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.
Application Windows
Spring Start: June 1 - Sept. 30
Fall Start: Oct. 1 - May 15
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SDSU’s B.S. in Criminal Justice program is designed to give you the skills you need to protect and serve the 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 15 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.
$22,767-$31,965
Total Estimated Cost
$492-$511 Total Cost/Unit
As little as
15 Months
Completion Time
Online + Asynchronous
Course Format
Program Highlights
- Study the laws that shape our criminal justice systems and the processes that dictate how laws are enforced and justice is carried out.
- Fully online courses that focus on crime and behavior, administrative systems, government, and policy development.
- Explore the complex relationship between criminal justice and social justice, and how that relationship continues to shape public policy and law enforcement.
- Gain an in-depth understanding of 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.
- Learn from the expert instructors teaching for SDSU’s School of Public Administration.
Amazon employees are eligible to take this program. More details here!
Your Degree, Your Way
This bachelor’s degree completion program can help you finish your four-year undergraduate degree in a way that works for you. Our programs build on your existing academic experience by using the credits you’ve already earned to jumpstart your SDSU education without starting over. You can learn at your own pace, study from anywhere, and still get the same Aztec Experience as SDSU’s on-campus students.
Who Is This Program For?
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 15 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 Will I 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 also learn about a range of social justice issues, such as:
- Systemic racism
- Genocide
- Equitable access
- The role that our nation’s criminal justice system has played in these issues
- How 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 15 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.
Career Outcomes
Labor Analysis
B.S. in Criminal Justice Graduate — Nationwide
18,270
Job postings in the last 12 months
+0.20%
Projected job growth in the next 10 years
$58,654
Mean salary of graduates
Source: Burning Glass/Emsi, 2022
Why Should You Choose Us?
Diverse Curriculum
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 taught asynchronously 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 across the country.
Want to Learn More?
Click here to connect with SDSU Global Campus at one of our upcoming virtual events.
Submit the form below and we’ll be in touch to answer all your questions and explain the next steps in the process. Or, you can reach a program recruiter by emailing recruiter.global@sdsu.edu or by calling (619) 594-7700.