100% Online Degree

Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree

Whether your passions align most with law enforcement, the court system, or corrections, this affordable Bachelor’s degree will open doors to a variety of impactful career paths.

 

Talk to an Enrollment Coach

 

Our next term starts in:
--
days
--
hours
--
minutes

Online
Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice

The criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts, and corrections. Our Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with well-rounded skills and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking.

Estimated Annual Cost: $8,280

Cost estimate based on enrollment in 45 annual quarter hours with current Tuition and Fees. Cost includes fees for textbooks and materials.

 

Learn more about Bachelor of Applied Science Degrees >

 

Career Paths

Police and Sheriff Officers
Respond to emergency and nonemergency calls. Patrol assigned areas, observing people and activities. Conduct traffic stops and issue citations.
Detectives and Criminal Investigators
Gathers and verifies evidence through interviews and observation of suspects and witnesses or by reviewing and analyzing records and logs.
Correctional Officers
Enforce rules and keep order within jails or prisons. Supervise activities of people in custody.

What You Will Learn

checkmark

Demonstrate knowledge of historical, contemporary, and emerging issues within the field of Criminal Justice.

checkmark

Apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, and directing a variety of criminal justice agencies.

checkmark

The ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment to solve complex problems.

checkmark

Demonstrate knowledge of the constitutional, ethical, and legal principles in the field of Criminal Justice.

Earn Credits From Law Enforcement/Correctional Officer Training:

Officers who receive the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (Peace Officers) will be given credit for the following:

Officers who receive the Basic Law Enforcement Certificate (Peace Officers) for training completed on or after
January 1, 2025, will be given credit for the following courses:

CRJ 100P Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

CRJ 103P Criminal Procedures – 5 Hours

CRJ 111P Emergency Vehicle Operation – 5 Hours

CRJ 112P Defensive Tactics – 5 Hours

CRJ 113P Basic Firearms for Law Enforcement – 5 Hours

CRJ 211P Practical Investigations – 5 Hours

CRJ 203 Police Community Relations I – 5 Hours

CRJ 204 Ethics in Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

CRJ 206 Introduction to Policing – 5 Hours

CRJ 208 Criminal Law – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 50 Hours

Money Saved: $9200

Officers who receive the Instructor Training Certificate will be given credit for the following:

COM 201 Public Speaking – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 5 Hours

Money Saved: $920

Officers who receive the Basic Correctional Officer Training will be given credit for the following:

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours

CRJ 303 Correctional Institutions – 5 Hours

Time Saved: 10 Hours

Money Saved: $1840

Officers who receive the Juvenile Probation Officers Certificate will be given credit for the following:

CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice – 5 Hours
CRJ 104 Juvenile Delinquency and Procedure – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 10 Hours

Money Saved: $1840

Officers who receive the Basic Jailers Course Certificate will be given credit for the following:

CRJ 303 Correctional Institutions – 5 Hours

 

Time Saved: 5 Hours

Money Saved: $920

Request Your Official POST Transcript

Click here to request your official POST transcripts to submit for admission to earn the appropriate college credits from your training.

Leadership. Character. Civility.

Attending GMC is about more than just earning a degree. We prepare our graduates to stand out in the world by teaching leadership skills, character education, and ethics. GMC grads have the grit and determination to be successful in an ever-changing job market.

See How GMC Builds Character

Why pay more for the same degree?

Thanks to our Transfer Agreements, GMC Online students can take their college credits with them to dozens of other colleges and universities. Why pay more for core curriculum when you take the same accredited courses at GMC Online for less, and then transfer to the four-year college of your choice? Here’s a cost comparison:

“My GMC Online Enrollment Coach really believed in me, and pushed me to want to do better for myself… One year later, I found myself with a degree and two jobs. I was very quickly able to get myself a new car, put my son in a better school, and eventually buy myself a house. I became an all-around happier and healthier person thanks to GMC Online.”

— Charity Suggs, Graduate

Recent Grads

Concentration Courses

CRJ 100 Intro to Criminal Justice | 5qh

This course is a general overview of the American criminal justice system. Each of the major components (police, courts, and corrections) will be examined.

