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 11 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.
This degree also includes a minor in Public Administration. All courses are offered via distance education (online classes). Please note: Some exams may require the student to make arrangements for a proctor to administer the exam remotely.
Estimated Cost($469/unit, 60 units)
Min. Completion Time
Course FormatAdmission Requirements
To be fully qualified for admission to the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, you must have at least 60 transferable semester units by the term prior to transfer. This includes 12 lower division preparation course units for the Criminal Justice major and at least 30 units of General Education. You must also have a 2.8+ GPA.
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.
For more detailed admission requirements and other application information, please consult our Transfer Admissions Information.
| Module | Courses | Dates |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | CJ 300: Crime, Law, & Justice PA 301: Concepts and Issues in Public Administration PA 340: Administrative Behavior |
8/30/20 – 10/24/20 (Fall 2020) |
| 2 | CJ 301: Law in Society CJ 303: Criminal Justice and Social Control PA 460: Administration and Policy Development |
10/25/20 – 12/19/20 (Fall 2020) |
| 3 | CJ 302: Crime and Behavior PA 350: Contemporary Urban Issues HUM XXX: Any Humanities course or Humanities GE RWS 280: Academic Reading and Writing |
1/17/21 – 3/13/21 (Spring 2021) |
| 4 | CJ 305-CJ 596: Open elective PA 450: Fiscal and Budgetary Policy PA 340 or SOC 410 or AFRAS 380* or WMNST 370*: One of these courses. CJ Elective & SBS GE Exp. RWS 305w: Based on Writing Placement Assessment |
3/14/21 – 5/8/21 (Spring 2021) |
| 5 | CJ 540: Research Methods and Evaluation CJ 310: Law Enforcement CJ 330: Corrections |
5/23/21 – 7/3/21 (Summer 2021) |
| 6 | PA 310: Management of Urban Governments PA 330: Public Personnel Administration CHEM 300 or ANTH 360*: Chemistry 300 or Anthropology 360. CJ Elective/NS GE Exp. |
7/4/21 – 8/14/21 (Summer 2021) |
| 7 | CJ 497: Investigation and Reporting PA 501: Nonprofit Organizations and Government |
8/15/21 – 10/9/21 (Fall 2021) |
Dates and courses subject to change.
Admission requirements for this program? *
- 60 or more semester units (90 or more quarter units) completed
- 2.8+ GPA
- Completion of lower division GE with a grade of C- or higher
- Completion of the American Institutions requirement
- Completion of lower division preparation for the major requirements
- POL S 102 - Introduction to American/Californian Government and Politics
- SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology
- SOC 102 - Introduction to Social Problems
- SOC 201 - Elementary Social Statistics (or comparable three-unit course in elementary statistics, such as STAT 119, STAT 250, or PSY 280)
- For more information, please the SDSU General Catalog
*The full transfer admissions requirements can be found here: https://ces.sdsu.edu/admissions-information
Labor Analysis
Criminal Justice and Corrections Industry — Nationwide
Job Postings
Last 12 months
128,661
Projected Growth
Over 10 years
+7%
Salary Range
Average
$55,000-$75,000
For more information, please email criminaljustice.ces@sdsu.edu or call (619) 594-0845.