Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice Online
Open the door to new opportunities in criminal law, corrections, forensic science, court systems and victim advocacy with a bachelor’s degree you can tailor to your professional goals.
Apply by:
12/21/26
Start class:
1/11/27
Program Overview
Learn to protect individuals and organizations with the online bachelor's degree in criminology and criminal justice program
Experience maximum flexibility and prepare for career advancement when you earn a B.A. – Criminology and Criminal Justice online from SIU Carbondale. Study on your schedule and continue working full time while you develop expertise in the ideologies, procedures and legal concepts that make up the criminal justice system. You’ll learn from nationally recognized, research-active faculty who bring real-world experience to their curriculum.
In addition to mastering key industry tools such as ArcGIS and SPSS, you will be able to customize your bachelor’s degree with 12 elective credits and optional internship opportunities. Plus, you may be able to apply up to 90 previously earned credits toward your degree, with additional credit potentially available for prior academy or basic training.
As a student of this online B.A. – Criminology and Criminal Justice program, you will:
- Recall, assess and apply curricular materials relating to theories and patterns of criminal behavior and crime, criminal law, and the structure and operations of the criminal justice system
- Critically assess multiple perspectives and explanations for problems or policies in criminology and criminal justice
- Identify appropriate social-behavioral science methods for gathering and analyzing problems or topics in criminology and criminal justice
- Locate, comprehend and synthesize relevant information on a substantive topic or problem in criminology and criminal justice
- Communicate effectively in written and oral forms
- Recall, assess and apply curricular materials relating to theories and patterns of criminal behavior and crime, criminal law, and the structure and operations of the criminal justice system
- Critically assess multiple perspectives and explanations for problems or policies in criminology and criminal justice
- Identify appropriate social-behavioral science methods for gathering and analyzing problems or topics in criminology and criminal justice
- Locate, comprehend and synthesize relevant information on a substantive topic or problem in criminology and criminal justice
- Communicate effectively in written and oral forms
What career opportunities are available with a bachelor’s degree in criminology and criminal justice from SIU Carbondale?
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Correctional Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Court Clerk
- Victim Advocate
- Presentence Investigator
- Law Enforcement Officer
- Criminal Investigator
- Correctional Officer
- Probation or Parole Officer
- Court Clerk
- Victim Advocate
- Presentence Investigator
Also available:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers specialized degrees that can help you grow personally and professionally. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.
Southern Illinois University Carbondale offers specialized degrees that can help you grow personally and professionally. Check out our other online undergraduate programs.
Per Credit Tuition
$327.75
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Credit Hours
120
Accreditation
Southern Illinois University Carbondale is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), a regional accrediting agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Tuition
Tuition designed with working adults in mind
At SIU, we believe that education should be accessible to all, and that’s why the tuition for the online bachelor's of criminology and criminal justice program is budget-friendly and paid by the course.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course* |
|---|---|---|
| B.A. – Criminology and Criminal Justice | $327.75 | $983.25 |
Potential Expenses Per Year*
| Tuition** | Fees*** | Food and Housing | Books, Course Materials, Supplies and Equipment | Personal Expenses | Transportation | Total with Tuition |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| $39,330 | $80 | $13,067 | $780 | $1,761 | $1,300 |
*Published tuition costs may differ from a student’s estimated total “cost of attendance,” which includes the amount an online student may choose to spend on expenses such as housing and food, books and supplies, transportation and other personal items or activities. As a SIU Carbondale Online student, you will only ever be billed for applicable tuition and fees. All other costs listed are estimates per academic year required by the federal government to help you budget for your education.
**Tuition per Year based on 18 semester hours per year (Fall, Spring + 3CH Summer): $5,899.50
***The fee amount in the financial aid budget is based on the maximum fees assessed to students based on full-time enrollment.
For further information regarding program tuition and fees visit the Financial Aid website.
