Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice

Arm yourself with the knowledge to help keep your community safe. Gain a broad-based approach to working with law enforcement and the criminal justice system when you earn your Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice degree online from Ashford University. Through this online degree, you will develop a thorough understanding of the current social and criminal justice system. Examine topics in criminal investigations, psychology, crime prevention, terrorism, the correctional system, and law.

What is Criminal Justice?
The field of criminal justice is a system put in place by government agencies and institutions that strive to deliver justice to those who have committed crimes, by imposing some form of punishment on them. This system aims to keep citizens safe by helping society maintain social order and controlling crime. The field of criminal justice can be focused on protecting local communities, all the way up to nationwide crimes.

Program Requirements

Total number of credits required: 120 credits
General Education Requirements: 43 credits*
Major Course Requirements: 36 credits*
Electives: 47 credits

Students must earn a minimum of 30 upper-division credits.

* In this program, 6 credits from the major may also satisfy General Education requirements.

To earn your Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice degree at Ashford, you must complete 120 credits. You will need to complete 30 upper-division credits. You may be able to transfer up to 90 approved credits from community colleges, other previous college coursework, or other life experiences such as military service or job training toward your degree.

Special Terms and Conditions

Successful completion of the Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice degree by itself does not lead to licensure or certification in any state, regardless of concentration or specialization. Further, Ashford University does not guarantee that any professional organization will accept a graduate's application to sit for any exam for the purpose of professional certification. Students seeking licensure or certification in a particular profession are strongly encouraged to carefully research the requirements prior to enrollment. Requirements may vary by state. Further, a criminal record may prevent an applicant from obtaining licensure, certification, or employment in this field of study.

Certain degree programs may not be available in all states.

5 Week

Courses

90 Max

Transfer Credits

1 Course

at a Time

The Bachelor of Arts in Social and Criminal Justice degree allows you to investigate both the social and legal sides of working in the criminal justice field. You'll develop an additional understanding of the criminal justice system and the impact social issues have on maintaining a just society. Upon completion of your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, you will be able to:

Analyze criminal justice issues within the systems of law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections
Evaluate the application of the social justice principles of equality, solidarity, and human rights toward building a just society
Apply knowledge of cultural sensitivity and diversity awareness to social and criminal justice
Deconstruct the relationship between law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections
Interpret the relationship between social justice and criminal justice
Develop critical perspectives in the study of social and criminal justice by drawing on the fields of criminology, law, philosophy, psychology, science, and sociology

Take the Next Step

Learn more about how to get started in your degree program.

Start Now

Through your criminal justice degree classes you will investigate both the social and legal sides of working in the criminal justice system. By examining topics in forensics, psychology, crime prevention, terrorism, the correctional system, and law, you will develop the skills and gain the knowledge needed to build an effective career in criminal justice.

Introductory Courses
To help students acclimate to the online classroom, you may be required to complete Introductory Course requirements. Learn more about Introductory Courses.

Major Course Requirements (36 credits, all courses are 3 credits.)

Online Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree

Discover the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from Ashford University. In this video, faculty member Shel Silver, Esq. explains what you can expect to learn during the online criminal justice program and how it will prepare you for a rewarding career in social and criminal justice.

An education in social and criminal justice allows for a wide range of career opportunities. Take a look at your potential career options.

Criminal Justice Careers

Bachelor of Arts in Homeland Security and Emergency Management

Bachelor of Arts in Law Enforcement Administration

Master of Science in Criminal Justice

State

Area of Interest

Select Your Degree

Are you currently a licensed RN?

Yes

This program requires you to be a current licensed registered nurse. Please check out other programs to reach your education goals such as the BA in Health and Wellness.

Flexible Online Classroom

Relevant & Current Subject Material

Faculty and Support

Experience an online classroom that gives you the flexibility to create your own schedule, allowing you to complete your coursework more efficiently. By having a flexible online classroom, you are able to pursue your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice at any point in your life. This online criminal justice program allows you to collaborate with classmates from diverse backgrounds in a flexible and collaborative online environment.

This criminal justice bachelor’s degree is an interdisciplinary program that teaches you about how law enforcement and the criminal justice system are used to build a more socially justice society. Ashford’s criminal justice classes focus on relevant and current subject material related to topics in forensics, psychology, crime prevention, terrorism, the correctional system and the law.

The faculty members have impressive academic backgrounds along with relevant professional experience. This experience gives them the opportunity to offer a deeper insight into the application of criminal justice practices in your professional career. The community behind this bachelor’s in criminal justice is committed to Ashford’s mission of pursuing integrity in the lives of its criminal justice students.