Program Overview
The major in criminal justice at KU prepares students for impactful careers across law enforcement, legal systems, corrections, public service, non-profit organizations, restorative justice, and victim advocacy. Offered as both a Bachelor of Arts (BA) and a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice, the program builds a strong foundation in criminology, justice institutions, and public policy while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills essential for today’s complex justice environment.
Students explore how laws are created, enforced, and challenged, as well as how social, economic, and cultural factors shape crime and justice outcomes. Through coursework grounded in theory and applied analysis, the major in criminal justice equips students to evaluate real-world problems, assess ethical implications, and propose evidence-based solutions within criminal justice systems at the local, state, and federal levels.
The Bachelor of Science option emphasizes empirical research, statistical reasoning, and quantitative analysis, making it well suited for students interested in data-informed decision-making, policy evaluation, and strategic approaches to crime prevention. The Bachelor of Arts option integrates a broader liberal arts perspective, encouraging students to examine criminal justice through history, psychology, sociology, and political science.
Students pursuing the BS or BA gain applied experience through internships, research projects, and engagement with criminal justice professionals. These opportunities help translate classroom learning into practice and prepare graduates for criminal justice jobs in policing, investigations, courts, corrections, policy analysis, and related public service fields.
For transfer students, the major in criminal justice is also available in an online format. The online option is designed specifically for students who have already completed college-level coursework and are seeking a flexible pathway to complete their degree. Online students complete the same curriculum as on-campus students, taught by KU faculty, while balancing professional, family, or community commitments.
Learn more about KU
Undergraduate
For more information about the program, visit the program page below.
Criminal Justice, BA/BSSchool of Professional Studies
The Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice is part of the School of Professional Studies, offering cutting-edge programs that develop sought-after skills.Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Learning Outcomes
Graduates of the major in criminal justice will be able to:
- Demonstrate a thorough and all-encompassing grasp of the criminal justice system, encompassing its historical development, legal structures, and institutional constituents.
- Demonstrate awareness of ethical considerations and social justice implications within the criminal justice system through critical assessment, including recognizing diverse perspectives and acknowledging the cultural influences that shape these dynamics.
- Conduct scholarly research and analysis to integrate theory, data, and legal perspectives, forming data-driven solutions to challenges within the criminal justice system.
- Demonstrate proficiency in communicating intricate issues to diverse audiences through the use of various communication modalities.
What Careers Are Possible with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?
A criminal justice bachelor’s degree prepares graduates for a wide range of professional roles in public service and related sectors. Common jobs you can get from a criminal justice major include:
- Police Officer or Detective
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Federal Agency Agent (FBI, DEA, ATF)
- Legal Assistant or Paralegal
- Corrections Officer
According to employment data from Lightcast, demand remains steady across many criminal justice occupations. Median salaries typically range from $45,000 to $85,000 annually, depending on role, experience, and location, supporting strong outcomes for criminal justice bachelor’s degree graduates.
Tuition and Financial Aid
KU offers competitive tuition rates and multiple financial aid opportunities, including scholarships and grants. Learn more about financing your education at KU Financial Aid.Admission Requirements
All students interested in the major in criminal justice must meet the standard University of Kansas admission requirements for incoming freshman and transfer students. This includes:
Freshman
- 3.25 high school GPA OR
- An official ACT score of at least 21 or an official SAT score of at least 1060 with a minimum GPA of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale
Transfer
- Assured admission with 24+ transferrable credit hours with a 2.5+ GPA from a regionally accredited higher education institution.
For detailed admission requirements, visit KU Admissions.
Student Life and Learning Experience
Students in the major in criminal justice engage in experiential and applied learning opportunities such as:
- Internships with law enforcement and justice organizations
- Research projects focused on criminology and justice reform
- Professional networking with criminal justice practitioners
- Participation in student organizations related to justice and public service
On-campus students benefit from KU’s vibrant campus environment, including leadership development programs, student organizations, and community engagement initiatives.
Online students experience a flexible, faculty-led learning environment that emphasizes collaboration, discussion, and applied coursework. Online courses are delivered asynchronously, allowing students to complete assignments on their own schedules while maintaining consistent engagement with instructors and peers.
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Sample Courses
Students enrolled in the Bachelor of Science or Bachelor of Arts option may take courses such as:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Theoretical and Historical Foundations of Criminology
- Policing
- Courts and Sentencing
For a complete list of required courses, visit the KU Catalog.
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions
When should I apply?
This program has a rolling application deadline with five start dates per year. We work with applicants up to a month before the start of an eight-week course; if you miss that timeframe, you can apply for the next available start date.
How long will it take to complete the online degree program?
All courses are online, asynchronous, and include a blend of 8- and 16-week courses.