability to disruption and attack, as well as defensive measures to protect ports from disruption.
- Identify chemical, biological, and radiological bases for classification of, and emergency response to incidents involving, hazardous material.
- Assess the impact of terrorism on U.S. national security.
- Explore the laws and doctrines governing navigation and shipping, as well as the law of the sea.
About the Concentration
Provides a solid foundation in the leadership process and its benefits to law enforcement, including identifying one’s personal style, judging the value of an array of leadership roles, and making socially responsible decisions. Topics include gender roles in leadership, conflict resolution, human resource innovation in the workplace, budgeting, and managing an organization during a paradigm shift.
Program Objectives
Upon successful completion of this concentration, the student will be able to:
- Identify your personal leadership style and explain the benefits of your leadership style on the organization.
- Analyze necessary organizational leadership skills in given situations and prepare a plan of action for improving organizational leadership abilities.
- Contrast the value of an array of leadership roles.
- Develop critical thinking skills about decisions in a manner that is socially responsible and responsive.
- Demonstrate a persuasive and collaborative approach which encourages a teaming environment.
- Employ organizational accountability to build innovative organizations that respond to ever changing environments.
APU’s Online Program Provides a Career-Relevant Education in Criminal Justice
This online degree program explores how law enforcement operations and legal proceedings shape outcomes within the U.S. justice system. Courses address the real-world ethical challenges of protecting public safety, and learners examine the fundamental concepts of criminology.
Students also:
- Learn the similarities and differences among local, state, and federal criminal justice components while gaining an international perspective
- Explore parts and components of the criminal justice system from political and public administration standpoints
- Learn how various prevailing theories apply to elements within the criminal justice system
- Design research that, if executed, would add to the body of knowledge in the criminal justice profession
- Probe how standards of evidence and law impact criminal justice system segments and professionals
APU’s program emphasizes practical knowledge of the legal frameworks that form the basis of our justice system. Students also discuss the complexities of protecting public safety, from defending the law to charging and rehabilitating offenders.
Graduates may have potential career opportunities as:
- Law enforcement officers, who enforce laws, respond to incidents, conduct investigations, and engage with communities to maintain public safety
- Probation officers or correctional treatment specialists, who supervise offenders, support rehabilitation efforts, and prepare reports for courts and agencies
- Criminal investigators/detectives, who collect and analyze evidence, interview witnesses, and support investigations under supervision with additional training and experience
- Private investigators, who conduct investigations related to legal, financial, corporate, or personal matters for individuals or organizations
APU’s online courses examine how law enforcement agencies, courts, and corrections operate within the U.S. legal system. Coursework strengthens career-relevant skills as students learn how criminal justice professionals manage relationships with the public and their peers.
This bachelor’s degree program also teaches learners how to:
- Apply criminological theory to assess criminal behavior and prevention strategies
- Evaluate constitutional law, due process, and civil liberties as they apply to criminal justice practice
- Design basic research relevant to justice system practices
- Demonstrate ethical reasoning and professional standards in justice-related decision-making
- Communicate information clearly to professional and public audiences
“ When teaching a course, I always try to bring personal experiences from my criminal justice career into the discussions where applicable. I believe that applying real-life experiences to theoretical course content assists students with applying the course material to the situations they will encounter later in their professional careers. ”
Browse Core Courses from the Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Program
Connect with Peers and Faculty While You Pursue Your Online Criminal Justice Degree
Students pursuing APU’s online degree can build connections through dozens of clubs and organizations, such as the University’s Criminology Club and Alpha Phi Sigma Honor Society. These groups hold regular meetings and welcome new members with shared interests in the criminal justice field.
Learn more about student communities and other ways to get involved at APU.
Signature Skills: A Learning Revolution
Integrated into our student curriculum, these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence. The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
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Encouraging students to use current technologies, critically evaluate emerging tools, and responsibly engage with digital and AI systems.
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Strengthening the ability in all students to analyze information objectively, question assumptions, explore alternatives, and develop skills essential for navigating continual change.
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Helping students thrive in dynamic workplaces by reinforcing adaptability, resilience, innovation, and self-awareness.
Welcome to a learning revolution.
APUS signature skills.
Digital literacy, critical thinking, a growth mindset entwine themselves around the student journey.
They’re in everything we do!
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Meant to inform our approach to you, and your ability to thrive beyond the classroom,
these signature skills teach you how to move through the world with confidence.
The road to success is paved with signature skills learned at APUS.
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APU is here to support your student journey
We know your well-being is vital to your success. That's why we offer a range of supportive resources to help you throughout your academic journey.
- Career Coaching
- 24/7 Mental Health Support
- Admissions & Advising Support
- Student Life
Career Coaching
Get individualized guidance to help you explore career options, strengthen professional skills, and prepare for the next step in your journey. Whether you’re just entering the workforce, changing fields, or advancing your professional knowledge, our career services team is here to help you translate your goals into action.
