Online BA in Criminal 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.
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.
Courses and Degree Plan
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
Careers for Online Criminal Justice Majors
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
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.
Online Program Admissions and Aid
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.
Whether you have recently completed high school or an equivalent or have transfer credits, the admissions process to Pampell Online Division is seamless.
- Fill out your application. After submitting our free application, we’ll reach out to you with more information.
- Submit high school transcripts. You can provide them electronically or by mail.
- Contact our online admissions team. Speak to an academic advisor to understand transfer credits or admissions consulting staff for other questions.
Financial aid is available to online students. Learn about online degree tuition and costs and explore financial aid at HCU.
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
Frequently Asked Questions
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.
