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Criminology and Criminal Justice ,BS

Criminology and Criminal Justice, BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Criminology and Criminal Justice

Advocacy, Corrections, Criminology, Delinquency, Detective, Emergency Management, Juvenile Justice, Legal, Parole Officer, Police, Probation Officer, Social Justice, Victim Advocate, cop, law

Whether your criminal justice career will be in policing, the courts, corrections, security, investigations, or another segment of the field, you will benefit from a multifaceted understanding of why people commit crimes and what society does --- and can do better --- to respond to crime and to prevent it.
Program description ▲

The BS program in criminology and criminal justice is for students who want to understand the causes of crime, the role of criminal justice agencies in the control of crime, and the consequences of crime.

Students learn sociological, psychological, biological and economic explanations for individual crime as well as differences in crime across neighborhoods, states, countries and over time. They also learn about the history, legal issues and current practices of crime control via police agencies, the court system, prisons, probation and parole.

These topics are delivered by top-ranking research faculty who offer students hands-on research opportunities and by experienced criminal justice professionals with intimate knowledge of the daily realities of crime and criminals. Students are encouraged to take advantage of internship opportunities in more than 200 agencies, study abroad programs and flexible course scheduling offered in-person, online and across multiple campuses.

At a glance ▲
  • Second language requirement: No
  • STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
  • First required math course: MAT 142 - College Mathematics
    or MAT 117 College Algebra
  • Math intensity: Generalprogram math intensity general

Required courses (Major Map) ▲

Concurrent program options▲
Students pursuing concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”) earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with their academic advisors, students can create their own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
Accelerated program options▲
This program allows students to choose a 3-year path while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students can opt to fast-track their studies after acceptance into a participating program by connecting with their academic advisor. Fast track options appear at the top of the major map.

This program also allows students to obtain both a bachelor's and master's degree in as little as five years. It is offered as an accelerated bachelor's plus master's degree with:

Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.

Admission requirements ▲

General university admission requirements:

All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First-year | Transfer | International | Readmission

Transfer admission requirements:

The MyPath2ASU pathway allows Arizona transfer students to complete a prescribed sequence of courses that meet the requirements for the community college's AA degree along with the lower-division requirements for the ASU major.

Students completing their ASU BA degree at Yuma: Once the MyPath2ASU pathway requirements are complete, students complete the remaining requirements for the ASU bachelor's degree at the community college.

Students should visit Admission Services for more information about ASU degrees offered at local community colleges.

Tuition information▲
When it comes to paying for higher education, everyone’s situation is different. Students can learn about ASU tuition and financial aid options to find out which will work best for them.
Change of Major requirements▲

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 is required to change into this program.

Students should visit the Change of Major form for information about how to change a major to this program.

Attend online▲
ASU Online

ASU offers this program in an online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. Applicants may view the program’s ASU Online page for program descriptions and to request more information.

ASU Local

It is now possible to earn an ASU degree with ASU Local, an integrated college experience in which students take advantage of in-person success coaching and programming experiences on site while completing one of 130+ undergraduate online degree programs, all of which come with online faculty interaction and tutoring support.

Transfer options▲

ASU is committed to helping students thrive by offering tools that allow personalization of the transfer path to ASU. Students may use MyPath2ASU® to outline a list of recommended courses to take prior to transfer.

ASU has transfer partnerships in Arizona and across the country to create a simplified transfer experience for students. These pathway programs include exclusive benefits, tools and resources, and they help students save time and money in their college journey.

Program learning outcomes▲

Program learning outcomes identify what a student will learn or be able to do upon completion of their program. This program has the following program outcomes:

  • Analyze theories of crime and how the criminal justice system responds to crime.
  • Examine fundamental methodological and statistical techniques used in criminology and criminal justice research.
  • Leverage an understanding of the systemic inequalities of crime for working in 21st century agencies and organizations related to criminal justice.
Global opportunities▲
Global experience

With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, criminology and criminal justice students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. Whether in a foreign country, in the U.S. or online, students build communication skills, learn to adapt and persevere, and are exposed to research and internships across the world, increasing their professional network.

The Watts College of Public Service and Community Solutions recommends these programs for students majoring in criminology and criminal justice.

Career opportunities▲

Graduates of the criminology and criminal justice program find a strong job market in the public and private sectors. Employment opportunities exist in:

  • bank fraud
  • corrections
  • courts
  • domestic terrorism
  • federal agencies
  • homeland security
  • law enforcement
  • legal offices
  • parole offices
  • private security
  • probation offices
  • victim advocate agencies

Graduates also may pursue advanced degrees in law, criminology and criminal justice, and other social science disciplines.

Example job titles and salaries listed below are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.


Career *Growth *Median salary
-7.5%
$49,610
3.3%
$65,790
-2.7%
$63,310
3.3%
$65,790
1.5%
$86,280
1.5%
$86,280
6.1%
$73,810
1.5%
$86,280
3.1%
$96,290
* Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).

Bright OutlookBright Outlook

Contact information▲
What are accelerated programs?
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.

3 year programs

These programs allow students to fast-track their studies after admission and earn a bachelor's degree in three years or fewer while participating in the same high-quality educational experience of a 4-year option. Students should talk to their academic advisor to get started.

Accelerated master's

These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).

Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Acceptance to the graduate program requires a separate application. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master’s during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
What are concurrent programs?
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
What are joint programs?
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.

What constitutes a new program?
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the “New Programs” option.
What are online programs?
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
What is the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE)?
The Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) is a program in which residents of western states (other than Arizona) may be eligible for reduced nonresident tuition. See more information and eligibility requirements on the Western Undergraduate Exchange (WUE) program.

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