Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

Increasing crime and incarceration rates. A rising population. Cybercrime. An increased demand for personal security. In response to modern-day criminal activity, the field of criminal justice has had to evolve. If you plan to enter the criminal justice field or want to advance your career, you'll need an education that keeps up.

By learning about police, criminal courts and corrections—the foundation of the criminal justice system, as a bachelor of criminal justice administration degree-seeking student, you'll gain a deeper understanding of the criminal justice system. You'll also have the opportunity to choose from three different concentrations to help you hone in on your specialized area of criminal justice: Management, Human Services or Institutional Healthcare.

During your undergraduate studies, you'll develop the skills you need to become an effective leader or administrator in your selected field. With a curriculum that is designed to provide you with principles and theories, as well as modern-day techniques, you'll focus on current trends that are affecting the criminal justice field. You'll also study policing, procedure, communications, law, ethics, diversity, finance, policy and administration and the juvenile justice system.

With an up-to-date curriculum designed by experts in the criminal justice field who have backgrounds in management and administration, our Faculty Advisory Council also reviews each degree programs' curriculum every 18 months to ensure it stays relevant and engaging.

Concentration in Management

With a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Management, you'll gain an understanding of theories and principles behind criminal justice and develop managerial and administrative skills associated with law enforcement, the criminal courts and corrections.

Concentration in Human Services

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Human Services gives you a public services management perspective of criminal justice by teaching you leadership and administrative skills that are required in public services such as child protective services and victim advocacy among others.

Concentration in Institutional Health Care

If you're interested in developing solutions that address the health care challenges in areas such as correctional institutions, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration with a concentration in Institutional Health Care will help you build a foundation in criminal justice concepts while learning management and administrative skills that are critical to health care services in detention and correctional facilities.

What to expect as a student

At the College of Criminal Justice and Security you'll be part of a large and vital community of peers, alumni, faculty and employees, all driven by a genuine desire to give back to the community or secure their organization. Both online and campus-based classroom sizes average only 12 students giving you the engagement and interaction you need to succeed academically.

You'll also learn from faculty backed by not only impressive academic credentials, but also with nearly 20 years experience in the field as chiefs of police, deputy chiefs, police officers, wardens, assistant or district attorneys, special agents, security executives, and probation officers. This way, you'll gain up-to-date insight into what's currently happening in the field of criminal justice and security.

Many more resources are available to you that are unique to the student experience at University of Phoenix. Additionally, you'll have an expansive network of students and faculty to reach out to during the pursuit of your degree and beyond.

Learning outcomes

Because our curriculum incorporates theory and practice, you'll be prepared to enter the workforce after graduation. Our bachelor's degree program tackles modern issues in criminal justice including low morale and turnover, a dramatic rise in the number of prisoners and an aging inmate population. You'll be equipped with the skills and knowledge to confront any challenge.

Streamline your military experience into college credit

If you have military experience, then the field of criminal justice and security could be a natural career path for you because of your desire to protect and secure assets and people. You may also be able to turn military experience into college credit toward a bachelor's degree in criminal justice or security. You can learn more by visiting our military page.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration program is an educational degree program and does not guarantee that a student will meet the particular requirements or qualifications to become a law enforcement, corrections, or peace officer at the state, national, or international level. Students who are interested in pursuing such professions are encouraged to check with the individual agencies for a list of requirements.