Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
Seek Justice for All Individuals
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice combines aspects of public and business administration with the context and practice of justice. Our approach will give you foundational knowledge with an eye toward application.
CityU offers upper- and lower-division courses online, and some courses on-site to accommodate your schedule and financial aid requirements. Faculty in this program are active practitioners who bring their professional expertise to the classroom.
In the BS in Criminal Justice program, you can choose a focus in Justice Administration. You will build upon previous coursework in the core courses and advance your technical knowledge and skills in policy and operations as they pertain to justice administration in a public sector setting.
Washington State Criminal Justice Training Commission Basic Training graduates are eligible to have 36 lower-division credits awarded with the potential to waive an additional 5 upper-division credits for completion of their basic training. If you have military experience, you may be eligible to earn credit toward this criminal justice degree.
CityU was designated a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security.
Learning Outcomes
Throughout the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, you’ll learn:
- Topics and problems related to the discipline of criminology
- The essential process in the role of justice
- Classical and modern models of ethics and decision-making analysis
- Criminal justice as a system of interlinked issues and decisions faced by a diverse network of individuals, groups, and agencies
- A range of procedural criminal law topics
Required Credits (180 Credits)
For full course descriptions please visit the 2020–2021 Course Catalog.
Lower-Division Requirements (90 Credits)
College Composition: 5 credits
College Mathematics: 5 credits
Humanities: 15 credits
Social Science: 15 credits
Natural Science/Mathematics: 15 credits
Preparatory Courses (30 Credits)
SSC 202 Introduction to Criminal Justice Systems (5)
SSC 204 Criminal Procedural Law (5)
PSY 240 Critical Thinking and Writing Skill in Social Sciences (5)
HUM 210 Justice and Ethics (5)
CJ 211 Criminal Investigations (5)
HUM 215 History of Punishment and Prisons (5)
Lower-Division Requirements (70 Credits)
Note: A minimum of two different academic disciplines within each of the areas is required to meet the distributions of Humanities, Social Sciences, Natural Sciences/Math. This program requires MATH 107 or higher.
Criminal Justice Core (50 Credits)
CJ 318 Fundamentals of Criminology (5)
CJ 330 Management and Leadership (5)
CJ 333 Planning and Policy Analysis (5)
CJ 341 Contemporary Justice Administration Issues (5)
CJ 350 Globalization and Crime (5)
CJ 361 Cyber and Surveillance Law and Government (5)
CJ 365 Applied Criminology and Crime Prevention (5)
CJ 403 Enterprise Risk Management (5)
CJ 410 Risk Assessment and Prevention (5)
CJ 461 Communicating Crisis, Emergency and Social Change (5)
Upper Divison Electives (25 Credits)
OR
Specialized Study Emphasis
Capstone (5 Credits)
CJ 465 Bureaupathology (5)
If you’re interested in seeking justice for all individuals involved when a crime is committed, consider a career in criminal justice. This would be a highly demanding yet rewarding profession.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program will prepare you for a variety of management and leadership roles, including:
- Corrections and juvenile justice
- Law enforcement
- Inspector general investigation
- Forensic psychologist
- Paralegal
- Crime scene investigator
- Police officer
- Probation officer
Networking Opportunities
At CityU, you’ll have the opportunity to expand your professional network by connecting with faculty working in your field, students from around the globe, and alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies. Plus, you’ll be part of a supportive community that’s dedicated to helping you reach your career goals.
Tuition Cost
Learn more about tuition and fees for our undergraduate, graduate, and doctoral programs.
Financial Aid Opportunities
At CityU, we’re committed to helping students achieve their academic goals no matter their economic situations. Our financial aid counselors are here to find the resources you need to pay for your education, including grants, loans, work study, and scholarships.
Learn more about financial aid opportunities at CityU, or contact our Financial Aid Team at 800.426.5596, 206.239.4540, or finaid@cityu.edu.
Military Tuition Benefits
As a Yellow Ribbon school, CityU is proud to serve those who have served in the military. We offer military tuition discounts for active-duty servicemembers and their spouses and accept military benefits such as the Post 9/11 GI Bill® and Tuition Assistance.
Learn more about military tuition benefits, VA benefits, and military partnership programs designed to help you reach your military and career goals.
REQUEST INFORMATION
“My education from CityU has helped advance my business. I’m able to build my brand and conduct business to a higher level.”
- Vaneisa G., Class of 2019
“The professors I had were in the workforce doing the type of work I wanted to do. The experience they brought to the classroom was really beneficial.”
- Charles S., Class of 2021
“I wouldn’t have a job I love had I not started my program at CityU — nor would I have had the encouragement from my professor to see more of myself than I could.”
- Alissa F., Class of 2019
WHY CHOOSE CITYU?
Founded in 1973, City University of Seattle offers over 60 on-site and online programs designed for busy working adults like you. When you enroll at CityU, you’ll have the support of a community of faculty, staff, students, and alumni who are dedicated to helping you finish your degree and reach your goals.
HIGHLY RANKED
CityU is recognized as a Top 10 educator of adults nationwide.1 In fact, students complete their degrees at twice the national rate.2
IN-DEMAND SKILLS
Develop marketable, real-world skills in courses taught by faculty who are practitioners working in your field.
GLOBAL COMMUNITY
Expand your expertise and your global perspectives in on-site and online courses with students from around the world.
TOP EMPLOYERS
Network with alumni employed at Seattle’s top companies, including Boeing, Starbucks, Amazon, and Microsoft.