Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Curriculum

Criminal justice careers are incredibly diversified, with equally diverse academic achievement and work experience serving as a starting point. Undergraduate criminal justice courses can provide the core competencies that students will require to establish a successful law enforcement career or to continue their university education in the future.

An online BA in criminal justice can help provide a competitive advantage, effectively setting an individual on the path towards one day accomplishing their professional goals. By completing a university program in criminal justice, an individual can learn the skills and tools needed to grow as a criminal justice professional.

Quality criminal justice programs emphasize teaching practical skills and learning from industry veterans who have extensive experience in criminology and other law enforcement areas.

Maryville University Online BA in Criminal Justice Curriculum

The online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program at Maryville University strives to prepare students for lifelong careers in the field of criminal justice.

Maryville’s program is designed to develop a student’s understanding and appreciation of the dynamics related to criminality, the law and its enforcement. The interdisciplinary approach examines crime as a social phenomenon by combining theoretical learning with professional field-based education.

Students enrolling in the online bachelor’s in criminal justice program may be able to obtain credit for successful completion of police academy training through select academies. For police academy students, the 128-credit curriculum includes general education courses (42 credits), criminal justice/criminology core courses (15 credits), a social science research sequence (12 credits), police academy training program (up to 12 credits), and general electives (47 credits — or, as needed, to reach 128 total credits).

Alternatively, students may opt for a non-police academy track and through an internship and seminar courses, complete project-based learning at social and protective service agencies. For non-police academy students, the 128-credit curriculum includes general education courses (42 credits), criminal justice/criminology core courses (15 credits), a social science research and internship sequence (21 credits), criminal justice/criminology electives (3 credits), and general electives (47 credits).

Learn more about Maryville’s Online BA in Criminal Justice courses here:

For Police Academy Students:

Criminal Justice/Criminology Core Courses

Enhance your understanding of the dynamics related to the criminality, the law, and its enforcement with courses covering criminology theory, criminal law and procedures, multicultural policing, and more.

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

CRIM 102	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3 Credits
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and frameworks used in the criminal justice studies. It provides a survey of the various agencies making up the U.S. criminal justice system, primarily the criminal court, law enforcement, and corrections.
CRIM 210	Multicultural Policing	3 Credits
This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail.
CRIM 220	Corrections in Society	3 Credits
This course explores the evolution of correctional practices in the United States. It also examines and assesses the variety of correctional options utilized within the criminal justice system.
CRIM 311	Criminal Law and Procedure	3 Credits
This course will examine substantive criminal law and the elements of specific crimes, including crimes against persons and property. Students also will be introduced to the sources of criminal procedural law and the steps involved in a prosecution. Defenses and immunities to crimes will be discussed also.

PSCI 319	Civil Liberties/Rights	3 Credits
This course examines modern civil rights and civil liberties issues, including freedom of expression, due process, right to privacy, affirmative action, and women's constitutional issues.
CRIM 322	Criminological Theory	3 Credits
This course offers an introduction to criminology and a survey of the major theoretical traditions within criminology over the past three centuries.
SOSC 495	Internship	3 Credits
This course is designed as a culminating experience to integrate theory and practice in the context of an approved field-based experience under the supervision of the course instructor. Practicum requires completion of 150 clock hours on site along with coursework relevant to the student’s field experience.

Social Science Research Sequence

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

SOSC 240	Criticial Thinking in Social Science	3 Credits
This course explores the importance of scientific critical thinking and ethics as they relate to advancing scientific knowledge, understanding, and application of knowledge in the Social Sciences. Students will develop a firm theoretical and scientific background related to scientific critical thinking and values in the Social Sciences to become critical thinkers within their disciplines.
SOSC 242	Research Methods	3 Credits
This course introduces the process of scientific research in the social and behavioral sciences and the fundamental role research methodology plays in our understanding of human behavior and social affairs. Students will explore the principles, ethics, and methods of social science research (correlational research, observational and survey methods, experimental and quasi-experimental design, variable control, secondary data analysis, and interpretation of results). Students will become familiar with the ways social scientists communicate their research to other scientists by writing a formal research paper.

