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Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree Online

Do you feel a calling to serve with honor and integrity in the field of criminal justice? If so, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Indiana Wesleyan University can prepare you for several types of roles in this diverse and growing field. This online criminal justice degree can be completed 100% online, giving students the flexibility to keep up with their busy lives while they learn.

From tech support to tutoring, the faculty and staff at IWU do everything they can to help ensure student success throughout this criminal justice online program. Whether you are interested in community oriented policing, corrections, courts, or related roles, this criminal justice bachelor degree online helps you build foundational skills for service-focused careers. IWU also provides a faith-based approach to education, which helps students learn how to apply their Christian faith to their career in criminal justice.

Why Pursue My Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Online at IWU?

IWU provides online students the same level of support and faculty attention they would expect from a campus-based program. When you start this criminal justice degree online program, your rate of tuition will be locked in while you complete your degree, so you do not need to worry about unexpected cost increases while focusing on your studies and self-growth.

Online students learn from the faculty who are experts with professional experience in criminal justice roles. Our Christian faculty teach from the same biblical worldview valued on our campus, so that students can implement these principles in a fulfilling career in criminal justice. Their insight will provide added dimension to your education and bolster the confidence you need to succeed in this field.

If you are looking for an online school for criminal justice that combines practical skills, academic rigor, and Christ-centered values, IWU's online bachelor's in criminal justice offers a flexible path toward your goals and con complement an online law enforcement degree or related training.

What Will I Learn in this Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree Online Program?

The bachelor’s in criminal justice online program at IWU offers 5-week course schedules, with students taking one course at a time. This approach helps students fully immerse themselves in the curriculum that covers several critical topics, such as forensics, victimology, restorative justice, diversity, and more.

You will explore areas like criminal law and procedure, ethics in criminal justice, and evidence based policing, along with skills such as report writing for law enforcement and research methods. This combination of theory and practice is designed to support professionals in policing, corrections, probation and parole, victim services, and related fields who want a comprehensive online criminal justice degree grounded in Christian values.

What Makes IWU Different?

Education Pioneer

IWU has provided education for more than 100 years.

Rooted in Christ

Christ-centered support, resources, and services to online students, staff and faculty.

Superior Support

Discover online student resources to help along your journey.

Tuition & Aid

45 Credit Hours

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$405/ Credit Hour

Net Price Calculator

Financial aid is available in the form of grants, loans, scholarships, veterans’ benefits, and employer reimbursement.

Financial Aid Tuition & Fees Info

Applicable fees for resources and services will be assessed throughout the program. Tuition and fees for prerequisites and required elective courses are in addition to the charges shown on the program cost sheet. Your tuition rate will remain the same as long as you remain continuously enrolled in the same program. The estimated cost of attendance is available on the financial aid webpage. Cost sheets may be requested from an enrollment counselor by calling 866.498.4968 or emailing iwuenroll@indwes.edu.

What You'll Study

Coursework for your bachelor’s degree in criminal justice covers how to:

  • Learn appropriate and effective communication skills in a variety of settings, including law enforcement, corrections, and courts, with an emphasis on professional report writing for law enforcement and clear documentation
  • Apply theories, principles, and practices learned in the program to law enforcement careers, including community oriented policing and evidence based policing strategies
  • Understand ethical issues that relate to the criminal justice system, drawing from focused coursework in ethics in criminal justice and criminal law and procedure
  • Apply Christian principles and a biblical worldview to your role in criminal justice, supporting integrity, compassion, and justice in your professional life
Together, these courses help shape an online bachelor's in criminal justice that prepares you to think critically, communicate clearly, and serve communities with wisdom and integrity.

Indiana Wesleyan University

Courses in this Program

These courses contain the program-specific knowledge. Upon completion, you should have the tools to conquer your new career with confidence. For a full list of courses and prerequisites required to complete your degree, please visit the course catalog. Click on a course below to view the description.

CRJ-181,CRJ-309,CRJ-320,CRJ-358,CRJ-472,CRJ-461,CRJ-463,CRJ-465,CRJ-467,CRJ-319,CRJ-332,CRJ-346,CRJ-464,CRJ-468,CRJ-486

After Graduation

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Potential Careers

  • Corrections Officer or Administrator
  • Crime Analyst
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • State or Local Police Officer
  • Victim’s Advocate


Work in Various Industries

  • Industries

Program FAQs

Indiana Wesleyan University’s criminal justice faculty bring a blend of academic expertise and real-world experience in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and public service. Faculty integrate practical insights into coursework while emphasizing ethics, leadership, and a Christian worldview. Instructors such as Tony McGee, a retired U.S. Army Ranger and Military Police leader with extensive cybersecurity experience, and Cherish Hall, an expert in trauma-informed care and victim advocacy, provide students with applied knowledge rooted in current criminal justice practices. Many faculty also maintain active involvement in their communities, ministries, and professional fields, enriching the student learning experience.

Students can contact the Financial Aid Office by phone or email through the IWU Tuition and Financial Aid page or access their information via the student portal. Most students receive a response within a few business days, depending on the time of year.

