Our Criminal Justice Program focuses on the three pillars of the criminal justice system: police, courts and corrections. Its core courses provide foundational knowledge on relevant institutions and processes, as well as criminal law, social science research methods, and theories of crime and punishment.
Rather than training students for specific occupations, our program offers a broad, liberal education built around analytical and creative thought. With this approach, our graduates’ career opportunities are less limited and the prospects for professional advancement are enhanced.
Develop your theoretical background in criminal behavior and the legal system by earning your Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice online from Northern Kentucky University. In our 100% online degree program, you will explore many facets of the American justice system, including the investigation, prosecution, and defense of crimes as well as courtroom rules and procedures.
Curriculum for this CJ program is designed to strengthen your research and analytical skills. Add another dimension to your degree with a minor or area of focus. You will graduate qualified for a broad range of positions that require a bachelor's degree. You will also have a solid foundation to pursue law school.
Those who have graduated from Federal Bureau of Prisons training or the Police Academy will receive credit for completion.
In this online program, you will:
Gain a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice institutions and processes, theories of crime and punishment, criminal law, and social science research methodologies
Explore the philosophy and history of law enforcement; crime and police problems as well as the organization and jurisdiction of local, state, and federal law enforcement agencies
Analyze the American court system, including the structure, functions, and roles of incumbents in the courts
Examine the concepts of morality and law and their relationships—especially the ethical underpinnings of justice and the law
Experience a multidisciplinary approach to understanding theories of crime as well as the theories, issues, and traditions underlying criminal justice and criminal behavior
Potential career outcomes:
Police Officer
Forensic Science Technician
Fish and Game Warden
Immigration and Customs Agent
U.S. Marshal
Federal or State Law Enforcement Officer
Detention or Custodial Officer
Victim's Advocate
Sheriff's Deputy
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
September 2025
College of Arts and Sciences
Steely Library, Suite 410,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, United States
*Price shown is for indicative purposes, please check with institution
August 2025
Northern Kentucky University
Nunn Drive,
HIGHLAND HEIGHTS,
Kentucky,
41099, South, United States
Students should have completed secondary school coursework and any appropriate examination (if applicable).
English proficiency required for admission can be satisfied by any one of the following:
An official and satisfactory score from the Test of English as a Foreign Language (TOEFL) taken within the last two years. The minimum TOEFL scores to be considered for admission are a 500 on the paper-based exam or a 61 on the internet-based (iBT) exam.
Documentation of having satisfactorily completed freshman-level English composition at an American regionally accredited college or university in the U.S. and an overall acceptable GPA. Non-native speakers of English may still be asked to take the TOEFL if it has been several years since taking the English courses or if the student has returned to his or her home country for several years since taking the course.
A satisfactory score on the verbal portion of the ACT or SAT taken within the last two years. The minimum scores to be considered for admission are an ACT of 18 or SAT of 430 (through 3/15/16) or 25 (effective 3/16/16).
An official and satisfactory score from the International English Language Testing Service (IELTS) taken within the last two years. The minimum IELTS scores to be considered for admission must include a cumulative band of 5.5 and sub-scores in reading and writing of 5.0 or better.
Successful completion of NKU’s American English Language Program with at least an 80% in each AELP class.
Priority deadline: For Fall Semester: April 15; Spring Semester: October 15
*There may be different IELTS requirements depending on your chosen course.
NKU has a focus on undergraduate research and experiential learning, and graduates develop versatile skill sets in preparation for employment.
