The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) program is the study of crime and the administration of criminal justice systems and their effect on society. The curriculum is designed to provide practical knowledge of criminal justice systems and operations with an emphasis on the criminal courts, investigative principles, ethical principles, criminal law, victims of crime, and community relations. It provides the opportunity to continue studies in various areas which include: organized crime, white collar crime, drug and alcohol abuse, social and forensic psychology, and terrorism and terrorism response. This directed self study program provides the requisite knowledge base to understand the causes of crime, the means to prevent crime, and explores how to be an effective leader in the field of criminal justice.

Learners at California Southern University can benefit from an enhanced curriculum that couples the classroom experience with experiential learning opportunity. Due to a strategic partnership with the Cold Case Investigative Research Institute (CCIRI), learners will be able to collaborate with 27 partner institutions, and 600 subject matter experts examining actual cold cases. Learners will be able to assist families and law enforcement in the search for justice, coupling their industry-relevant education with practical knowledge. Learners are provided with a robust practitioner base in the faculty, as well as access to subject matter experts and networking opportunities for professional development in the field. The CCIRI is a non-profit organization housed in Atlanta, Georgia.

Learners enrolled in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at CalSouthern University will have the option to enter the Bridge Program for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (MSLEEL), which will allow them to substitute up to two graduate courses for up to two undergraduate courses. Learners interested in the Bridge Program for the Master of Science in Law Enforcement Executive Leadership (MSLEEL) should contact an advisor to determine undergraduate program eligibility.

Quick Facts:

  • Credits required: 120
  • Cost per credit: $250
  • Program length: 4 years (full-time status)
  • Max transfer credits: 90 credits

Time to degree completion can be shortened by accelerating completion of courses and through credits accepted in transfer.

Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible for transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

What you’ll study

Apply effective written communication skills to various interactions with law enforcement personnel, victims, witnesses, and suspects utilizing the language conventions specific to criminal justice.

Demonstrate competence in utilizing oral communication skills appropriately given the purpose and the context of the communication.

Demonstrate critical thinking in the understanding of key concepts in criminal justice, applying these concepts appropriately, evaluating and justifying positions, and creating coherent arguments.

Analyze the major historical and contemporary issues facing the criminal justice system as they relate to society and respect for diversity.

Practice and apply inter‑personal skills in the educational environment so that learning criminal justice and law enforcement is related to both personal and professional goals.

Demonstrate the ability to use analytical skills in conjunction with information systems, data analysis and computer skills to understand situations in criminal justice.

Possess the knowledge, understanding, and ability to employ state‑of‑the‑art technologies common to the criminal justice profession to conduct research and present findings explaining how this data informs policies and programs.

Potential career paths may be found in the following industries:

Intelligence

Crime Scene Investigation

Probation and Parole

Medicolegal Investigation

Homeland Security

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement.

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Requirements

Degree Requirements Credits
General Education Courses 36
Required Core Courses 33
Elective Courses 51
TOTAL CREDITS REQUIRED FOR THE BSCJ 120

Courses + Credits

The courses that comprise CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) are what distinguish this innovative degree program. The program includes fundamental subjects that are the foundation to any comprehensive criminal justice program, such as criminology and criminal law, legal procedure, and principles of investigation. However, you’ll also find  technology-driven criminal justice courses such as digital crime, homeland security, and terrorism. In addition—and making CalSouthern’s program so unique and well-rounded—you can select courses exploring the ethics of criminal justice, social psychology, forensic psychology, and cultural diversity in criminal justice, among many others.