Tuition breakdown:
Per Credit Hour
$327.75
Calendar
Here are key dates and deadlines you need to know
Our bachelor’s in criminology and criminal justice online program is delivered in a 100 percent online format, giving you the freedom to fulfill professional and personal responsibilities while enrolled. Choose the start date that best suits your schedule.
| Term | Start Date | App Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Class End Date | Term Length |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring A | 1/11/27 | 12/21/26 | 12/28/26 | 1/10/27 | 3/5/27 | 8 weeks | |
| Spring B | 3/15/27 | 2/22/27 | 3/1/27 | 3/14/27 | 5/7/27 | 8 weeks | |
| Summer | 6/7/27 | 5/17/27 | 5/24/27 | 6/6/27 | 8 weeks |
Now enrolling:
Next Apply Date
12/21/26
Start Class
1/11/27
Ready to take the next steps toward earning your degree?
Admissions
Take a look at the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice requirements
Apply to the B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice online program and prepare to unleash your potential, discover your passions, and create a future that reflects your unique aspirations.
For admission into the B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice online program, you must meet the streamlined requirements below.
Students with 12 or more transferable credits or 18 quarter hours:
- Submit online application and $40 non-refundable application fee
- Minimum GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale), as calculated by transfer institution grading policies
- Current, official transcripts from all colleges or universities attended
Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to the Articulation and Evaluation office.
Email address: [email protected]
Mailing address:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Articulation and Evaluation
1263 Lincoln Drive MC 4725
Carbondale, IL 62901
Students with fewer than 12 transferable credits:
Students who transfer with less than 12 transferable credits must meet both the transfer admission standards and first-year admission standards.
- Transfer admission: GPA of 2.0 (on a 4.0 scale)
- First-year admission: Applicants meeting any of the following criteria will be admitted:
- A high school GPA of 2.75 or higher (on a 4.0 scale)
- An ACT score of 23 or higher (or equivalent SAT score)
- A ranking in the top 10 percent of their high school graduating class
- Current, official transcripts from high school and all colleges or universities attended
Official transcripts and other documents should be sent from the granting institutions to the Undergraduate Admissions office.
Email address: [email protected]
Mailing address:
Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Undergraduate Admissions
1263 Lincoln Drive MC 4710
Carbondale, IL 62901
Admission Requirements:
- Online application
- Official transcripts
- 2.0 GPA
Courses
Explore our hands-on, application-focused online coursework
For the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice online program, you must complete 39 credit hours of university core courses (13 credit hours of foundation skills, 23 credit hours of disciplinary studies and three credit hours of integrative studies), 18 credit hours of major core courses and 24 credit hours of major electives, 12 of which must be from 400-level courses. Additional elective credits will be required to complete this 120-credit B.A. degree program.
Criminology and Criminal Justice Core
Criminology and criminal justice core curriculum requires a total of 18 credit hours.
- CCJ 101 and CCJ 290 must be completed prior to enrolling in 300-level and 400-level courses.
- Students choose to complete either CCJ 310 or CCJ 360.
- Students must complete JPS 300.
CCJ 101: Introduction to the Criminal Justice System
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
[IAI Course: CRJ 901] A survey of the agencies and processes involved in the administration of criminal justice including underlying ideologies, procedures, fundamental legal concepts, and the roles and functions of police, courts, and correctional services.
CCJ 203: Crime, Justice and Social Diversity
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of how society's social structure influences the processes involved in and the definitions of crime and justice and the likelihood of being an offender and victim of crime. The differential influence of the operations and outcomes of the criminal justice system on groups in U.S. society is emphasized.
CCJ 290: Introduction to Criminological Theory
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
[IAI Course: CRJ 912] A multidisciplinary study of the etiology and patterning of offender behavior and crime.
CCJ 310: Introduction to Criminal Law
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
(Same as PARL 315) An examination of the general principles that apply to all criminal offenses and the specific elements of particular crimes that prosecutors must prove beyond a reasonable doubt. Topics include actus reus, mens rea, concurrence, causation, and harmful result; the defenses of justification and excuse; the doctrines of complicity and inchoate (unfinished) crimes; and the elements of major crimes against persons, property, habitation, public order and morals, and the state.
