# Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSCJA) ## Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration Serve your community – and your career – with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree. Gain a fundamental understanding of the essential components that make up the American criminal justice system. Learn about criminology, community policing, change management and more. Develop career-relevant skills and prepare for administrative responsibilities in law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections.  ### Program Purpose Statement The University's Criminal Justice programs are educational degree programs. These programs do not prepare students to become certified peace officers. For those interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, corrections or as a peace officer with any particular local, state, federal, tribal or international agency, there are numerous additional qualifications (and often disqualifications), depending on the position. Before enrolling in a Criminal Justice program, potential students are highly encouraged to check with the relevant agency for a complete list of educational and position requirements as well as any disqualification factors. The University makes no representations regarding whether any particular University program will qualify a graduate for any such position. --- ## Criminal justice program highlights - Develop a strong foundation in criminal justice principles, concepts and theories - Get credit for what you already know, including military or law enforcement training - Learn basic management, administrative and financial skills relative to criminal justice agencies See more about this programSee less Ignite Your Passion Start when you're ready [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Careers & Outcomes --- ## What can you do with a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration? Discover where your online criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree might take you. Gain the knowledge, skills and abilities to prepare for the next step in your career pursuits. Get ready to tackle administrative responsibilities in law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections.  ### What you'll learn When you earn your on-campus or online criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree, you’ll be equipped with a concrete set of skills you can apply on the job. You'll learn how to: - Apply administrative practices within the criminal justice system.  - Apply professional dispositions and ethical conduct in criminal justice administration.   - Analyze procedures within criminal justice programs and public policies.   - Integrate research and theories in criminal justice administration.   - Evaluate innovative strategies for serving diverse populations within the criminal justice system. ### Skills you'll earn Top skills learned in this program: - Communication - Problem Solving - Innovation - Research - Operations [Learn more about skills](https://www.phoenix.edu/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) ### Career opportunities A BSCJA can prepare you to be a: - Detective Sergeant - Detective Supervisor - Loss Prevention Manager - Patrol Captain - Police Captain - Police Sergeant - Police Shift Commander - Sergeant [Learn more about careers](https://www.phoenix.edu/career-services.html) 3%growth According to the [Bureau of Labor Statistics](https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/police-and-detectives.htm), job growth for first-line supervisors of police and detectives is projected to be faster than average between ((edu.BLSyears)). --- ((edu.BLSdisclaimer)) ## Build your professional profile for career enhancement As a student in our criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree, you’ll learn career-relevant skills, such as public policy, change management, policy research, community policing and criminology. Add these to your professional profile in weeks, not years, and apply them in your current role, or use them to help build your career.  ## Ready to get started? Start your application for free or request additional information. [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) Courses --- ## Browse courses for a criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree Education never stands still. That’s why we have advisory councils made up of leaders in their fields. They meet periodically to review industry needs and trends, providing valuable insights that help us keep our programs relevant. Our rigorous criminal justice administration courses provide you with career-relevant skills that’ll help you make an impact on the job and in the communities you serve.  Look for this icon to see which skills you’ll learn in a course. ### Core Courses ### General Education Courses ### Electives ## Criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree requirements You’ll need 120 credits to complete this online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree. Your course schedule may vary based on transferable credits or credits earned through the University’s[Prior Learning Assessment](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html). In your coursework, you’ll learn about public policy, ethical conduct, community policing, conflict resolution, emergency management, organizational communication and more. Our criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree bridges the gap between theory and practical application.  > 14 Core Courses Here’s where you’ll pick up the bulk of your knowledge about the American criminal justice system and how it’s represented in the domains of law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections. You’ll acquire a range of skills in public policy, change management, risk management, diversity awareness and more.  > 12 Gen Ed Courses Our general education courses lay the foundation for all our degree programs. Gaining skills like decision making, planning, problem solving, strategic thinking and interpersonal communication will help create well-rounded professionals in the criminal justice field. Plus, these are universally applicable skills.  > 14 Elective Courses Our electives allow you to explore topics of interest to enhance what you’re learning in your criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree. Learn about the mechanics of writing to strengthen your ability to create reports. Or study state and local political processes to understand the relationship among governments.  ## Schedule Your academic counselor will help schedule your courses for an online criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree. If you’re in Phoenix, this program has a blended option. This means you can start at the Phoenix campus to complete your general education courses, and then transition to online learning for your core program courses.  