Whether your goal is to work in law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, or the court system, a career in criminal justice is a career in service above all else. It’s about upholding society’s promises to your fellow citizens; it’s about doing your part to keep families and communities safe.
Criminal justice careers attract people with a deep sense of responsibility. That’s why Monroe offers an online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice: because we know you have other responsibilities, and we know that you take them seriously. When you’re responsible to your family, to your job, or both, studying on campus isn’t always an option. To move your life forward, you need a program that works with your life as it is now.
Monroe’s online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice is that program. Using state-of-the-art learning technology, you can earn your Criminal Justice degree on a schedule that works for you. You’ll learn from the same distinguished criminal justice professionals; earn the same credentials; and lay the groundwork for an exciting career filled with opportunities for growth.
Why Should I Major in Criminal Justice Online?
It’s not just that many entry-level criminal justice jobs require a degree. When you earn a Bachelor’s Degree for Criminal Justice, you open doors that might otherwise remain closed. Even if you’ve already begun your career in the criminal justice field, you know that a bachelor’s degree can help you advance professionally. And if you are mid-career — or even if you just finished high school — you probably have a lot of demands on your time. You know that a conventional, on campus class schedule doesn’t work for everyone.
So do we.
Monroe’s online Criminal Justice program offers the same rigorous curriculum as our on campus program, taught by the same faculty of experienced professionals: In addition to the history, theory, and practice of criminal justice, you’ll learn about the latest advancements in the field — because your instructors will be the ones making them.
The Online Criminal Justice Curriculum
Retired and active police officers, attorneys, psychologists, criminologists, corrections officers, and social workers: at Monroe College’s School of Criminal and Social Justice, your professors are also professionals. And they’ll share with you everything they’ve learned in their varied and distinguished careers, including:
Criminal procedure and practice
Sociology, criminology, and victimology
Ethical issues in criminal justice
Criminal investigation methods
Diversity in the criminal justice system
Punishment and rehabilitation
The relationship the criminal justice agencies and the communities they serve
Your education will culminate in an innovative capstone course: you’ll bring all your new skills to bear to propose policy solutions to current issues in criminal justice.
The Hybrid Curriculum: The Best of Both Worlds.
Our online curriculum is second to none, but there are some things you can only experience in person. That’s why Monroe also offers a hybrid degree in Criminal Justice: so you can combine hands-on training with the flexibility of an online program.
How Long Does It Take to Get a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice?
It takes just eight semesters to complete an online BS in Criminal Justice. If taken back-to-back, it can take under three years to finish your degree.
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Requirements:
120 credits
60 credits of major-related courses
60 credits of general education and related courses
Students are also required to complete an internship in the criminal justice field.
If you’re deciding between online and on campus programs, you don’t have to choose right away. Monroe’s 7½-week Mini-Mester offers students a chance to see what online learning is really like without having to take on a full course load. Over the course of a Mini-Mester, you take just 2 classes at a time; and if you want to go on to complete a full 15-week semester, your Mini-Mester credits are fully transferable toward your degree.
Monroe’s CJ degree gives you all the tools you need to be successful.
Cayla Charles
BS Criminal Justice
Featured Course
Criminal Law
In this course, students will gain a historical perspective on our criminal justice system. As they learn how criminal law has evolved, students will also come to understand the responsibilities of professionals in all areas of criminal justice: law enforcement, the court system, corrections, and more. Students will also focus on the major elements of statutory offenses, specifically within the New York State Penal Code.
Candidates for a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice must meet the following admissions requirements:
Candidates must possess either a high school graduation credential or high school equivalency diploma, or a recognized college associate degree or higher as listed in the transfer admissions policy.
Candidates must also submit a completed application for admission, as well as a personal statement or essay.
Criminal Justice candidates may also participate in a pre-admission interview.
At Monroe College, we believe everyone deserves a quality education, regardless of their circumstances. That’s why, in addition to our affordable tuition and fees, we work hard to find you the most complete financial aid package possible. That includes scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study employment that fits with your course load. We also offer manageable payment plans.
Careers for Criminal Justice majors are incredibly diverse. Whether you choose a career in law enforcement, social services, or even in the private sector, Monroe’s School of Criminal and Social Justice will prepare you like nowhere else. Here are just some of the the jobs you can get with a Criminal Justice degree:
Police Officer
US Customs Officer
Corrections Officer
Parole Officer
Probation Officer
DEA Agent
FBI Agent
Juvenile Counselor
Correctional Counselor
Legal Assistant
Court Clerk
Criminal Investigator
And once you earn your bachelor’s degree, you’ll have the option to specialize further in the criminal justice field, by earning a Master’s Degree in Forensic Psychology, Criminal Justice, or even a law degree.
Beyond the Virtual Classroom
As they work toward their bachelor’s degree, students must complete 160 internship hours in the criminal justice field, in settings like correctional facilities, probation offices, police agencies, and more.
Students also have multiple opportunities to build a network of peers and mentors, through extracurricular organizations including:
The Civics & Debate Team: Develop your critical thinking skills as you analyze and debate the landmark legal decisions that have shaped our criminal justice system.
Alpha Phi Sigma: - The National Criminal Justice Honor Society, working for the constant evolution of scientific and ethical standards within the criminal justice professions.
PASS - The Police Academy Scholars Program. Take specialized training sessions that will prepare you physically and mentally for the rigors of the police academy.
The Law Society: Lay the groundwork for your future legal career with valuable field experience and mentorship opportunities.
The Criminal Justice Club: Explore different criminal justice careers as you engage in community initiatives with your peers.
Monroe’s dedicated faculty will be there every step of the way, ready to help you find the path that’s right for you.
Discover What You Can Achieve With an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice
If you’re interested in a career in criminal justice, then you know what it means to take responsibility for others. Now, it’s time to take responsibility for your future. With Monroe’s flexible online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice, you can do it all.
Want to learn more about how to get a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice? Apply today.