CCJ 360: Law and Social Control
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to key social science theories and research traditions in the study of law and non-legal social control. Explores patterns and dynamics of law as an instrument and outcome of social control, and the processes and structures underlying law as an outcome and instrument of social change. Prerequisite: CCJ 101; completion of or concurrent enrollment in CCJ 290.
CCJ 316: Introduction to Criminal Justice Research
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A basic introduction to the scientific perspective, relationship of research and theory, research design, measurement issues, reporting of research and program evaluation. Emphasis on problems particular to criminological research. Prerequisite: CCJ 101; completion of or concurrent enrollment in CCJ 290.
Criminology and Criminal Justice Electives
Criminology and criminal justice electives requires a total of 24 credit hours, 12 of which must be from 400 level CCJ courses.
CCJ 303: Criminal Investigation
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the fundamentals of the modern criminal investigative process, the application of current forensic technologies, and the subsequent identification and court processes used to bring suspects to justice.
CCJ 306: Policing in America
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the police as part of society's official control apparatus. Major topics include historical development of the police, role of the police in the criminal justice system, functions and effectiveness of the police, and the relationship of the police to the communities they serve.
Prerequisite: CCJ 101; completion of or concurrent enrollment in CCJ 290.
CCJ 320: Prosecution & Adjudication
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the structure and process involved in the prosecution, adjudication, and sentencing of criminal defendants. The exercise of prosecutorial and judicial discretion is analyzed, with emphasis placed on understanding the influence of legal, organizational, and environmental contexts on decision-making. Prerequisite: CCJ 101; completion of or concurrent enrollment in CCJ 290.
CCJ 325: Special Topics in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An in-depth study of topics selected from current issues in criminology and criminal justice. Examples include "media and crime," "international comparisons of criminal justice," "qualitative criminology," and "environmental criminology." May be repeated for a maximum of six credits. Prerequisite: CCJ 101; completion of or concurrent enrollment in CCJ 290.
CCJ 410: Policing Communities
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A study of the theories underlying modern police reform, how these theories have altered practice, the challenges of implementing and sustaining police reform, and the outcomes of such efforts. Prerequisites: CCJ 101, CCJ 290, and (CCJ 316 or PSYC 211), or consent of instructor.
CCJ 415: Prevention: Crime & Delinquency
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Multidisciplinary analysis of the functions, goals, and effectiveness of measures to forestall delinquency and crime. Etiology of delinquent behaviors as related to community institutions such as police, courts, corrections, mental health clinics, schools, churches, and citizen groups. Prerequisite: CCJ 101, CCJ 290 and (CCJ 316 or PSYC 211), or consent of instructor.
CCJ 462: Victims of Crime
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
(Same as SOC 462) An examination of the extent and nature of victimization, theories about the causes of victimization, the effects of crime on victims and services available to deal with those effects, victims' experiences in the criminal justice system, the victims' rights movement, and alternative ways of defining and responding to victimization.
JPS 300: Public Safety Analysis
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A review of basic techniques used to analyze data in public safety fields. The class focuses on application, emphasizing how to understand, interpret, and use statistical analysis to answer research and policy questions. Students will learn how to perform a variety of descriptive and inferential analyses using dedicated software.
CCJ 473: Juvenile Delinquency
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
(Same as SOC 473) An in-depth study of theories of delinquency, analytical skills useful in studying delinquent offenders, systematic assessment of efforts at prevention, and control and rehabilitation in light of theoretical perspectives. Prerequisite: CCJ 101, CCJ 290 and (CCJ 316 or PSYC 211), or consent of instructor.
