Bachelor of Science
Criminal Justice (Traditional) Degree
An innovative and hands-on path to your career in criminal justice.
Criminal Justice (Traditional) Degree
Gain real-life field experience in criminal justice.
Hands-on experience for a criminal justice major is crucial, and this program offers not only a unique and innovative approach to criminal justice classes, but also experienced faculty, all of which are current or former practitioners in their field. Whether you are striving for a career in law enforcement, corrections, forensics, or another avenue of justice work, you’ll be prepared with first-hand guidance and experience.
Looking to learn faster? Earn the same BS in Criminal Justice in an accelerated cohort format.
Get off to a smooth start on your criminal justice degree.
Entering into a degree program can be a daunting experience. But, here, you will find the process to be little-to-no hassle with no SAT/ACT requirements for admission, 4 different starting points for the program within the year, and a smooth transfer policy if you already have credits.
A bachelor's in criminal justice sets you up for grad school.
If law school is your goal, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice may be an option for a pre-law major (speak to your admissions counselor about your options). If you wish to pursue a graduate degree, you will be fully prepared to enter the Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program at Bellevue University.
Courses
What You’ll Learn
- Assess criminal justice operations to effectively address crime and social problems
- Analyze trends to address the needs of the criminal justice system
- Examine theoretical constructs of criminal behavior to provide strategies that impact crime and social problems
Criminal Justice (Traditional) Degree Courses
Current students please login to BRUIN and select “Academic Progress” for your curriculum requirements.
Requirements (36 credit hours)
(Click a course name below to view course details)
This course will focus on the basic aspects of the American criminal justice system and its processes. The study of criminal justice is a dynamic and ever changing field and the nuances associated with duties and responsibilities of criminal justice professionals including law enforcement officers, correctional officers, probation and parole officers, attorneys, and judges will be examined.
This course will examine the law enforcement profession, including the multifaceted structure from which they operate, as well as the activities and responsibilities associated with the job. The focus will also include an investigation into operational policies and procedures, as well as the public opinions associated with this complex occupation.
This course will focus on crime typologies, the control of crime, and the nature and extent of crime in American society. The emphasis will be on the underlying sociological, biological, and psychological explanations for criminal behavior.
This course will provide an examination of the entire criminal court system, from the basic pretrial procedures through the sentencing and appeals phases. Comprehensive discussions in this course will focus on prosecutors, defense counsels, judges, the presentation of testimony and evidence, jury selection and deliberation, plea bargaining, and major social policies and procedures impacting the courts.
This course will focus on the fundamentals of criminal forensic examinations, as well as the investigative processes associated with crime scene security, processing, evaluation, and the collection and preservation of evidence. Prerequisite: CJUS 210
This course will focus on the basic principles of criminal law and the procedural legal processes that occur from the investigation of a crime through the appellate stage. An emphasis will be placed on Supreme Court decisions related to search and seizure, interrogations, and confessions. Prerequisite: CJUS 210
This course will examine the incidence of violent crime in America with a focus on the underlying causes, the impact on society, and the criminal justice system’s response. Prerequisite: CJUS 210 or CJUS 310
This course will examine ethical dilemmas in criminal justice with an emphasis on the behaviors and decisions made by law enforcement, attorneys, judges, and corrections personnel. Prerequisite: CJUS 210
This course will examine the ideologies of criminal punishment in America and the social control and policy issues associated with the treatment of offenders. Topics will include the death penalty, restorative justice, sentencing disparity, and innovative criminal sanctions. Prerequisite: CJUS 210 or CJUS 320
This course will examine victimization patterns and causal factors for crimes involving family violence. The primary focus will be on the social and criminal justice system responses to physical and sexual child abuse, child neglect, domestic violence, and the handling of vulnerable adults. Prerequisite: CJUS 220 or CJUS 310
Choose two courses from the following:
New course description This course introduces fundamental technologies used in information systems. Students will develop a foundation in cybersecurity by learning the fundamental concepts behind cybersecurity. In addition, students will learn cybersecurity principles used in the design of systems to protect information and assets against persistent and constantly evolving threats.