Required Core Courses

Lower Division Courses

  • UNIV 1000 University Success Online — 3-credits
  • LGL 3101 Introduction to Criminal Justice — 3-credits
  • LGL 3110 Criminal Procedure and the Court System — 3-credits
  • LGL 3121 Corrections: A Comprehensive View — 3-credits
  • LGL 3210 Ethics in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
  • LGL 3221 Criminal Investigation Procedures — 3-credits

Upper-Division Courses

  • LGL 3415 Criminal Law — 3-credits
  • LGL 3420 Applied Criminology — 3-credits
  • LGL 3525 Administrative Office Procedures in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
  • LGL 3531 Law Enforcement and the Community — 3-credits
  • CAP 3401 BSCJ Capstone — 3-credits

Elective and Concentration Courses

Lower Division Courses

  • LGL 3105 Family Violence — 3-credits
  • LGL 3118 Organized Crime — 3-credits
  • LGL 3128 Cultural Diversity in Criminal Justice — 3-credits
  • LGL 3130 Cyber-Crime and Cyber-Terrorism — 3-credits
  • LGL 3215 White Collar Crime — 3-credits
  • LGL 3225 Social Psychology — 3-credits
  • LGL 3228 Homeland Security — 3-credits

Upper Division Courses

  • LGL 3410 Research Methods in Criminology — 3-credits
  • LGL 3412 Drugs and Substance Abuse — 3-credits
  • LGL 3510 Introduction to Forensic Psychology — 3-credits
  • LGL 3511 Juvenile Justice – Current — 3-credits
  • LGL 3518 Introduction to Terrorism — 3-credits
  • LGL 3521 Victims and the Criminal Justice System — 3-credits
  • LGL 3535  Terrorism Response: Infrastructure and Risk Analysis — 3-credits

Download the University Catalog for full course descriptions, prerequisite information, and program details.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program?

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) is a degree program designed for learners who want to study crime and the administration of criminal justice and how both affect society. This program is for students interested in pursuing a career path in criminal justice and in studying the tools needed to be an effective leader in criminal justice.

What will I study in the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program?

Learners will study various topics related to criminal justice agencies and how to interact effectively with law enforcement, victims, witnesses, and suspects. Learners will explore historical and contemporary issues in the criminal justice system and how these issues affect a diverse culture. Learners will be introduced to industry-relevant technologies and skills needed to conduct research and present findings of data that inform policy and programs.

When and where can I begin my Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree?

You can begin your online education at CalSouthern now. Classes at CalSouthern begin monthly. Completion of the CalSouthern admissions process will depend on how quickly you complete the steps in the application process. You may speak to an Admissions Advisor over the phone (1-800-477-2554) or request information online. Once you have completed the online request, you may hear from an advisor within 24 hours to discuss the next steps toward starting your degree program.

How many credits are required to complete a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree?

CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) requires a total of 120 hours to complete. You may be eligible for transfer credit with provided official transcripts*. CalSouthern accepts up to 90 hours of the qualifying credits you need toward your degree.
* Transfer credit is evaluated on an individual basis. Not all credits are eligible to transfer. See the University Catalog for transfer credit policies.

Why should I pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program?

CalSouthern’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) degree program is designed to provide learners with a basis to pursue a career path in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, intelligence, corrections, including probation/parole, and medicolegal investigation. Learners can pursue this degree online, allowing the flexibility to study on their own schedules. The BSCJ is designed within an experiential learning model, utilizing real case studies to support education!

I had a wonderful experience and loved the flexibility of the program. I could go at my own pace, was able to work ahead when I needed to, and to take extra time when I needed to. The faculty mentors were fantastic and very helpful and inspiring. I feel like I got an excellent education for an affordable price and I appreciate everything that it brought to my life.

– Jinxi C., School of Behavioral Sciences, 2020

Ready to pursue your educational goals? We can help!

Contact us to learn more about our online BSCJ degree program.

Accreditation

California Southern University is a member of the American InterContinental University System. The System is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Please visit the Accreditation & Licensure page to learn more.

CalSouthern cannot guarantee employment, salary, or career advancement. Not all programs are available to residents of all states. CalSouthern does not accept applications from residents of Massachusetts, New York, and certain foreign countries.

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      By clicking the button below you consent to California Southern University using automated technology and/or prerecorded means to call, text and email you at the information above, including your wireless number, if provided, regarding educational services. You also agree to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy. This consent is not required as a condition to purchase a good or service. Msg & data rates may apply.”

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