University Core Curriculum
University core curriculum requires a total of 39 credit hours distributed across three general areas:
- 13 credit hours of foundation skills in English composition (6 CH), foundations of inquiry (1 CH), communication studies (3 CH) and quantitative reasoning (3 CH) designed to strengthen students' writing, oral and mathematical skills
- 23 credit hours of disciplinary studies in fine arts (3 CH), human health (2 CH), humanities (6 CH), science (6 CH), and social science (6 CH) designed to introduce students to the universe of human knowledge
- Three credit hours of integrative studies designed to increase students' respect for and appreciation of human diversity
The following list presents all available courses that meet the requirements shared above:
ENGL 101: English Composition I
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Rhetorical foundations for demands of academic and professional writing, including recognition and deployment of strategies and processes for effective written products in various contexts and for various purposes. Class discussion and readings focus on the function and scope of professional literacy. To receive credit in the University Core Curriculum, a student must earn a C or better.
ENGL 102: English Composition II
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The second course in the two-course sequence of composition courses required of all students in the University. Using culturally diverse reading materials, the course focuses on the kinds of writing students will do in the University and in the world outside the University. The emphasis is on helping students understand the purpose of research, develop methods of research (using both primary and secondary sources), and report their findings in the appropriate form. Prerequisite: English 101 or equivalent with a minimum grade of C. To receive credit in the University Core Curriculum, a student must earn a C or better in English 102.
MATH 101: Intro to Contemporary Math
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Elementary mathematical principles as they relate to a variety of applications in contemporary society. Financial mathematics, probability and statistics, graph theory, voting, and other concepts. This course does not count towards the major in mathematics. Prerequisite: high school Geometry and Algebra 2 with a grade of C or better.
MATH 108: College Algebra
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course covers the algebra of functions (polynomials, rational, exponential, and logarithmic), graphing, and solving equations, including systems. Credit is given for only one of MATH 108 and MATH 106. Prerequisite: Three years of college preparatory mathematics, including Algebra I, Geometry, and Algebra II, AND a satisfactory placement score. A course fee not to exceed $60 is assessed to residential students, which will cover additional instruction. Additional supplemental software is required. The platform is used for assessment and provides online access to learning aids and the e-textbook.
MATH 139: Finite Mathematics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Set concepts and operations, combinations, permutations, elementary probability theory including Bayes Formula, linear systems of equations, matrix algebra, row reduction, introduction to linear programming and simplex method. This course does not count toward the major in mathematics. Prerequisite: MATH 108 with grade of C or better or satisfactory placement score. Satisfies UCC Quantitative Reasoning in lieu of 110 or 101.
CMST 101: Introduction to Oral Communications
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides theory and practical application relevant to students' development of basic oral communication competencies appropriate to a variety of contexts as situated in a culturally diverse world.
UNIV 101: Saluki Success
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
The first-year seminar supports the transition of first-year students as they enter our research university. Special attention will be given to what it means to be a Saluki by exploring the richness of our history and traditions. In addition, upon completion of this course, students will be able to demonstrate the knowledge, skills, and behaviors critical for academic and personal success.
UNIV 301: Foundations of Inquiry
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
This seminar develops general skills that students need for success in the workplace, and enables students to connect their college experience to a professional work setting. Topics include: goal setting, money management, stress management, understanding the job market, networking, personal branding, preparing a resume and cover letter, interviewing, and workplace diversity. Satisfies the UCC Foundations of Inquiry requirement for students who have not successfully completed UNIV 101. Restricted to students with 3rd Year or 4th Year class standing.
MUS 103: Music Understanding
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Through lectures, in-class individual and group activities, readings, and discussions, students will learn to place musical works in their historical and cultural contexts by understanding the development of western art music. Students will also learn the listening skills necessary to perceive various fundamental aspects of any work of music.
CIN 101: Introduction to Film and Media Studies
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to critical tools for analyzing moving images, featuring screenings of important and innovative films and video art, from early cinema to social media. Formal and technical aspects of various screen media and genres are examined in cultural and historical context. Emphasis on the relationships among aesthetic expression, media technologies, and social formations. Screening fee: $30.