This course presents a sampling of real-world security issues that confront a modern business. In it, students learn practices used in the underworld of cybercrime in order to reduce their risks. One area of particular emphasis is compliance with laws and regulation in the areas of cyber systems and business policies. Another is analyzing business and economic risks associated with cyber systems. This course is suitable for students majoring in cybersecurity, Information Systems or Business, or anyone interested in understanding how, why, when, and where cybercrime may occur.
This course will examine patterns of juvenile delinquency and the causes, influences, and theoretical explanations for criminal behavior. An emphasis will be placed on the processing and treatment of juveniles in the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CJUS 210 or CJUS 320
This course will provide an educational work experience in a criminal justice agency. Knowledge learned through academic experiences will be applied in a hands-on environment. Work expectations are contracted with the site-supervisor and faculty sponsor. This is a non-paid experience. Prerequisite: Junior or senior standing (60 credit hours completed), 18 credit hours completed in the major, and a 2.5 GPA in the major. Permission of the Criminal Justice Program Director is required.
This course introduces students to the problems of racial and ethnic groups in American society and the concepts of dominance, minority, power, status, conflict, prejudice and discrimination. The course examines both interpersonal dynamics and the larger context of changing intergroup relations in today’s world.
This course discusses major social problems through principles of sociological perspective. The course will illustrate links between sociological theories, social research, and social intervention and policies. The course provides a basis for critically analyzing the functioning of the main institutions of society. Prerequisite: SO 101 or permission of the instructor
Kirkpatrick Signature Series Requirements (9 credit hours)
(In addition to the Major Requirements, all Bellevue University students must complete the Kirkpatrick Signature Series)
This course focuses on the political and philosophical traditions of the American republic, especially as embedded in the ideals, values, traditions, founding documents, and institutions of the United States , and considers how these traditions relate to individual citizenship and global society. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course focuses on the creative tensions that exist between the forces of tradition and change as the country undergoes social, cultural, and political change. It considers the manner in which change can renew the vitality of a republic. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
This course examines civic engagement in relation to individual freedoms and responsibilities. It fosters engaged citizens, empowered to effect positive change. Prerequisite: 60 Credit Hours
Integrative General Education Credits
Major Requirements Credits
Elective Credits
= 127 Total Credits*
General Education Courses
Take general education courses that do more than fill a requirement. At Bellevue University, these courses build foundational skills that apply to any career—critical thinking, qualitative reasoning, and ethical leadership. And, you can take courses individually or in course clusters, which connect three courses around one theme, building skills as you go.
Elective Courses
Our broad selection of electives allows you to select courses related to your major or expand your perspective in other areas of interest.
University Accreditation
Bellevue University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org).
Whether a college, university, or program is accredited is important to students with financial aid, employers who provide tuition assistance, donors, and the federal government.
This program is considered a non-licensure degree/certificate program and is not intended for those seeking licensure or the practice of licensed profession. This program may be relevant to multiple occupations that do not require licensure and was not designed to meet educational requirements for any specific professional license or certification.
*Consult with an admissions counselor to determine your eligible credits, as well as to verify minimum graduation requirements for this degree. Transfer credits must be from a regionally accredited college or university. Bellevue University makes no promises to prospective students regarding the acceptance of credit awarded by examination, credit for prior learning, or credit for transfer until an evaluation has been conducted.
Get credit for what you’ve earned.
Accelerate your path to earning a degree.
Thanks to our generous credit transfer policy, you can avoid retaking the classes you’ve already completed, and chip away at the credit requirements you need to complete your degree.
- Already have an associate degree? You could accelerate your bachelor's degree completion. Transfer your full associate degree or even your A.A.S.*
- You may be able to get credit for your military experience and training.
Finish Faster
*Acceptance of transfer credits is always subject to official transfer credit evaluation by Bellevue University.
