Gain knowledge and training for criminal justice system careers with our online degree that defends tradition and justice.

Pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, or the legal profession with Houston Christian University’s fully online Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice degree program, backed by instructors who are seasoned professionals in policing, probation, the court system, and corrections facilities.

Gain what it truly takes to succeed in criminal justice and law enforcement careers and set the stage for further advancement and education with our online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. As a student joining us virtually, you’ll learn from the same faculty and attain the same practical working knowledge as our on-campus Criminal Justice majors.

At Houston Christian University (HCU), our community extends throughout Houston’s justice system and criminal law enforcement offices, giving you direct access to networking or internship opportunities, workshops, and symposiums.

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Tuition & Fees

Program Overview

About the Program

  • Complete in Four Years
  • Accredited by the SACSCC
  • Transfer Credit Friendly
  • Learn How Faith Applies to Legal and Criminal Settings
  • Apply to Begin Fall or Spring

Curriculum and Requirements

Requirements for the 120-credit online BA in Criminal Justice degree program balances interdisciplinary approaches to today’s legal and criminal justice system, from the history of American constitutional law to written and spoken communication in complex legal environments.

Well-rounded program requirements offer robust preparation in areas that enhance your confidence in criminal justice careers and will attract employers in elite government agencies:

  • Six credits in language (Spanish, Latin)
  • 48 credits in core liberal arts and humanities areas (writing, history, government, and politics)
  • 30 credits in Criminal Justice major courses and electives

Throughout the online program, you will review course materials and submit assignments virtually, attend synchronous video classes with instructors and other students, and take a more flexible approach to support your career than a traditional on-campus program.

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Criminal Justice Courses

Your course selections from available electives and the basis of the core Criminal Justice program courses tailor the program to your interests or future career goals.

Courses you may take include:

  • Criminal Procedure
  • Criminology
  • Ethics, Crime & Criminal Justice
  • Law and Religion in the United States
  • The American Court System

Typically, it takes four years of full-time study to complete the degree. If you take classes part-time, it may take longer than four years. If you have transferable college credits from a previous institution, completing the degree may take less time.

What Can I Do with a BA in Criminal Justice from HCU?

The interdisciplinary topics covered in the BA in Criminal Justice prepare students for rewarding careers in crime and justice, from private industry to local, state, and federal legal and criminal justice system settings such as courtrooms, government agencies, law enforcement bureaus, and corrections facilities. A robust curriculum also ensures readiness for graduate programs such as law school or public administration graduate studies.

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice backed by flexible and immersive online coursework and access to top faculty minds in criminal justice, rehabilitation, and the legal system opens doors to various careers such as:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Deputy U.S. Marshal
  • Intelligence Analyst
  • Legal Aide or Assistant
  • Police Officer
  • Probation and Parole Officer

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice or a related field is often required for entry- and mid-level criminal justice and legal careers. After earning your degree, on-the-job training opens doors to advanced pathways, such as detective, warden, paralegal, or intelligence agent. Pursuing graduate degrees can qualify you for careers in crime scene analysis and forensics, law, and criminal justice education. You can also leverage your intrepid nature to start a business related to the field, such as a security consultancy or private detective agency.

Not only are the intellectual discussions and practical research and analysis tasks behind learning about criminal justice enjoyable, but the education and training of a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice are professionally worth the opportunities it affords you.

This degree is often the education requirement to become a police officer, intelligence analyst, or work in homeland security or legal positions—plus, it serves as a common stepping stone to financially and personally rewarding careers as a lawyer or in public administration, which necessitate advanced education.

Apply to the Online BA in Criminal Justice at Houston Christian University

HCU’s online Criminal Justice degree program offers unparalleled training in the skills and contextual knowledge to improve society and uphold justice through respected and courageous criminal justice and legal careers or pursuing law school or further education.

Start your application today.

Online Program Admissions and Aid

Whether you have recently completed high school or an equivalent or have transfer credits, the admissions process to Pampell Online Division is seamless.

Additional Admissions Requirements

Applicants to the online BA in Criminal Justice program must have achieved a high school diploma or a GED with passing scores. If you have completed 32 or more college credits, instead of high school transcripts, you must provide all official transcripts from your previously attended college or university, including any additional post-baccalaureate or graduate-level courses.

Submitting Transcripts

You may be accepted to HCU’s online Criminal Justice program with unofficial transcripts emailed to OnlineVerification@HC.edu as long as official transcripts are submitted by your second semester.

Official transcripts must be sent directly from your previous college or university through our approved electronic service or mailed in a sealed envelope directly to:

You may be accepted with unofficial transcripts by emailing copies to OnlineVerification@HC.edu; however, you must submit the official transcripts in a sealed envelope from the school or through an approved electronic service by your second semester.

Houston Christian University
Attn: Online Admissions Verification
7502 Fondren Road
Houston, TX 77074-3298

Accreditation

Houston Christian University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges to award associate, baccalaureate, graduate and doctoral degrees.