CRJ 103 Criminal Procedures | 5qh

This course is a study of the nature and function of the law with relation to the criminal process, policies and procedures in the administration of criminal justice.

CRJ 104 Juvenile Delinquency | 5qh

This course is a detailed examination of juvenile delinquency in the United States. Course topics will include social causes, apprehension and processing, court procedures, and rehabilitation.

CRJ 200 Intro to Criminology | 5qh

This course is an examination of crime theories and causation. The relationship between crime, the criminal, and society is presented. The nature of criminal behavior, moral law, and criminal law are discussed.

CRJ 201 Criminal Investigations I | 5qh

This course introduces the student to the techniques of criminal investigation to include, crime scene, search and recording, collection and preservation of evidence, scientific aids, modus operandi, sources of information, and interviewing witnesses.

CRJ 202, Intro to Criminalistics | 5qh

This course is about the study of the scientific aspects of criminal investigation to include, collection, preservation, and examination of physical evidence, chemical and other scientific methods used in a modern crime investigation laboratory.

CRJ 203 Police Community Relations I | 5qh

This course examines the historical development of criminal justice agencies with emphasis on community relationships, police and community perceptions, attitudes and values.

CRJ 204 Ethics in Criminal Justice | 5qh

This course is an introduction to concepts of ethics and the examination of contemporary ethical issues in criminal justice.

CRJ 205 Introduction to Mental Health Recognition for Law Enforcement | 5qh

This course will familiarize students with mental health disorders and show students how to effectively engage a person with a mental illness. Students will learn communication skills and active de-escalation strategies needed to avoid conflict.

CRJ 206 Introduction to Policing | 5qh

This course focuses on the police role in society, police operations, discretion, corruption, and current and emerging issues.

CRJ 208 Criminal Law | 5qh

This course examines substantive criminal law and its procedures for implementation. Emphasis will be given to historical developments, contemporary forms of criminal definitions and Supreme Court decisions that govern criminal procedures.

CRJ 210 Evolution of Law Enforcement | 5qh

This course focuses on the historical development of law enforcement, organization, administration, and systems of local, state, and federal policing with an emphasis on theories as they relate to practice.

Hiring Partners

GMC is fortunate to have partnerships with a wide range of businesses who hire our graduates. Here are a few of our partners:

Frequently Asked Questions

About This Program


The criminal justice program is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, emergency services, or the legal field. Students within the criminal justice program will not only learn the basic components of the criminal justice system but will also apply theories and practices of criminal justice to structuring, managing, directing, and controlling a variety of criminal justice agencies associated with police, courts, and corrections. Our Criminal Justice program provides a holistic approach to educating students by not only providing students with well-rounded skills and knowledgebase, but also emphasizing character education and critical thinking.

Degree Program Coordinator


Christy Musgrove, cjames@gmc.edu

Program Benefits


A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare students for careers in the criminal justice system, including law, law enforcement, and public safety. The field of criminal justice is large and offers many career opportunities.  A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can lead to careers in law enforcement, the court system, the corrections system, law degree programs, politics, academia, advocacy, and homeland security.

Cost for the Degree


Average Annual Cost for this Degree:
$8,280

Earn Rewards for Referring Students to GMC Online

Do you know someone who would be a perfect fit for GMC Online?

Introducing our Exclusive Referral Program! By simply connecting us with individuals who are ready to pursue their college degree, you can earn generous rewards.

Pocket up to $175 for every new student you refer.

Click the button below to learn more about our rewarding Referral Program.

Refer a Friend

 

*Referral Verification Disclaimer: All referrals are subject to a thorough verification process to confirm their authenticity. GMC Online retains the right to withhold gift cards if any referral appears suspicious or violates our program guidelines. This is crucial in preventing fraud and maintaining the integrity of our program. 

*Terms & Conditions: This program applies solely to individuals referred to the GMC online campus and does NOT include GMC employees or those who have previously been referred to our institution. The referral program officially launched on June 23, 2023. Please note that referrals made before this date will not be eligible for rewards.

Academic Excellence.
Since 1879.

We’ve been educating bright minds for well over a century. That’s why a degree from GMC means more than just a great education. It means success.