The instructors review mugshots, fingerprints, and bagged evidence at a conference table.

Bachelor of Science and Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

 

Program overview

 

Criminal justice is a large and growing career field. It encompasses jobs in law enforcement, corrections, policy, and court administration. In law enforcement alone, more than half a million people are employed as police officers and sheriffs nationwide.

KU’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion programs are offered through the School of Professional Studies.

Both degrees in criminal justice are designed for students who have a strong interest in understanding how agencies and institutions function as part of the criminal justice system. Graduates can help meet the strong employment demand in this critical sector.

The programs have various options and can be tailored to a student’s career goals. Both degrees include a 12-hour concentration in either Law Enforcement Leadership or Law and Society.

The coursework and curriculum prepares students with professional and workforce ready skills to help them achieve employment right after completing their degree.

Program formats

This is a 100% online degree-completion program through the Edwards Campus, and a traditional in-person degree program for students on the Lawrence campus.

Current and prospective undergraduate students may call 913-897-8539

Career Outlook

Graduates with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice are well positioned for careers in roles as police officers, detectives, victim advocates, re-entry specialists, crime and intelligence analysts, federal agents, community coordinators, private investigators, probation/intensive supervision officers, criminal prosecutors or defense attorneys, juvenile officers, evidence technicians, security specialists, victim witness coordinators, crime prevention specialists, dispatchers, and more.

The career outlook in the field of criminal justice remains robust, offering a diverse range of opportunities for individuals passionate about preventing crime, upholding law and order, and supporting victims, witnesses, and justice-impacted individuals.
With a growing emphasis on crime prevention, rehabilitation, community policing, evidence-based decision-making and response, roles in the criminal justice field will continue to be in high demand.

Jobs held by professionals with an educational background in criminal justice include:

Potential Careers

Law enforcement officers

Responds to emergency and nonemergency calls for help. Patrols assigned areas, directs traffic, searches for records and warrants, obtains and serves arrest warrants.

Corrections officers

Maintains order and keeps rules in jails and prisons. Monitors inmate activities, supervises work duties, supports prison activities, and conducts searches.

Intelligence analysts

Evaluates and assesses gathered information, discovers and correlates intelligence across tools, and performs duties relating to national security and foreign affairs.

Crime scene investigator (CSI)

Collect and preserves evidence from crime scenes for forensic analysis.

Criminal prosecutor or defense attorney

Prosecutes or represents individuals accused of crimes in court, ensuring their legal rights are protected. (NOTE: requires law degree)

Federal agent

Protects national security through counterterrorism, drug and organized crime investigations, immigration enforcement, and disaster response.

Victim advocacy and support

Supports individuals involved in the justice system, bridging the gap between the justice system and social services.

Program snapshot

A snapshot of overall growth and jobs availability in the field of criminal justice*

Degree Statistics

$66,800
Median annual income
+7.9%
Job growth (2021-24)
2.92 million
Current jobs in the U.S. (2024)
330,202
Annual job openings

Top employers include FBI, U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Elevance Health, Deloitte, Citigroup, Amazon.

Top skills listed in job postings: management, communications, leadership, planning, and operations.

*Source: Lightcast. The career information provided is not specific to the KU programs. There is no guarantee of obtaining these positions or income levels.

Helpful Information

Learn more about the Criminal Justice program

Get more info on admission, deadlines, tuition and financial aid, career paths, and more when you fill out the form below. We’ll be in touch to answer any questions and help you get started.

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