100%
Online Option
$270
Tuition Cost per Credit
2 years
Average Completion*
Protect Communities. Pursue Justice.
Make an Impact.
The criminal justice system is about more than enforcing laws.
It’s about protecting communities, understanding human behavior, ensuring due process, preventing crime, and helping create a safer and more just society.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Athens State University provides a broad understanding of the systems, institutions, and professionals that make up the criminal justice field. You’ll explore law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminology, ethics, public safety, and the social factors associated with crime. Whether you’re preparing for a career in law enforcement, corrections, courts, federal service, security, or another public safety field—or you’re already working in the field and ready to advance—Athens State can help you take the next step.
Program Overview
Criminal justice is a complex system involving many different professionals and agencies. Police officers investigate crimes. Courts determine guilt and administer justice. Corrections professionals supervise and rehabilitate offenders. Probation and parole professionals help individuals transition back into their communities. Federal agencies address crimes and threats that cross jurisdictions.
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice helps you understand how these components work together. You’ll examine crime from legal, social, behavioral, and institutional perspectives while developing skills in critical thinking, research, communication, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving. The result is a versatile degree that can prepare you for a wide range of careers connected to public safety and justice.
What You’ll Learn
Through the Criminal Justice program, you’ll develop the ability to:
- Explain the structure and functions of the criminal justice system.
- Understand the roles of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Analyze the causes, patterns, and consequences of crime.
- Apply legal and ethical principles to criminal justice situations.
- Evaluate criminal justice policies and practices.
- Analyze criminal justice research and evidence.
- Understand issues involving victims, offenders, and communities.
- Communicate effectively in professional criminal justice environments.
- Apply critical thinking to complex public safety challenges.
- Recognize the importance of ethics, accountability, and professional responsibility.
Your Career Advantage Starts Here
Criminal justice graduates work in a wide variety of public safety, government, security, and community-focused roles.
Explore your career pathways with the B.S. in Criminal Justice, including anticipated salaries, annual job growth, and even active job listings through the Career Concourse portal.
$48k
Police Officer Estimated Entry Salary
$66k
Police Estimated Median Salary
Estimated salary and employment information based on labor market data provided by Career Concourse and is intended for informational purposes only. Actual salaries and employment outcomes vary based on factors such as experience, location, industry, and employer and are not guaranteed upon degree completion.
Admissions & Aid
Athens State University is proud to offer the lowest tuition of any public, four-year university in Alabama, making it possible to earn an advanced degree while keeping your education affordable. Combined with flexible online and hybrid learning, scholarships, and financial aid opportunities, our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice delivers exceptional value and a strong return on your investment.
Why Choose this Program at Athens State?
Life doesn’t stop while you’re earning your degree. That’s why the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is offered through a variety of flexible course formats, allowing you to complete coursework when it fits your schedule without sacrificing academic quality.
Built for Today’s Professionals
You shouldn’t have to choose between advancing your education and advancing your career. Athens State’s degree programs are designed with working professionals in mind. Flexible learning options allow you to pursue your degree while continuing to meet your professional and personal commitments.
Invest in Your Future The Smart Way
Athens State University is committed to providing an affordable, high-quality education. As Alabama’s most affordable public, state university, we give you the opportunity to earn an advanced degree while making a smart investment in your future, without unnecessary debt. Plus, our learning partnerships make a degree from Athens Sate even more accessible.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Our faculty combine academic excellence with real-world experience, bringing current industry practices into every course. At Athens State, you’re not facing the journey alone—our dedicated, knowledgeable faculty and staff walk alongside you each step of the way, providing personalized guidance and support.
Our Faculty
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*Average completion time varies by student and depends on prior credits
transferred to Athens State and the number of courses taken per semester.
Please consult with your Student Success Coach and faculty advisor for your personalized plan of study.