Curriculum Details
120 total credits required
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree from Anna Maria College consists of 40 courses, 13 of which are included in the major. It is delivered in a flexible, 100% online format and designed to be completed in two to four years.
As a student, you’ll study topics like constitutional law, criminology, American policing, justice systems, criminal law and corrections to prepare for a successful career in criminal justice, the court system or law enforcement. You can also complete an optional internship in your local community to gain valuable field experience and apply what you learn in real-world contexts.
In addition to criminal justice coursework, some general education courses are required, many of which may be transferred in from previous academic experience. Contact a program manager for complete details.
Anna Maria offers a 5th Year Option that allows students in the bachelor’s program to take up to three master’s level courses at the undergraduate tuition rate. This course of study allows you to earn your M.S. in Criminal Justice degree at a lower cost.
Major Core Courses
The development of an integrated understanding of law, crime, and the organization and function of various components of the American justice system including: law enforcement, private law practice, judicial system, juvenile justice system, corrections system and human services system, including victim services. Students explore justice-related career options; examine the ethical and moral implications of working in the justice system; and explore how the justice professional can help to construct a more just and peaceful society. (minimum C required for CJ majors and minors)
Introduces the student to the “sociological perspective” which involves critically analyzing human behavior in society. Some of the concepts studied are patterns and problems in human interactions, socialization, identity groups, social institutions, deviance and crime. Diversity will be used as a central theme in this course.
A survey of the U.S. Constitution. Through an analysis of interpretative cases, students will become acquainted with fundamental principles including judicial review, federalism, due process of law, equal protection, freedom of expression and religion, state action, and broader principles associated with constitutional civil rights.
An examination of the substantive law of crimes, constitutional protections and criminal processes. Using a variety of methods and techniques, students will explore the sources of common law crimes and statutory criminal codes, the elements of crimes, and individual constitutional rights afforded from arrest through sentencing.
An exploration of various theoretical explanations of crime and criminality. The study includes patterns of criminal offending, crime typologies, and implications for the practice and prevention of crime at local, national and global levels.
A survey of the history, development, environment, organization, and sociology of law enforcement in America. Emphasis will be placed on the evolution of state and local agencies, the use of police as an agency of social control, the police as a division of government, and an examination of the role of police within the larger criminal justice system.
An examination of the evolution of prisoner management from Pennsylvania’s Walnut Street Jail to the present-day correctional system, with a particular emphasis on the Massachusetts prison system. Students will explore the various philosophies of prisoner treatment, allocation of resources, and prison design.
Students will explore and practice research, writing and oral communication skills designed to enlighten and provide a reflective analysis of the diversity of our social world. Emphasis will be placed on collecting, communicating, and analyzing data and literature, the balance between qualitative and quantitative methods, and criteria for evaluating information.
Two Criminal Justice Electives (any level)
Three Upper-Level Criminal Justice Electives (3/400-level)
Program Outcomes
When you finish your online bachelor’s in criminal justice, you’ll be able to:
- Identify and analyze a broad range of criminal justice concepts including the structure and operation of the criminal justice system
- Demonstrate oral, written and technological communication skills consistent with standards in the field
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems and situations and assess their ethical and moral implications
- Demonstrate oral, written and technological communication skills consistent with standards in the field
- Demonstrate leadership skills that embody a commitment to diversity, social justice and civic responsibility
- Analyze the larger context in which the criminal justice system exists and the implications of its being so closely tied to social, practical, global and economic forces
Transfer Credits
We accept up to 90 transfer credits into the B.S. in Criminal Justice program. Police academy training can count for up to nine credits toward your degree. Transfer credits can help you save time and money by finishing your degree faster.
You can learn more about the online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice by calling us at 877-265-3201 to speak with one of our program managers about a personalized evaluation of your transcripts.
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