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Why Pursue Your Criminal Justice BA Online at AMU?
1. Gain Specialized Knowledge of the American Criminal Justice System With a Degree Concentration
The criminal justice process employs three main players: law enforcement agencies, the U.S. court system, and correctional institutions. AMU’s bachelor of arts degree program is designed to equip students with a broad overview of each. Criminal justice majors may further focus their studies with any one of the University’s degree concentration options.
2. Learn From Professors With Real-World Experience
Faculty within AMU’s School of Security and Global Studies bring diverse professional backgrounds that include service in the military, law enforcement, and corrections.
3. Take Classes Online With No Set Login Times
Students pursuing a bachelor’s degree at AMU have the freedom and flexibility to create their own weekly class schedules.
Courses start monthly, and many can be completed in just 8 weeks, allowing for students with full-time careers, family responsibilities, and other long-term commitments to participate in this online program.
4. Attend a Military-Friendly University
AMU’s criminal justice program incorporates flexible, online classes to accommodate the demanding schedules of active-duty military servicemembers, military spouses, military family members, and veterans. Students may access courses, materials, and class discussion forums 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection.
5. Earn Your Bachelor Degree with AMU's Preferred Military Rate
Available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and Reservists, AMU's Preferred Military Rate applies to all undergraduate programs, including the bachelor of arts in criminal justice, Military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents, are also eligible to receive the Preferred Military Rate.
Request information to learn more about how your military benefits and AMU’s Preferred Military Rate can help minimize the total cost of earning your bachelor’s degree.
University students enrolled in this bachelor’s degree program are required to complete general education, general electives, and major-specific courses. Additionally, students will study special topics pertaining to the criminal justice field through any one of the degree concentration options this program offers. To complete this program, students must also pass a final senior seminar.
What Do AMU’s Criminal Justice Students Learn?
Applying to This BA in Criminal Justice Program
All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).
Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.
How to Pay For Your Criminal Justice Bachelor of Arts Degree
Tuition and fees are due at the time of course registration. Students pursuing undergraduate degrees at AMU may choose from several payment options.
Public Safety Professionals and Their Families May Qualify For the Everyday Heroes Grant
Through American Military University’s Everyday Heroes Grant program, law enforcement officers, firefighters, and emergency medical services (EMS) personnel are eligible for a tuition grant. This grant may be applied toward any undergraduate or master’s degree or certificate program at AMU.
Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents of public safety professionals are also eligible to use the Everyday Heroes Grant.
Financial Resources For AMU Students With Military Backgrounds and Careers
American Military University’s Preferred Military Rate applies to all undergraduate and master’s degree and certificate programs. The rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and Reservists. Military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents are also eligible to receive the Preferred Military Rate while enrolled at the University.
When combined with other forms of financial assistance, such as military tuition assistance or federal Pell grants, AMU’s Preferred Military Rate makes it possible to earn your bachelor of arts for potentially $0 out-of-pocket tuition.
Students drawn to AMU’s School of Security and Global Studies often come from military backgrounds, and thus may qualify for GI Bill® benefits, which may be applied toward this bachelor of arts program.
NOTE: Tuition grants cannot be combined with other special University rates, promotions, or grants. Only one tuition grant can be applied per course registration.
Federal Aid, Private Loans, and Scholarships
Learners in need of financial assistance may qualify for student loans and/or grants administered by the federal government. Private lenders, such as banks and credit unions, also offer loans that may help to finance your studies. The University also accepts funds awarded to students through private scholarships.
Each of these options may help reduce the upfront cost of pursuing higher education.
Employer-Sponsored Tuition Assistance
Many companies offer educational benefits to their employees. Learners interested in pursuing a bachelor of arts in criminal justice are encouraged to contact their employers’ human resources departments and inquire about tuition assistance benefits.
Also, a number of police departments and law enforcement associations have partnerships with AMU, which may afford additional benefits or savings. Check with your HR department or membership association to learn if you are eligible for partner benefits.
Out-of-Pocket Payment Methods
The University accepts the following forms of payment:
• Automatic debit plan, with 8- and 16-week payment options
• Credit cards: the University accepts MasterCard® , Visa® , and Discover®
• Digital payments: the University accepts Apple Pay® , Google Pay™ , and PayPal®
• E-checks
Transfer Credit Opportunities
Students may be eligible to transfer up to 90 credits from other relevant academic and/or career programs.1 Transferring outside credit may help cover some general education requirements.
A transfer credit evaluation may be completed at no cost. Results may be provided in as few as 2-3 days.
Your Relevant Career Experience With Criminal Justice Agencies May Translate to College Credit
Students who have completed eligible training or certifications through criminal justice organizations may find this experience translates to applicable college credit.1 Some examples include:
- Military service and education
- Public safety training
- Government training, including certain certificates earned through the U.S. Department of Homeland Security
1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University’s transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, all courses in this BA program are offered online.
Students pursuing career-relevant information about the U.S. legal system and the ways in which law enforcement, courts, and corrections function in our society may find a criminal justice bachelor’s degree program is, indeed, worth their time.
The bachelor of arts program may be a better choice for students seeking an opportunity to examine leadership roles and key factors that impact decision-making within the U.S. justice system. Alternatively, the bachelor of science program could be more suitable for those interested in studying research methods pertaining to forensic science and digital investigations.
“AMU’s criminal justice degree programs are designed to prepare students with the skills to produce academic work intended to influence criminal justice system policymakers, law enforcement administrators, and patrolling strategies,” according to Dr. Mark Bond, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Human Justice.
Both degree programs may help prepare students for graduate study.
While criminal justice minor courses may offer a narrow glimpse into the discipline, the criminal justice major may provide a more in-depth examination of key topics, such as law enforcement strategies, criminal behavior, juvenile justice, white collar crime, violent crime, and the methods through which criminals in the corrections system are rehabilitated.
A full-time student without any transfer credits may expect to complete a baccalaureate degree program within 4 years. Students who are transferring outside credits may finish their undergraduate degrees in less time.1 The time it takes to complete a degree is also dependent on the number of courses completed each session.
Throughout their required major courses, students will consider the myriad of ethical concerns that plague law enforcement and other public safety professionals, paying close attention to matters of juvenile justice, social justice, victim advocacy, and the ongoing challenge of maintaining social control.
“AMU’s criminal justice courses embrace inclusion, equity, and diversity while studying criminology theories, enhancing emotional intelligence, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making,” according to Dr. Mark Bond, Associate Professor, Criminal Justice and Human Justice.
Criminal justice courses examine the roles of police officers, courts, and corrections within American society. Students may also expect to discuss criminal psychology in order to better understand offenders and the factors that may motivate criminal behavior.
Because this major delves deep into the world of public safety, it may, therefore, overlap with the research interests of veterans and active-duty military servicemembers—especially those with experience as military police, military corrections officers, or NCIS special agents.