Inquire
Visit
Apply
Inquire
Visit
Apply
Bluefield College



Experience
Academics
Admissions
Athletics
News & Events
About
Canvas
myBU
Campus Store
Directory
Alumni
Giving

Inquire  Visit  Apply

Home > Academics > Academic Programs > Criminal Justice (BA/BS)

Criminal Justice (BA/BS) Program Overview

Blaze your own trail as a criminal justice professional with a Bachelor of Science degree from Bluefield University. Whether you are interested in leading your local police force, working in corrections, conducting criminal investigations, or preparing for law school, the B.S. in Criminal Justice (CRJ) program helps you build the skills needed to be successful. Follow your dream of a career serving your community with an online criminal justice degree from Bluefield University, where the central focus of your studies is becoming a compassionate leader.

A Quality Criminal Justice Degree Online or On-Campus

In the B.S. in Criminal Justice, you will learn the research, analytical, and communication skills needed to work in complex criminal justice careers. Your studies will include courses in criminology, psychology of criminal behavior, minority issues in criminal justice, and theories on social deviance. The skills you learn will enable you to approach your career from a Christian perspective. All students have the opportunity to get practical experience through a CRJ internship, and you may be able to earn up to 30 hours of college credit for any previous military or police training you have completed.

With your CRJ degree, you will be able to provide leadership in a variety of justice administration positions. You may choose to pair a CRJ major with a minor in cybersecurity, psychology and human services, or business to broaden your career opportunities. The B.S. in Criminal Justice prepares you to make a difference in your local community or to serve in positions at the state or national level. Upon completing your degree, you will also be prepared for graduate study.

The Academic Catalog is the student guide to all policies and procedures for Bluefield University.

Tuition: $395 Per Credit Hour
On-Campus Tuition & Fees
Next Start: May 10, 2023 (Online)
Next Start: August 16, 2023 (On-Campus)
Time to Complete: 1-4 years*

*Students with transfer credit and work experience can earn their degree in as little as one year

Learn how to save on your degree

Courses &

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree (BA/BS)
General Education (52 Credits)

General Education requirements may be fulfilled in more specific courses for certain majors. Students seeking a BA degree must complete 6 credit hours of intermediate language studies.

  • Bluefield Core (9* Credits)
  • Composition (6 Credits)
  • Christian Studies (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Fine Arts (3 Credits)
  • History (6 Credits)
  • Literature (3 Credits)
  • Macroeconomics (3 Credits)
  • Math (3*- 6** Credits)
  • Science (4 Credits)
  • Social Science (3 Credits)
  • Speech (3 Credits)

 

* On-Campus   ** Online

Major Requirements (39 Credits)
  • Introduction to Criminal Justice
  • Criminology
  • Theories in Social Deviance
  • Substantive Criminal Law
  • Criminal Procedure
  • Corrections
  • Minority Issues in Criminal Justice
  • Law Enforcement
  • Comparative Criminal Justice
  • Critical Perspectives in Criminal Justice
  • American Government
  • Social Research Methods
  • (Choose 1)
    • Abnormal Psychology
    • Psychology of Criminal Behavior
Electives (29 Credits)
Total Credits: 120

Career opportunities available to graduates of this program include:

Crime Scene Investigator
Game Warden
Law Enforcement Officer
Probation/Parole Officer
Federal Agent
Fraud Investigator
Correctional Officer
Paralegal
Criminal Investigator

Request Information

Visit Our Campus

Apply Today

Do I only apply once?

  • No. Students must apply each academic year for the fall semester and submit the necessary documents.

Do I have to take the classes specified in the Associate's Degree tracks as they are listed on the information sheet?

  • No. Students may take any of the courses that are offered in a given term.

Where do I find the textbook listing, and where do I purchase the books?

  • Log in to myBU, and under the "Student" tab, you will find a list of the textbooks required (if any) for each course. Students are responsible for purchasing their own textbooks.

How long is a semester?

  • Our semesters are divided into two 8-week terms.

Is there an orientation?

  • Yes. Students can attend an orientation session that explains how to access courses, how to register for classes, and answers other questions.

Where can I find a course description?

Does the student need to take the SAT or ACT in order to take Dual Enrollment classes?

  • No. If a student decides to study at BU full time, BU is currently test-optional for the 2021-2022 admissions cycle.

Are the classes live? Do students need to log in and participate at certain times?

  • Classes are offered online, so a student can log-on and study at their convenience and their own pace. Students have assignments due each week; you can complete your assignments at any point in time before the deadline.

Does an Early College student need to come to campus for anything?

  • No. However, we would love to have you visit our campus if you are interested in continuing with traditional on-campus study. Students who complete their associate's degree have the option to walk at our commencement ceremony.

Are Early College students able to receive Financial Aid?

  • No. However, Early College courses are very affordable compared to other options. The cost for an online Dual Enrollment course is $100 per credit hour.

How do transferring credits work?

  • Each College or University completes a transcript review in order to decide which courses transfer. Sticking to general education classes generally makes transferring credits simple. All Early College courses at Bluefield University are general education classes that should transfer to another accredited institution.

Is an Early College student considered, and treated, as a transfer student when they become a full-time college student if they have earned enough credits to be a Junior?

  • No. Since they have not graduated from high school, they are considered a first-time college student regardless of how many credits transfer. However, by transferring credits when they enroll as a full-time student, they will have to take fewer classes to receive their bachelor's degree, which shortens the length of time to earn the degree.

Can I speak to someone if I have more questions?

  • Yes. Please contact the Office of Admissions by email or you can call them at 276.326.4231

 

Meet our core Counseling faculty

Dr. Challen Mabry

Assistant Professor of Counseling

Dr. Kristen Moran

Associate Professor of Counseling

Brandy Smith

Assistant Professor of Education & Counseling,
Director of the Master of Arts in Counseling Program,
Title IX Confidential Counselor

Our team is here for you! How can we help?

This form requires credentials in order to request information.