SDSU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online Degree Completion Program is designed to encourage thoughtful exploration of the ways that criminal justice systems provide “justice,” or fail to do so. The program also focuses on criminal justice from a social justice perspective, allowing for the examination of policy issues as diverse as genocide, institutionalized racism, organized crime, and environmental destruction, in addition to traditional criminal justice issues. This degree appeals to students who are interested in working in the fields of law, law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, or other social service agencies. This degree also prepares students for law school or graduate school in either criminal justice or a related field.
Students who satisfy all eligibility requirements can graduate by completing between 54 and 60 units within 13 months (ten eight-week modules with breaks). Admitted students will complete two courses in each of the ten eight-week modules.
Upon completion of the program, graduates will be awarded the same degree as on-campus students — the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. The diploma and transcript will not distinguish that the program was completed online.
UPDATE: This program has been approved for financial aid.
Application Period
Spring 2022: June 1-Nov. 1, 2021
SDSU’s B.S. in Criminal Justice program is designed to give you the skills you need to protect and serve all members of your community. Whether you’re interested in law enforcement, social services, or law school, our online degree completion program will help you earn your bachelor’s degree in as little as 13 months.
About the program
SDSU’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Online Degree Completion program focuses on the ways that different agencies and organizations work together to compose America’s intricate criminal justice system.
Total Estimated CostTextbooks not included
Min. Completion Time
Course FormatYou’ll study the laws that shape criminal justice and the processes that dictate how laws are enforced and justice is carried out through online courses that focus on crime and behavior, administrative systems, government, and policy development. You’ll also explore the complex relationship between criminal justice and social justice, and how that relationship continues to shape public policy and law enforcement. You’ll take an in-depth look at a range of policy issues as diverse as genocide, institutionalized racism, criminal behavior, organized crime, and environmental destruction, in addition to traditional criminal justice issues.
The program is entirely online, which makes earning a San Diego State University degree possible for all types of learners, no matter where you’re located or what your schedule looks like. With a diverse curriculum taught by expert instructors from SDSU’s School of Public Administration, our online degree completion program will help you prepare for a career in criminal justice, whether you’re interested in law enforcement, corrections, social services, or local government.
What Is A Degree Completion Program?
This degree completion program is specifically designed for students who have started, but not finished, their four-year undergraduate degree. If you've completed 60 transferable units, satisfied all CSU requirements and program-specific prerequisites, and have a 2.8+ GPA, you can earn a valuable degree from San Diego State University that fits your busy schedule.
This program is designed for students who have not earned a bachelor's degree. If you already have a bachelor's degree, we will not be able accept your application for this program.
Program is perfect for
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, the average national salary for criminal justice professionals with an associate’s degree or less is just $31,000 per year. For those with a bachelor’s degree, the average annual salary tops $80,000; there were also about 150,000 more job postings in criminal justice-related fields for those who hold a bachelor’s degree.
If you’re interested in taking your career to the next level, earning your bachelor’s degree from San Diego State University can open a world of opportunities in the criminal justice industry. The coursework will prepare you for employment in many different fields, including:
Law
Law Enforcement
Probation and Parole
Corrections
Social Services
Government
Public Administration
Legal Support
Security
If you’re interested in continuing your studies after earning your bachelor’s degree, this degree will also prepare you for law school or a graduate program in a criminal justice-related field.
Because the coursework is entirely online and can be completed in as little as 13 months, this program is ideal for working professionals who have taken some college courses, but were unable to earn a degree. By accepting some of your existing college experience as prerequisites for our degree program, you’ll be able to earn a criminal justice degree that works for you.
Best of all, you’ll earn the same degree as our on-campus students — a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (with an optional Minor in Public Administration) from San Diego State University.
What you can learn
SDSU’s B.S. in Criminal Justice program is designed to prepare you for employment in today’s criminal justice job market. You’ll acquire an advanced understanding of America’s criminal justice system, how laws are created and enforced, and the potential outcomes of those laws in diverse communities.
Course topics include:
- Crime, Law, and Justice
- Public Administration
- Administrative Behavior
- Criminal Justice and Social Control
- Contemporary Urban Issues
- Fiscal and Budgetary Policy
- Law Enforcement and Corrections
- Urban Government Management
- Investigation and Reporting
- Nonprofit Organizations and Government
The program takes a dual focus on traditional criminal justice issues and social justice. You’ll examine the relationship between the two, and how social causes can inform and influence the ways in which criminal justice is administered.
You’ll learn about a range social justice issues, such as systemic racism, genocide, and equitable access, and the role that our nation’s criminal justice system has played in these issues. You’ll also learn about the ways that law enforcement, social services, and public administration are working together to make justice more fair and equitable. If you’re interested in a career in the public sector, you’ll also have the opportunity to earn and apply for a Minor in Public Administration.
Once admitted, you can graduate by completing between 48-66 units within 13 months (ten eight-week modules with breaks). You’ll complete three courses in each of the ten eight-week modules.
Your courses are taught by the same expert faculty members who teach on-campus courses with SDSU’s School of Public Affairs. Our faculty and lecturers come from a variety of backgrounds, including law enforcement, criminal law, local government, non-profit organizations, and academia.
If you’re passionate about keeping your community safe, a B.S. in Criminal Justice from San Diego State University is a great place to start.
Outcomes
Labor Analysis
B.S. in Criminal Justice Graduate — Nationwide
Job Postings
Last 12 months
591,652
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+1.06%
Salary Range
Average
$40,000-$111,000
Source: BLS & Burning Glass Technologies, 2020
B.S. in Criminal Justice Employment by Sector, 2019
Security
Law Enforcement and Public Safety
Network and Systems Support
Data Analysis and Mathematics
IT Managers
Business Intelligence
Legal Support
Financial Regulation and Compliance
Network and Systems Engineering
Legal Investigation
Over the past 5-6 years, employment numbers for individuals with a B.S. in Criminal Justice and/or Corrections has grown by 17.75%. In the last 12 months, there were over 575,000 job postings in criminal justice-related fields seeking bachelor’s degree holders. There are job opportunities in a wide range of fields, from security and law enforcement to business intelligence and legal support.
Compensation is largely dependent on your experience and profession. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, annual salaries for those in security with a bachelor’s degree range from $40,000 (0-2 years experience) to more than $78,000 (6+ years experience). For those in law enforcement with a bachelor’s degree, salaries range from $50,000 (0-2 years experience) to around $70,000 (6+ years experience).
Why Should You Choose Us?
Flexibility
Our program touches on many topics. From law enforcement and litigation to social justice and institutionalized racism, you’ll be well-prepared to build a career in a variety of fields. Our graduates have gone to serve in local law enforcement offices, government agencies, non-profit organizations, and private businesses across the country.
Convenience
Our degree completion program is designed for busy students. With just three online courses every eight weeks, you can earn your criminal justice degree on your schedule. Best of all, your degree won’t distinguish that you earned it online; upon graduation, you’ll hold the same criminal justice degree as our on-campus graduates.
Connections
Our courses are taught by the same faculty members who teach on-campus. You’ll have access to a professional network made up of local law enforcement officers, government officials, and criminal justice professionals based in San Diego, throughout Southern California, and from all the country.
Contact Information
“This program is perfect for students who are trying to balance a lot of competing interests. Students are getting an identical curriculum to students on campus at SDSU. They'll also get a big dose of Public Administration classes and leave with a minor in Public Administration.”
- Sherry Ryan, SDSU School of Public Affairs Director and SDSU Global Campus Program Sponsor