Learn More24/7 Mental Health Support
Your well-being is essential to your success. That’s why APU offers access to confidential, flexible, and around-the-clock mental health support. Through our partnerships with telehealth apps, you can connect with peers and professionals anytime you need to manage stress, maintain balance, or find motivation.
Learn MoreAdmissions & Advising Support
From your first course to the day you graduate, our admissions and advising teams are here to guide you every step of the way. You’ll receive personalized assistance with enrollment, program selection, and degree planning from professionals who understand the needs of adult learners.
Learn MoreStudent Life
At APU, learning extends far beyond the classroom. Enrich your college experience and expand your network by getting involved in any of our student organizations. From cultural and social organizations to program-specific honor societies, you’ll find a group to help you thrive during and after your studies.
Learn MoreAPU Makes Earning Your Online Criminal Justice Degree Affordable
- $0 Application Fee
- $0 Textbooks & Ebooks
- $0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
Earning a degree is a valuable investment, but it needs to fit into your budget. Our tuition estimator can help you estimate your tuition and fees, so you can plan a manageable path to your educational goals. For full details, please refer to the financial aid cost of attendance (COA). This estimate does not include course materials, supplies, equipment, software and other expenses such as lab fees. You may be eligible for partnership grants through your employer. Speak with your admissions representative for more details.
APU Removes Barriers
Quality Education Shouldn’t Break the Bank
We offer special rates and grants for eligible students and limit fees to help keep the cost of higher education within reach. Find out how you can save on tuition expenses with our:
- Transfer Credits
- Financial Aid
- Private Loans & Scholarships
- Military & Veteran Benefits
Transfer Credits
APU makes it easy to earn credit for the work you’ve already done. We accept transfer credits from prior college coursework, professional training, exams, and certifications. We’ll evaluate your transcripts at no cost and help you maximize eligible credits so you can save time, reduce costs, and stay focused on reaching your education goals sooner.
Learn MoreFinancial Aid
We’re committed to making quality education accessible and affordable. APU participates in federal financial aid programs, including grants and loans for those who qualify. Our Financial Aid Office can provide personalized guidance to help you understand your options, complete required forms, and make an informed decision about paying for your education.
Learn MorePrivate Loans & Scholarships
In addition to federal financial aid, some APU students choose to explore private education loans or external scholarships to help fund their studies. We encourage all students to first complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) to determine eligibility for federal student aid before considering private options. Be sure to research lenders carefully, compare terms, and understand your rights and responsibilities as a borrower.
Learn MoreMilitary & Veterans Benefits
Learn More
Apply Online to APU’s Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Program
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice curriculum is delivered entirely online to support students balancing professional and personal commitments with their education. Courses begin monthly and run for 8 to 16 weeks, and there are no set login times. Online students participate in class discussions, complete weekly assignments, and access course materials from anywhere with internet access. The University also has rolling admissions and welcomes new students to the criminal justice program all throughout the year.
Review our admission requirements and submit your application today.
- No Entrance Exams No SAT® or ACT® required for undergraduate programs7
- No Application Fee For undergraduate courses
- Courses Start Monthly Enroll now, start next month
- All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
- There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
Learn More About APU’s Criminal Justice Program
A bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice examines the causes of crime as well as the legal systems, law enforcement practices, and social justice issues shaping the field today. Learners study the relationship between law enforcement, criminal courts, and corrections to gain a broad understanding of how the justice system operates.
Coursework introduces the leading criminological theories to help students understand the social and environmental factors that influence deviant behavior. Students learn how law enforcement deters and solves crimes, how evidence is collected, and how constitutional protections guide arrests, investigations, and trials. The program also examines ethical challenges in the justice system and the relationship between local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies.
Yes, students entering our criminal justice program are encouraged to complete a $0 transfer credit evaluation. The University may award academic credit for relevant experience, including:
- Professional training
- Public safety training
- Military service and education
- Government training
- Previously completed college coursework
Students may also receive credit through community college agreements, credit-by-examination options such as College Level Examination (CLEP) or DSST tests, and/or the University’s Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
Both criminal justice bachelor's degrees provide career-relevant knowledge, but each approaches the field from different perspectives. A Bachelor of Arts (BA) program may focus on law enforcement and the social, legal, and organizational aspects of the justice system. Alternatively, a Bachelor of Science (BS) may instead focus on the technical aspects of the discipline and emphasize subject areas such as criminal profiling and forensic investigations.
Neither degree is objectively better, and the right choice will depend on which approach aligns with your personal interests and goals.
With more than 200 career-relevant degrees and certificates, APU makes online education accessible and affordable.
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Consumer Information
Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.
The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.
See all military student benefits.