Our flexible, blended learning format can be beneficial if you’re uncertain about the online learning environment or you want to further develop your technical/computer skills prior to taking courses fully online. In the online environment, you’ll take one course, every five weeks, on Blackboard, our learning management system. In a week, you’ll typically write three discussion posts, complete several readings and finish one course assignment. If you meet your specific due dates, you can attend class and work on assignments when it fits your schedule. Learn when and where you want with the flexibility to balance family, work, school and life.   The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration also allows you to complete up to three required courses for a[Master of Science in Administration of Justice and Security](/online-criminal-justice-degrees/justice-security-administration-masters-degree.html)and a[Master of Public Administration](/online-criminal-justice-degrees/public-administration-masters-degree.html)while finishing your criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree.  [Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info?programcode=BSCJA)[Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information) ## Earn career-relevant skills in weeks – not years. Learning shouldn’t take years to put into practice. That’s why we’re empowering you to build career-relevant skills with every five- to six-week course. We’ve worked with the labor market researcher Lightcast to identify in-demand skills for occupations and mapped those to our related associate, bachelor’s and master’s degree programs. [Learn about skills](/online-degrees/skills-aligned-learning.html) Tuition --- ## Paying for school Tuition is based on number of credit hours per course. Courses are typically 3 credits, but can range from 1-6 credits. Costs do not include savings opportunities like transfer credits and scholarships. [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-non-cbe) ### Undergrad cost per course $1,364 / course Cost breakdown Cost per credit  Credits per course Resource fee **$398** x3 + $170 --- Estimated cost per course $1,364 **What affects the overall cost of my program?** Your full program cost can vary by:  - **Savings opportunities.** Your cost could be reduced with eligible transfer credits, scholarships, employer discounts and more. Students with eligible credits and relevant experience on average saved $11K and 1 year off their undergraduate degree at University of Phoenix. With our Tuition Guarantee, you pay one flat, affordable rate from the moment you enroll to the day you graduate from your program. **Discover ways to save time and money on your degree with our Savings Explorer® tool:** [Go to Savings Explorer®](https://www.phoenix.edu/cost-savings)[Explore scholarships](/tuition-financial-aid/scholarships.html) --- [Learn about cost of attendance](/tuition-financial-aid/cost-of-attendance.html#bachelor-non-cbe) ### Get credit for what you already know Your life experiences can be evaluated for potential college credit for your online criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree. If you have military or law enforcement training, such as [Peace Officer Standards and Training ](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/admissions/corporate-alliances/p/post-academy-training-crg.pdf) (POST), [Basic Corrections Academy ](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/admissions/corporate-alliances/b/basic-corrections-academy-training-crg.pdf) training or [Federal Bureau of Investigation National Academy ](https://www.phoenix.edu/content/dam/edu/degrees/doc/admissions/corporate-alliances/f/federal-bureau-of-investigation-crg.pdf) training, you can apply to have that experience evaluated for credits. [Learn about earning college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) ## Save money and time with transfer credits Your prior eligible college credits could lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. Click to calculate your potential savings $6,820&25 weeks[[1]](#transfer-credits-first-superscript) Select your transfer credits 15 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)30 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)45 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript)60 credits[[2]](#transfer-credits-second-superscript) If15of your prior college credits are accepted toward your bachelor's degree, you may save$6,820and25 weeks. ### Get every eligible transfer credit you deserve [How to transfer](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html)Schedule a call As a transfer-friendly university, we’ll request transcripts for you, at no cost to you, when possible, and accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions. [1] Money savings based on prevailing cost per undergraduate course at $1,364 ($398 cost per credit x 3 credits + $170 resource fee). Time savings based on a five-week course. [2] The average number of applied transfer credits for undergraduate criminal justice degrees is 40. Credits may not always apply to specific courses or institutional policy may limit the number of credits that can be applied. ### Other ways to save on time and tuition Because we believe everyone deserves an affordable education, we work hard to help our students achieve one. Here’s a few ways you can save time, save money and avoid starting from scratch.  #### Transfer credits Your prior eligible college credits can lower your cost and help you graduate sooner. As a transfer-friendly university, we accept eligible credits from 5,000+ accredited institutions.  [Transfer your credits](/tuition-financial-aid/transfer-credits.html) #### Employer tuition benefits Are you employed? Check to see if your employer has an alliance agreement with us for education benefits. This can help you save money while gaining skills that could apply to your job.   [Check employer benefits](/tuition-financial-aid/employer-tuition-benefits.html) #### Credit for life experience We look at all your relevant experience, from parenting to past jobs, to help you get the college credits you deserve. For every 3 credits earned, shave 5 weeks off your degree. [Earn college credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment.html) #### Alumni savings Are you a Phoenix alum? If so, you’re eligible for special tuition rates and can save up to $2,880 on a bachelor’s degree. You can also save with an alumni scholarship.  [Save with exclusive rates](/tuition-financial-aid/alumni-offer.html) #### Military savings If you’re an active-duty service member in the U.S. Armed Forces or an eligible spouse or dependent, you may be eligible for a lower, military tuition rate and can save on tuition.   [Get military savings](/military.html) #### National testing providers Do you have expertise in a specific subject? Earn college credit based on your performance on national, standardized tests to save time and money on tuition.  [Take tests for credit](/tuition-financial-aid/prior-learning-assessment/national-testing-programs.html) #### We can help you get started Chat with an experienced advisor who can guide you through tuition, financial aid, scholarships, transfer credits and more. [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)PreviousNext 1. View 1 2. View 2 3. View 3 Budget & borrow ## How to pay for college Paying for school can be intimidating, but we’re here to help you make sense of it. Our finance advisors can walk you through your options like federal financial aid and savings opportunities to minimize your debt. Plus, we can help you figure out your financial plan. [Explore federal financial aid](/tuition-financial-aid/federal-financial-aid.html) Admissions --- ## Apply for free – no application fee, no obligation. Starting your degree is a big decision — and we want you to feel great about it. That’s why we remove obstacles from your application. - No SAT/ACT required  - No essay required  - No cost, risk-free trial for eligible students - We’ll request transcripts at no cost to you, when possible, and we accept eligible credits from over 5,000 accredited institutions. [Explore admission requirements](/admissions.html)× How to enroll at University of Phoenix Accreditation --- ## Accredited for 45+ years Since 1978, University of Phoenix has maintained institutional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC),[hlcommission.org](https://www.hlcommission.org/). Learn more about the value of University of Phoenix accreditation and how it benefits our students. [Learn more](/about/accreditation.html) ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 90% of our surveyed students.[1] Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. [1] Transactional Survey, August 2021-22 (18,645 respondents) **Call or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Gabriel G., Enrollment Rep ## Receive 1-on-1 support You have a support team of real people you can lean on. And our academic counselors, who are with you every step of the way, have earned a 5-star rating from 85% of our surveyed students.[1] [1] Transactional Survey, September 2022-August 2023 (23,739 respondents) Start a conversation with an enrollment representative today. **Call us at 844-937-8679 or chat with us 7 days a week.** [Request info](https://www.phoenix.edu/request/request-information)[Apply now](https://www.phoenix.edu/application/quick-app/personal-info) Student Experience --- ## An education that fits your busy life ### Balancing family, work and school Work toward your degree without giving up what matters most. Start your degree year-round and take one class at a time. [Learn about our flexibility](/life-as-a-phoenix/time-management.html) ### Online learning Enroll in online classes and attend class whenever it fits your life, day or night, as you complete your criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree. [Read about online classes](/student-resources/going-to-class.html) ### Computer requirements for courses Many course assignments will require you to use a computer to complete and submit your assignment.  [More on technology recommendations](/student-resources/computer-requirements.html) Faculty Spotlight --- ## Criminal justice administration professionals dedicated to you  Your success is a top priority for our faculty members. They bring an average of ((edu.facultyExperience)) years of experience and hands-on perspective to the classroom. You’ll gain criminal justice administration insight from experienced professionals who have served as chiefs of police, captains, lieutenants, wardens, judges and detectives. They contribute valuable, relevant and timely expertise in class and help bridge the gap between academics and industry knowledge. > As a faculty member, I'm on your team. I'm your coach and your cheerleader. **Doris Savron**Vice Provost of Colleges, University of Phoenix ## Criminal justice administration articles - [Criminal Justice vs Criminology](/articles/criminal-justice/criminal-justice-vs-criminology) — Online Degrees | February 09, 2026 • 6 Minutes - [What Is Victimology?](/articles/criminal-justice/what-is-victimology) — Online Degrees | December 12, 2025 • 8 minutes - [What’s a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice](/articles/criminal-justice/what-is-a-bachelors-degree-in-criminal-justice) — Online Degrees | October 13, 2025 • 5 minutes Load More... ## Frequently asked questions about the criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree ### What is criminal justice administration, and what does the degree entail? Criminal justice administration is a field of study focused on the essential components comprising the American criminal justice system. In our online criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree, you’ll learn basic management, administrative and financial skills relative to criminal justice agencies.  Your coursework will include topics like ethics in criminal justice, theories of criminology and victimology, organizational behavior and management, interagency communication, grant writing and funding, mental health services and intervention. You’ll also develop career-relevant skills such as conflict resolution, change management, organizational communications and budgeting to help with on-the-job responsibilities.  ### What different types of bachelor’s degrees are available in criminal justice-related fields? At University of Phoenix, we offer three different bachelor’s degrees in a criminal justice-related field. These include the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration, the[Bachelor of Science in Correctional Program Support Services](/online-behavioral-sciences-degrees/correctional-program-support-services-bachelors-degree.html)and the[Bachelor of Science in Public Administration](/online-criminal-justice-degrees/public-administration-bachelors-degree.html).  ### How long does it take to complete a criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree? At University of Phoenix, the program length for a criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree is four years and 120 credits. But your time to completion could be longer or shorter and will depend on various factors, including but not limited to, any transfer credits you have, whether you remain continuously enrolled, whether you retake courses and other factors. Students can save time and money with eligible transfer credits and relevant life experience. We look at all your experience — everything from life experience to past jobs — to help you earn the college credits you deserve.  ### What career opportunities are available with a criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree? Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration prepares you for a range of administrative responsibilities in law enforcement, criminal courts and corrections. You may be able to seek positions such as a detective sergeant, detective supervisor, loss prevention manager, patrol captain, police captain or police sergeant.  ### What ethical considerations are important in the field of criminal justice administration? Our criminal justice administration bachelor’s degree includes a course on ethics in criminal justice. This course explores the ethical standards and codes of professional responsibility in criminal justice professions. Students will examine the interrelated nature of ethics, morality, legal responsibility and social issues in criminal justice settings, and develop career-relevant skills in social issues, ethical conduct and professional responsibility.  While widely available, not all programs are available to residents of all states. Please check with a University Enrollment Representative.