HND 101: Personal Nutrition
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 2
This course integrates nutrition and promotion of health through prevention of disease and will answer questions found daily in the media regarding nutrition. Topics emphasized are functions of basic nutrients, impact of culture, gender, ethnicity, social environments and lifestyle on nutrition and health.
HIST 207: World History
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An investigation of select issues in societies of the world from pre-history through the 20th century, with a focus on primary source interpretation. Some sections of this course may be limited to History majors. Please consult with advisor and/or instructor.
LING 200: Language, Society, and the Mind
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
What distinguishes humans from other animals? This course addresses how language is a uniquely human phenomenon by exploring issues in language and society and psychological aspects of language use. Topics include language in conversation, differences between speakers of different ages/genders/regions/social groups, first and second language acquisition, bilingualism, language meaning and change, and the relationship between language and culture.
GEOL 111/112: Geology and the Environment + Lab
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines human interaction with geologic processes and hazards, including earthquakes, volcanoes,
landslides and flooding; occurrences and availability of geologic resources, such as energy, water and
minerals; and human impacts on the environment including global warming, waste disposal, and pollution.
Two lectures per week. Must be taken concurrently with or upon completion of Geology 112 or 113. If
Geology 111 is dropped the laboratory course must also be dropped. Credit Hours: 2
GEOL112 - Geology and the Environment Laboratory Learning (University Core Curriculum) [IAI
course: P1 908L] Laboratory to accompany Geology 111. Hands-on and inquiry-based learning in topics
such as earth materials, topographic maps, stream dynamics, floods, coastal processes, landslides,
groundwater, earthquakes, volcanoes, and human impacts on the environment. One laboratory session
2023-2024 Academic Catalog 480
per week. Must be taken concurrently with or upon completion of Geology 111. Lab fee: $10. Credit
Hours: 1
GEOG 104: Weather, Climate, and Society
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A scientific introduction to the physical processes responsible for weather and climate and the application of fundamental scientific skills to address aspects of weather and climate that are of particular importance to society at large. Lab fee: $20.
PLB 115: General Biology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Introduction to fundamental biological concepts for non-life science majors interested in learning about interrelationships of human, plant and animal communities. Integrated lecture and laboratory cover topics that include structure and function of living systems, reproduction and inheritance, evolution, biological diversity and environmental biology. Laboratory applies scientific methods to the study of living systems. Lab fee: $20.
PSYC 102: Intro to Psychology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of the variables related to the origins and modifications of human behavior using the viewpoints and techniques of contemporary psychology.
SOC 108: Introduction to Sociology
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An introduction to the sociological perspective on human behavior, the structure and processes involved in social relationships, social stratification and inequality, social institutions, and social change. A survey of major areas of interest in sociology. Required of majors and minors in Sociology.
ECON 240: Introduction to Microeconomics
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of businesses, consumers, and the government and their effects on prices, output and income distribution. Current economic problems will be used as illustrative examples. Prerequisite: satisfaction of the University Core Curriculum quantitative reasoning requirement. Satisfies the University Core Curriculum Social Science requirement in lieu of Economics 113.
CCJ 203: Crime, Justice and Social Diversity
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
An examination of how society's social structure influences the processes involved in and the definitions of crime and justice and the likelihood of being an offender and victim of crime. The differential influence of the operations and outcomes of the criminal justice system on groups in U.S. society is emphasized.
PSYC 223: Workplace Diversity
Duration: 8 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examination of factors affecting the full utilization of women, racioethnic minorities, older workers, disabled workers and workers with nontraditional sexual orientations in the workplace. Individual processes, such as group identities, stereotyping, prejudice; group processes such as intergroup conflict; and organizational processes such as structural barriers and informal integration will be studied. The class utilizes a lecture and small discussion-section format with in-class, team, and individual exercises and projects.
General Electives
Students must complete 39 credit hours of general electives as approved by the advisor.
