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BA in Criminal Justice

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Gain job-relevant skills to build a career that leaves a lasting impact on communities, 100% online.

5/13/2024

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Online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice

The online criminal justice bachelor's degree program at MVNU teaches you job-relevant skills you can take to a future career that leaves a lasting impact on communities.

You’ll dive into cases, learn how to uncover clues critical to solving crimes, and attain a well-rounded sense of the justice system. You’ll discover what it takes to uphold the law and gain valuable insights into criminology, victimology, and ethics along the way. Accompanied by supportive faculty, the online classes at MVNU are designed to instruct and guide you through the curriculum in challenging, engaging ways that pique their curiosities and foster critical thought.

At MVNU, we're not just teaching the core concepts of the criminal justice field. Part of our objective is to impact it through research projects and attempt to answer some of the most pressing questions communities face today. We recognize that crime not only hurts victims but also society. That’s why our curriculum focuses on restorative justice, emphasizes God’s love for all people, and aims to help students discover a deeper level of care and understanding.

Criminal Justice Degree Highlights

A degree in Christian ministry can take you to minister in the far corners of the kingdom or in your own backyard. Our accelerated online program can be completed anytime, anywhere.

Group 7002 (2)

Tuition & Cost

$398 per credit hour**

Group 6999

Program Length

21 months*

Group 7002

Total Credit Hours

43*

*Based on students beginning the program with 56 transferable credit hours and only needing the program-specific classes. Time to completion varies based on individual student circumstances and previous college experience.

**30 credit hours of the program must be completed at MVNU. Other restrictions apply. Please contact our Enrollment Team for additional information.

Curriculum

Courses you might take

BBA 101

Criminal Investigations

This course is intended to give the student a basic overview of investigations by examining the role of the investigator and how they proceed through an investigatory process. Included in this study are basic concepts of the investigative process, policies, standards, and various techniques.

BBA 201

Victimology

This course introduces historical, philosophical, and operational frameworks of victimology. Victimology refers to the scientific study of victimization, including the relationships between victims and offenders, investigators, courts, corrections, media, and social movements.

BBA 301

Introduction to Justice Systems

This course is an introductory survey of the American justice system with a view to its social and institutional context and its structure and functioning. The course provides an overview of the foundations and components of a number of justice systems, including criminal law, criminal and restorative justice, police, courts, and corrections.

Curriculum stats/highlights

Students interested in earning a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice must complete a minimum of 120 credit hours of general education, all requirements for the major, and 39 upper division credit hours. Many courses fulfill more than one requirement so most majors can be completed within the 120 credit hour minimum.

Students may be able fulfill their general education or elective class requirements by transferring previously earned undergraduate credits or applying Prior Learning credits gained through job or military training. In these cases, students may be able to complete this online degree in criminal justice in as few as 21 months.

Additional Courses

Criminal Justice, B.A.
Required Courses (43 hours)

  • Student Success Strategies
  • Corrections
  • Juvenile Justice
  • Organizational Behavior
  • Leadership
  • Ethics and Law
  • Introduction to Justice Systems
  • Introduction to Public Administration
  • Policing
  • Restorative Justice
  • Victimology
  • Management and Leadership Techniques
  • Courts and Judicial Process
  • Criminal Investigation
  • Terrorism and Homeland Security
  • Total Program Hourr

Credit Hours

  • 1
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 3
  • 43

How much will it all cost?

Group 7002 (2)

Tuition

$16,981

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Credit Hours

43

Group 7002

Financial Aid

Apply for scholarships, loans, grants, and tuition reimbursement.

Get the Facts

Career growth in this field varies based on specialty. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, protective service personnel have the potential to earn an annual salary of up to $94,020.

By the year 2029, employment for police officers, corrections officers, detectives, and other careers is expected to change at varying rates. The variance in growth rates means MVNU graduates have numerous opportunities to take advantage of in-demand occupations.

$94,020

Annual Salary (up to)

Careers

A criminal justice degree can be a gateway for starting a career directly out of school, serving as a stepping stone for graduate work necessary for career advancement. As a multidisciplinary field, a criminal justice degree can lead you to a variety of fulfilling careers in public and private sectors, each working cohesively with the next to achieve a common goal.

With this degree, you can pursue careers in:

  • Adult probation or parole
  • Criminal and private investigations
  • Juvenile probation, parole or corrections
  • Community-based corrections
  • Federal, state or local law enforcement
  • Institutional corrections
  • Emergency Management
  • Homeland Security
  • Fire departments
  • Emergency medical services
  • Emergency Management
  • Red Cross
  • Faith-Based Humanitarian Agencies
  • Christian Ministry positions
  • International Non-Governmental Organizations
  • Military/Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)
  • Department of Homeland Security (DHS)
  • Local, state, and federal government jobs
  • Law enforcement
  • Business continuity
  • Risk management
College Guide

IS ONLINE COLLEGE RIGHT FOR YOU?

Online education puts personal and professional goals within reach, and online learners find the flexibility needed to complete or continue their education with financial aid support to make degrees more affordable. Learn how online degree programs can take your career to the next level with The Ultimate Online College Guide.

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