SOSC 245	Research Design	6 Credits
This course examines the process of scientific research in the social and behavioral sciences and the fundamental role research methodology plays in our understanding of human behavior and social affairs. Students explore the principles, ethics, and methods of social science research (correlational research, observational and survey methods, experimental and quasi-experimental design, variable control, secondary data analysis, and interpretation of results). Students formulate an original research question, develop hypotheses related to that question, and create a proper and detailed methodological strategy for investigation. Students learn how to synthesize existing research literature into a research proposal and develop an understanding of the formal writing processes used by social science researchers.
SOSC 341	Understanding Statistical Inference	3 Credits
This course introduces students to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The following concepts and techniques are included: measures of central tendency and variability; sampling distributions; interval estimation; hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA); correlation and regression; chi square tests. Statistical software projects are required. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or 115 or higher

Police Academy Training Program

Students can receive up to 12 hours of credit toward completion of the major for successfully completing police academy training through select academies.

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

CRIM 494	Police Academy Training Program	12 Credits
This course is part of a programmatic partnership with the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. Students who meet the entrance standards for the Academy and choose to pursue Academy training can use this experience to earn 12 hours of college credit under CRIM 494.

For Non-Police Academy Students:

Criminal Justice/Criminology Core Courses

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

CRIM 102	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3 Credits
This course introduces the fundamental concepts and frameworks used in the criminal justice studies. It provides a survey of the various agencies making up the U.S. criminal justice system, primarily the criminal court, law enforcement, and corrections.
CRIM 210	Multicultural Policing	3 Credits
This course focuses on the challenges present in policing multicultural settings. Issues pertaining to understanding diverse cultures and effective communication across cultures from the standpoint of law enforcement are explored in detail.
CRIM 220	Corrections in Society	3 Credits
This course explores the evolution of correctional practices in the United States. It also examines and assesses the variety of correctional options utilized within the criminal justice system.

CRIM 311	Criminal Law and Procedure	3 Credits
This course will examine substantive criminal law and the elements of specific crimes, including crimes against persons and property. Students also will be introduced to the sources of criminal procedural law and the steps involved in a prosecution. Defenses and immunities to crimes will be discussed also.
CRIM 322	Criminological Theory	3 Credits
This course offers an introduction to criminology and a survey of the major theoretical traditions within criminology over the past three centuries.

Social Science Research Sequence/Internship

The social science research sequence includes a series of courses designed to help students emerge with an inter-connected understanding of how to craft research, analyze results and present findings. Through an internship and coursework, students can complete project-based learning at social and protective service agencies.

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

SOSC 240	Criticial Thinking in Social Science	3 Credits
This course explores the importance of scientific critical thinking and ethics as they relate to advancing scientific knowledge, understanding, and application of knowledge in the Social Sciences. Students will develop a firm theoretical and scientific background related to scientific critical thinking and values in the Social Sciences to become critical thinkers within their disciplines.
SOSC 242	Research Methods	3 Credits
This course introduces the process of scientific research in the social and behavioral sciences and the fundamental role research methodology plays in our understanding of human behavior and social affairs. Students will explore the principles, ethics, and methods of social science research (correlational research, observational and survey methods, experimental and quasi-experimental design, variable control, secondary data analysis, and interpretation of results). Students will become familiar with the ways social scientists communicate their research to other scientists by writing a formal research paper.
SOSC 245	Research Design	6 Credits
This course examines the process of scientific research in the social and behavioral sciences and the fundamental role research methodology plays in our understanding of human behavior and social affairs. Students explore the principles, ethics, and methods of social science research (correlational research, observational and survey methods, experimental and quasi-experimental design, variable control, secondary data analysis, and interpretation of results). Students formulate an original research question, develop hypotheses related to that question, and create a proper and detailed methodological strategy for investigation. Students learn how to synthesize existing research literature into a research proposal and develop an understanding of the formal writing processes used by social science researchers.