IWU’s online criminal justice programs are designed for working adults and emphasize applied learning. Courses are delivered in accelerated five-week formats, allowing students to focus deeply on topics such as criminal procedure, crisis intervention, forensics, victimology, and restorative justice. Assignments are built around real-world scenarios, preparing students to apply their knowledge immediately in professional settings.
This online criminal justice degree prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, courts, juvenile justice, private security, and victim services. Graduates may also pursue roles in public safety agencies, nonprofit organizations, or government positions. The bachelor’s degree supports advancement into leadership roles and prepares students for graduate study in criminal justice, public administration, or related fields.
Key courses include Criminal Procedures, which explores legal processes and constitutional protections; Crisis Intervention, which develops skills for responding to individuals in crisis; and specialized courses such as forensics, victimology, and restorative justice, which provide deeper knowledge in emerging areas of criminal justice.
Graduates often begin or advance careers in criminal justice fields such as law enforcement, corrections, or court systems. Others pursue graduate degrees in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, or related disciplines.
This program is coursework-based and does not include clinicals or student teaching. Students engage in applied projects, case studies, and optional field-related experiences. Many assignments allow students to connect coursework directly to their current job or community.

Yes. IWU’s criminal justice programs are offered fully online with no required in-person residencies or clinical components. Students complete coursework from anywhere while maintaining their professional and personal commitments.

Most courses are delivered in accelerated five-week terms, allowing students to focus on one subject at a time.

Students typically take one course at a time. Each course is divided into weekly modules that include readings, discussions, and assignments, allowing students to stay focused while making steady progress.
Students progress independently rather than in a cohort model. However, they engage with peers through discussions, group assignments, and networking opportunities within each course.
Courses are delivered in an asynchronous format, meaning students can complete coursework on their own schedule within weekly deadlines. This format is ideal for working adults.

Students should plan to spend several hours per week on coursework, including reading, discussions, and assignments. Because courses are accelerated, the workload is focused and consistent.

Students follow a structured schedule with flexibility. They take one course per term and progress through the program according to a recommended sequence while balancing work and personal commitments.

An associate degree can typically be completed in approximately 26–27 months. Bachelor’s degree completion varies depending on transfer credits but often takes two to four years.

Yes. IWU offers multiple start dates throughout the year, allowing students to begin their program at several points during fall, spring, and summer terms.

Students receive access to their online learning platform, course materials, and program plan. They are encouraged to connect with advisors and review course expectations before classes begin.

Students have access to academic advising, online tutoring, library resources, technical support, and career services, including job search tools and résumé assistance.

Yes. Faculty provide mentorship through coursework and feedback. Students also have access to career development tools, workshops, and professional resources.

Internships are not required for these programs, but students may pursue opportunities independently depending on their career goals.

Yes. Up to 75 percent of undergraduate credits and 50 percent of major coursework may be transferred, subject to transcript evaluation.

Yes. Through Prior Learning Assessment, students may receive credit for relevant professional experience after evaluation and documentation review.

IWU’s criminal justice programs combine a Christ-centered approach with practical, career-focused learning. The flexible online format, accelerated courses, and applied curriculum help students immediately connect their education to real-world criminal justice careers.

Students who are self-motivated, organized, and passionate about justice and public service thrive in this program. Many are working professionals seeking career advancement or transition.

Students benefit from a structured yet flexible online environment that supports collaboration, practical learning, and strong connections with faculty and peers.

Yes. Faith is integrated throughout the curriculum, encouraging students to explore justice, ethics, leadership, and service through a Christian worldview.
The bachelor’s degree provides advanced study in law enforcement, courts, corrections, victim services, and community-based justice approaches. Students explore specialized topics such as forensics, victimology, restorative justice, diversity, and evidence-based policing, preparing them for complex roles in criminal justice.

This program is designed for working adults, offering flexible online courses in five-week formats. Students can continue working while building skills in leadership, research, communication, and evidence-based practices that support promotion and career advancement in criminal justice.

Graduates are prepared for supervisory and leadership roles in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, courts, and community-based organizations. Career paths may include positions such as supervisor, investigator, unit leader, or program coordinator in public safety and related fields.

Yes. This bachelor’s degree provides a strong academic foundation for graduate programs in criminal justice, criminology, public administration, and related fields. It also supports preparation for specialized roles requiring advanced knowledge and analytical skills.

Program Requirements

  • Proof of high school graduation or GED certification.
  • Original transcripts from all previous college or university study at college or university that is accredited by an accrediting agency recognized by both the U.S. Department of Education (ED) and the Council for Higher Education Accreditation (CHEA).
  • Prior completion of at least 60 transferable credit hours is required before the student is eligible to start a bachelor core program.
  • Completion of 120 semester hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Completion of the required COM-courses with a GPA of 2.25 or higher.
  • Completion of 30 hours of general education as specified.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Accreditation

  • Completion of 120 semester hours and a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
  • Completion of the required COM-courses with a GPA of 2.25 or higher.
  • Completion of 30 hours of general education as specified.
  • Payment of all tuition and fees is required to receive a diploma.

Take the Next Step

Discover the way ahead and turn your aspirations for a career in criminal justice into a reality with this flexible online criminal justice degree at IWU. This criminal justice bachelor degree online can help you prepare for roles in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and community-based agencies while you continue working and serving where you are.

Take the next step with IWU's criminal justice degree online and study with an online school for criminal justice that is committed to academic excellence, ethical practice, and Christ-centered leadership.

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