Format
Learn from experienced faculty through innovative research and hands-on projects.
Bellevue University makes sure that your on-campus experience is worth your time. As a criminal justice major, you’ll learn the critical thinking and practical knowledge needed to succeed in your criminal justice career from an experienced and highly available faculty. You will also participate in unique research and hands-on projects for the crucial in-field experience needed for your craft.
100% Online learning that works for your life and your goals.
Our flexible online courses are designed to bring quality learning into a format that fits your schedule, without sacrificing meaningful faculty feedback and collaboration with peers across the country. Stay on track with the help of your Student Coach — with you from day one to graduation.
On-campus classes offered on a convenient schedule.
If you prefer an in-person learning experience, our Omaha-area campus offers classes that accommodate the working professional’s schedule.
Tuition & Financial Aid
It’s more affordable than you think.
Earning a degree is an investment in yourself, and we want to help you make sure it’s a wise one with a generous credit transfer policy and competitive tuition rates.
2024 / 2025 Academic Year
$449 Online Cost Per Credit $339 In-Class Cost Per Credit (Daytime Residential Only) $250 Military Preferred Cost Per Credit
(Additional fees may apply to individual courses within your major requirements)
Only pay for the credits you need.
Talk to us about our generous credit transfer policy so you can make more of the credits you’ve already earned count toward your degree.
Get help with financial aid.
Our counselors will guide you to find a financial aid plan that works for you. Explore all the ways to help pay for your degree.
Military Preferred (Active Duty and Spouses Only)
Degree-seeking active-duty members of the U.S. Military, National Guard, Reserve, and Coast Guard, and their spouses, with proof of status, are eligible for a special tuition rate of $250 per credit hour for all undergraduate, certificate, and certificate of completion programs as they work towards their degree. Not able to be combined with other special rates, Guild or Campus@Work funding.
You want a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree. We want you to save along the way.
Admissions
Removing barriers to the education you deserve.
College is challenging, but getting in shouldn’t be. We have simplified our requirements for admission and we do not require entrance exam scores like the ACT or SAT—so you can get on track to achieving your goals. Here’s how it will go:
To be admitted to Bellevue University, provide proof of high school completion. We accept the following forms of documentation:
- Official high school transcript
- GED certificate
- Homeschool letter of completion
- Certificate demonstrating that the student has passed a state authorized examination recognized by the state in which it is awarded — equivalent to a high school diploma.
- Self-certification on application.
You’ll just need to complete the application and submit the following:
- Official high school transcripts or proof of high school completion
- If applicable, official transcripts from any college or university you previously attended
- A one-time $50 application fee
- Note:
- International students must provide a few extra documents. See international student bachelor admissions details.
- Students applying for a cohort-based major must possess an associate degree or 60 semester hours completed with a grade of "C-" or higher from an accredited institution of higher learning. If you do not meet this requirement, you can build your credits directly with Bellevue University.
Short on time? You can start the application and save your progress as you go. Start your application >
You'll just need to create an account and complete a pre-application to Bellevue University through Guild. Once you receive confirmation that your pre-application to Bellevue University has been approved, you'll need to complete the required steps to get fully accepted and registered. These include:
- Submitting transcripts from past institutions
- Completing the FAFSA, per your employer's benefit requirement
If you’re transferring from another institution of higher education, you must submit an official transcript from each accredited institution you previously attended. Here are a few details to note:
- A transcript can be emailed securely to [email protected] or by mail. It is required to be sent directly from the issuing institution to Bellevue University's Office of the Registrar to be considered an official document. Please check with previous institution for available sending options.
- Applicants who submit an official transcript which reflects a two-year degree from a regionally accredited postsecondary institution are not required to show proof of high school completion.
- Transcripts must be submitted even if credits were not earned at the previous institution or if transfer credit is not granted.
Ready to get started?
Reach out to admissions.
- Get your questions answered about the Criminal Justice (Traditional) Degree
- Understand your financial aid and scholarship options
- Map out a schedule that fits with your priorities