SOSC 341	Understanding Statistical Inference	3 Credits
This course introduces students to both descriptive and inferential statistics. The following concepts and techniques are included: measures of central tendency and variability; sampling distributions; interval estimation; hypothesis testing (t-test, ANOVA); correlation and regression; chi square tests. Statistical software projects are required. Prerequisite: MATH 102 or 115 or higher
SOSC 480	Senior Seminar	3 Credits
This course is the culminating, capstone experience in the social science curriculum. Students will review and discuss their course of study and its application beyond graduation. Students will work with a social science faculty member toward the completion of a research project intended to explore an area of interest in the student’s field of study. Note: Successful completion of Senior Seminar is achieved upon completion of the student project.
SOSC 485	Senior Project	6 Credits
This course is the culminating, capstone experience in the social science curriculum. Students will review and discuss their course of study and its application beyond graduation. Students will work with a social science faculty member conducting and completing a research project exploring an area of interest in the student’s field of study. This will include data collection, analysis, a written paper adhering to APA standards, and a presentation. Note: A passing grade cannot be achieved without completion of the research project.

Criminal Justice/Criminology Electives

Choose 1 criminal justice/criminology elective courses from the below options.

Show / Hide Course Descriptions

CRIM 211	Introduction to Criminal Investigations	3 Credits
This course is a comprehensive approach to the examination and treatment of physical evidence as it relates to the criminal justice system. Students will be involved in an interactive learning experience tied to the securing and preserving of crime scenes and maintaining the integrity of trace evidence for future court proceedings.
CRIM 305	Family Violence Through the Lifespan	3 Credits
Prerequisite: SOC-101 or CRIM-102; Minimum grade C-. Family Violence across the Lifespan explores the etiology, prevalence, treatment, and prevention of family violence. A broad coverage of viewpoints and theories behind family violence are covered. Cross-listed: SOC-305

CRIM 405	Domestic and International Terrorism	3 Credits
This course surveys perspectives pertaining to the etiology of terrorism at both the domestic and international level. Study of the various tactics used by identified terrorist groups is explored. In addition, the techniques of counter terrorism are assessed.

To ensure the best possible educational experience for our students, we may update our curriculum to reflect emerging and changing employer and industry trends. Undergraduate programs and certificates are designed to be taken at a part-time pace. Please speak to your advisor for more details.

Ready for your next step?

Get Admission Requirements

Skills, Concepts, or Opportunities Gained With a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Criminal justice programs help aspiring criminal justice specialists grow as academics and professionals. Criminal justice programs often offer the following:

Police academy training credit and/or internship opportunities. Many criminal justice programs offer the opportunity to receive credit towards your bachelor’s degree for successfully completing approved police academy training programs. Alternatively, they may offer experiential-based learning opportunities through an internship. Police academy training or an internship is very crucial in law enforcement. Whether you’re looking forward to becoming a police officer or a computer forensic investigator, these hands-on learning and training experiences can give you the practical qualities and competencies required to achieve the most in stressful situations.
Learning from law enforcement professionals. A theory-based university education gives students the background and context with which to build the necessary skills. Still, areas such as criminal justice also necessitate a practical approach. A high-quality program is crafted by law enforcement professionals who have years of experience in the field.
Project-based instruction. Contemporary educational opportunities necessitate active involvement on behalf of the students. Doing projects will develop critical thinking and help students utilize the skills and knowledge acquired over the duration of the course.

Through such academic instruction, criminal justice students will acquire an array of important skills. Applying ethical standards to criminal justice issues, doing effective research and investigation, knowing how to rely on technology, being perfectly aware of the functioning of the criminal justice system, and approaching complex problems from diverse perspectives are all learned via the right curriculum.

Common Undergraduate Criminal Justice Courses

The following courses are typical for a criminal justice curriculum:

Multicultural Policing. Law enforcement professionals face many potential challenges, and working in diverse multicultural settings may be one of them. The course emphasizes effective communication across cultures and how law enforcement professionals could utilize such skills in the process of doing their job.

Corrections in Society. Correctional practices have changed over the years. Corrections in Society explores this evolution in the United States and highlights the range of different correctional options that criminal justice professionals can employ.

Criminological Theory. As mentioned above, theory is the backbone of every academic discipline. Criminological Theory offers an introduction to criminology, and it looks at the different theoretical schools side by side. The scope of exploration focuses on traditions established over the past three centuries.