Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice
University of Akron Online
Key Information
Campus location
Akron, USA
Languages
English
Study format
Distance Learning
Duration
4 years
Pace
Full time, Part time
Tuition fees
USD 11,880 / per year
Application deadline
Request info
Earliest start date
Request info
Scholarships
Explore scholarship opportunities to help fund your studies
Introduction
What will I learn?
After taking foundational courses in criminal justice, political science, and sociology, you will select a concentration in policing, corrections or criminology. You will also take a number of electives to tailor the program to your career interests.
Why Akron?
Our program, started by practitioners for practitioners, has for 50 years been educating thousands of in-service professionals in various stages of their careers. Our faculty understand the demands of your time because they have been there.
Also, whether you are a traditional high school graduate, experienced professional, or active or retired military service member, we will work with you to create your own path to success.
For example, research indicates that military students can feel isolated after transitioning from team-based military service to individual study at a university. Thus, we have adopted a cohort model for the online program, meaning you will take all of your first- and second-year courses with the same group of students — fostering a sense of community and improving your success in the program and after graduation.
Scholarships and Funding
Curriculum
Core Requirements (18 credits)
- Government and Politics in the U.S. (3)
- Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
- Principles of Criminal Law (3)
- Introduction to Corrections (3)
- Introduction to Police Studies (3)
- Introduction to Sociology (3)
Foundation Requirements (18 credits)
- Methods of Social Research I (3)
- Methods of Social Research II (3)
- Politics of the Criminal Justice System (3)
- Social Inequalities (3)
- Criminology (3)
- Internship (3-9)
Foreign Culture Requirements (6 credits)
- Human Cultures (3)
- Human Diversity (3)
- Geography of Cultural Diversity (2)
- Empires of the Ancient World (3)
- Beginning Spanish I (4)
- Beginning Spanish II (4)
- Intermediate Spanish I* (3)
- Intermediate Spanish II* (3)
- Arabic Culture Through Film (3)
- Japanese Culture Through Film (3)
Concentration Requirements (18 credits)
Choose a concentration in corrections, criminology, or policing.
Corrections Concentration
- Corrections
- Drugs in Society
- Juvenile Delinquency
Select three from this list:
- Critical Incidents: Assessment and Intervention
- Women in Prison
- Sociology of Deviant Behavior
- Family Violence
Criminology Concentration
- Law and Society or Sociology of Law
- Sociology of Deviant Behavior
Select four from this list:
- Drugs in Society
- Women in Prison
- Victim in Society
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Corrections
- Family Violence
Policing Concentration
- Policing Administration and Management
- Foundations of Criminal Analysis
- Policing Theory and Strategy
Select three from this list:
- Law, Mediation and Violence
- Public Administration: Concepts and Practices
- Challenges of Police Work
- Advanced Crime Analysis
- Crime Analysis Applications
- Critical Incidents: Assessment and Intervention
General Education Requirements
A pathway to complete General Education requirements 100% online is recommended below.
Quantitative Reasoning
- Statistics for Everyday Life
Speaking
- Introduction to Public Speaking
Writing
- English Composition I and II
Arts and Humanities
Arts - at least one course
- Visual Arts Awareness
- Exploring Music: Bach to Rock
Humanities - at least one course
- Empires of the Ancient World
- Sports and Society in the Ancient World
- Fiction Appreciation
- Humanities in the Western Tradition
- Arabic Culture Through Film
- Japanese Culture Through Film
- Introduction to Philosophy
- Critical Thinking
- Introduction to Ethics
- Introduction to Logic
Social Science
- Satisfied by Core Requirements
Natural Science
- Anatomy and Phys. I (Allied Health)
- Anatomy and Phys. II (Allied Health)
- Exploring Biology
- Earth Science
- Geology of Energy Resources
- Exercises in Environmental Geology I
- Nutrition Fundamentals
Additional Credits for Graduation: 26
Time to degree
As a bachelor’s degree, this program will typically take a full-time student eight semesters, or four years, to complete.
Together with our Military Services Center, we are committed to working with our military students to reduce the number of credits required to complete the program, through prior learning assessments. If you are a military student, we value your experience and leadership and are eager to make this program work for you.
Learning beyond the classroom
Our practitioner-friendly program blends hands-on, technical, and tactical experience with research and theory, helping you translate your skills into a successful and productive career.
Plus, our faculty have deep roots in the local criminal justice system, which enables us to create connections to help you accomplish your objectives.
Career Opportunities
What can I do with this degree?
There is a continual need for crime fighters and analysts in many fields and organizations. A degree in criminology and criminal justice prepares you for careers in policing, courts and law, government agencies, non-governmental organizations, correctional facilities, drug rehabilitation programs, homeland security, forensic science, battered women’s shelters, hospitals, victim assistance programs, insurance companies, research firms, counseling, and other areas that require a balance of research and professional skills.
English Language Requirements
Certify your English proficiency with the Duolingo English Test! The DET is a convenient, fast, and affordable online English test accepted by over 4,000 universities (like this one) around the world.