What is an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

UMGC's online bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice is uniquely designed to provide you with an understanding of crime and criminal behavior, criminal justice administration, the roles of practitioners within the criminal justice system, and the critical thinking and ethical decision-making strategies necessary to meet the professional demands of the field of criminal justice.

How long does it take to get an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice?

The online criminal justice degree is a 120-credit program with courses offered year-round. The time it will take you to complete your degree will depend on several factors, including your goals, how many transfer credits you have, your course load each semester, and whether you are able to benefit from one or more of our fast paths to credit, including credit for prior learning and credit for military education and training.

How much does an online bachelor's degree in criminal justice cost?

At UMGC, we're proud to offer competitive, affordable tuition rates to students who want to earn an online criminal justice bachelor’s degree. We offer scholarships for those who qualify, an interest-free monthly payment plan, and no-cost digital materials instead of most textbooks to help make online bachelor's degrees even more affordable. You can see our affordable tuition rates, including a low in-state rate for Maryland residents and a reduced tuition rate for military service members and their spouses and dependent children, at the top of this page.

What background do I need to get an online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

You do not need any background, experience, or prerequisite to apply for and graduate with an online criminal justice degree. As long as you meet our undergraduate admission requirements, you can enroll in this program.

Are any certifications needed with the online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

You do not need any prior certifications to enroll in or complete this program.

What UMGC student organizations are available to criminal justice students?

Pi Gamma Mu (Social Science Disciplines) Pi Gamma Mu recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences. UMGC's Maryland Theta chapter was recently added to the society’s Roll of Distinction and was also the winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award. It is available to undergraduate students. Membership is by invitation only. You must have completed at least 45 credits toward your degree to be eligible. If you have earned at least 20 credits in social science coursework (including at least 9 credits at UMGC) and have a GPA in the top 35 percent, you may be invited to join. For more information, please email marylandtheta@umgc.edu.

Online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

120 credits
Transfer up to 90 credits
All courses available online
Select hybrid courses available

TUITION RATES

$330 per credit (in-state)
$499 per credit (out-of-state)
$250 per credit (military)
Other fees may apply

Apply Now

Develop critical thinking and effective decision-making skills and gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system in the online bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice at University of Maryland Global Campus. Connect with a diverse network of peers and learn from esteemed faculty members with experience in the industry. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, and access to lifetime career services, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. You can also save time and money with a variety of scholarship opportunities for eligible students and our generous transfer credit policy. Get started today!

Develop Deep Knowledge of Criminal Justice Programs

In this 120-credit criminal justice degree program, you’ll take courses that may help equip you with knowledge in several areas of criminal justice, law enforcement, crime prevention, ethics, social science, and interagency collaboration. The curriculum is designed to help you gain professional skills such as critical and analytical thinking, problem-solving, effective writing, and decision-making. The program concludes with a comprehensive capstone course designed to allow students to apply principles of interagency cooperation, critical thinking, and systems approaches to solve practical problems in the criminal justice system.

Here are a few benefits of this online program:

You’ll benefit from criminal justice-focused coursework and a general education curriculum that can help provide you with well-rounded skills and expertise.
Through an accelerated pathway, you may be able to reduce your total coursework for a related master’s degree.
Eligible criminal justice majors can join Pi Gamma Mu, which recognizes outstanding scholarship in the social sciences. UMGC’s Maryland Theta chapter was recently added to the society’s Roll of Distinction and was also the winner of the 2020 UMGC Student Organization Awards Best in Show Activities and Events Award.

Search Course Catalog

These requirements are for students who enroll in the 2025–2026 academic year. For prior year requirements, visit our catalog archive.

Read the Catalog

Bachelor’s Degree Requirements

In addition to the specific course requirements outlined on each bachelor’s degree webpage, UMGC maintains certain requirements for all bachelor’s degrees.

See Degree Requirements

Develop Vital Skills in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice practitioners need to develop deeper knowledge and career-focused skills to meet the increasing professional demands of the field. While state and local law enforcement agencies do not require a criminal justice degree to be hired, many related technical fields and promotional opportunities require higher education. In addition, some federal law enforcement agencies now require at least a bachelor's degree for new hires.

Our faculty refresh and update the curriculum regularly with a focus on helping students achieve these learning goals:

Understand the System

Understand the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, and corrections within the American criminal justice system.

Evaluate Policies

Develop an understanding of criminal justice policies and procedures and explore how they affect diverse social groups.

Develop Knowledge

Develop high-level ethical reasoning, analytical skills, research skills, and professional knowledge.

Analyze Law

Understand substantive, procedural, and evidentiary law in theory and in practice.

Unlock Your Career Potential

This program is designed to help you obtain the skills you need to succeed in local/state law enforcement, federal law enforcement, criminal justice administration, or private safety and security roles. For example, graduates might take on positions such as police officer, criminal investigator, forensic investigator, crime intelligence analyst, case manager, correctional officer, and more. Please note that many law enforcement roles require successful graduation from a police academy.

Vernon H., Woodbine, MD

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Top 15

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Practice Real-World Skills in Your Courses

Throughout the curriculum, your instructors will assign coursework that will help you prioritize real-world skills and hands-on experiences. In past courses, students have been able to complete the following projects:

Analyze a fact pattern and discern what facts are relevant to criminal culpability and why. Consider general criminal law concepts and specific statutes in your analysis.
Assume the role of a law enforcement administrator and develop an appropriate action plan to address a complex law enforcement problem in a community-based capacity.
Based on a description of a serial murder investigation, identify facts and items that are significant to the criminal investigation and explain their importance.

Explore UMGC Insights

Gain insight from our faculty and staff and delve deeper into a range of topics, including criminal justice careers, prior learning, transfer credits, and more.

What Can You Do with a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice?

Prepare for a career protecting and serving the public.

How UMGC Helps Veterans Succeed

Learn how veterans can look for employment opportunities with support from UMGC.

How Can I Earn a Master’s Degree Faster?

Save time and money earning your master’s degree at UMGC through accelerated pathways.

If you're ever thinking that your schedule does not work, just know that UMGC is so flexible. It's a smooth transition, and UMGC will work with you.

Jaqueline Q., BS in Criminal Justice Poolesville, MD

Online Bachelor's Degree Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

DEGREE AT A GLANCE

TUITION RATES

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Develop Deep Knowledge of Criminal Justice Programs