Rise to New Heights in Criminal Justice
The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is designed to give you a flexible, multidisciplinary learning experience, preparing you for a wide array of careers. A criminal justice degree gives you the skills and knowledge to understand factors that contribute to crime and the systems and policies connected to criminal justice institutions. It’s more than a program for law enforcement professionals – our students go on to be victim advocates, investigators, and even pursue law school.
Turn your desire to serve your community into a lifelong career path at UCCS Online. Add a specialization in forensic studies, law, law enforcement, or cybercrime to your studies, or pursue a dual degree in criminal justice and psychology or in criminal justice and sociology.
Dual Degree Options
Criminal Justice + Sociology
The Criminal Justice + Sociology dual degree is designed to make it easier for students to complete degrees in these two majors. Students in the dual degree program only need to take 25 credits in criminal justice and 34 credits in sociology (instead of 39 and 37 credits, respectively) to complete the major requirements for both degrees.
Criminal Justice + Psychology
The Criminal Justice + Psychology dual degree is designed to make it easier for students to complete degrees in these two majors. Students in the dual degree program only need to take 28 credits in criminal justice and 36 credits in psychology to complete the major requirements for both degrees.
Criminal Justice, BA
College of Public Service
100% Online
Delivery Method
$435*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate In-state
$636*
Cost Per Credit
*Approximate Out-of-state
Priority Application Deadline
Rolling Admissions
Application Deadline
120
Credit Hours
4 Years
Average Completion Time
Career-Relevant Courses
Hands-on coursework will give you experience in the field.
Online Learning
This program is delivered 100% online, with no requirements to visit campus.
Job Application Ready
Graduate with a portfolio of work and experience that prepares you for your next career move.
Save on Tuition with WICHE
Students from 14 states can receive in-state Colorado tuition rates for the BA in Criminal Justice at UCCS.
Featured Courses
CJ 4121: Ethics in Criminal Justice
This course is designed to begin preparing students in identifying and critically examining ethical issues in the criminal justice system by applying ethical decision models. This course also provides students with the unique opportunity to analyze how they would resolve these issues according to their own values and beliefs while staying within the boundaries of the law and professional codes of ethics.
CJ 2041: Crime Theory and Causes
This course provides a general survey of the nature and causes of crime and efforts of the criminal justice system to predict, prevent, modify, and correct this behavior. The course involves a critical appraisal of various theories of crime causation, including an examination of biological, psychological, economic, and sociological perspectives that explain crime and deviance.
CJ 4044: Courts and Judicial Process
This course examines the basic functions, structure, and organization of the federal and state court systems, with special attention on the criminal court system. It also focuses on the influence of judicial behavior on the court process by examining judges’ policy preferences, legal considerations, group processes within courts, and courts’ political and social environments.
Apply Now
Request more information and start the admissions process by filling out the form on this page. Our team will answer your questions about the program and help you prepare to complete the application.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Year-round applications are always welcome, as we use a rolling admissions process that provides you with flexibility. While we accept applications at any time, we recommend submitting your application by the preferred deadline for your desired start date. The application fee for first-year students is $50. The preferred deadlines are August 1, November 1, and May 1.
- Spring 2025 A – January 21, 2025
- Spring 2025 B – March 18, 2025
- Summer 2025 A – June 9, 2025
- Fall 2025 A – August 25, 2025
- Fall 2025 B – October 22, 2025
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice has a fully online option, which means you will not be required to take courses at our campus and there are no on-campus components to this program.
Online courses at the University of Colorado are taught by the same professors that teach in-person classes. This ensures that you are receiving the same education and learning experiences as on-campus students. The primary difference is with the delivery format. Your online courses will all be taught in Canvas, the Learning Management System (LMS). You will be responsible for logging in, accessing course content, and completing any requirements of the course.
We’re here to help. We emphasize to all students that faculty members are here for them. As faculty seek to connect with you, feel free to use their flexible office hours or contact them if you need additional help.
A common barrier to success is time management, especially if you are working a full-time job. The online format offers more flexibility and the opportunity to develop better balance among your commitments, but having a plan for completing your studies each week can help you get on track to success early.