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Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing) ,BS

Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing), BS

Academic programs / Undergraduate degrees / Criminology and Criminal Justice (Policing)

Detective, Federal Agent, Law Enforcement, Officer, Police, crime analysis, deputy, sheriff

As someone who embraces justice, you can gain an in-depth understanding of practices, policies and key issues related to modern policing. The knowledge you'll develop through this degree specialization can lead to better employment opportunities in local, state and federal law enforcement.

Program description

The concentration in policing in the BS program in criminology and criminal justice provides students with knowledge on policing strategies, police management, police accountability, crime analysis and procedural criminal law.

Students who complete the concentration have a better understanding of how police organizations operate and are led; effective strategies for reducing crime, building trust and increasing accountability; improving police-citizen community relations (especially in communities of color); how the Constitution protects the rights of individuals in interactions with law enforcement; and techniques for analysis and mapping of crime and other police data.

After finishing the concentration in policing, students are better prepared for future employment in law enforcement and to contribute to the future of policing in the United States.

At a glance
  • Second language requirement: 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 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

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 enter 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.
  • Synthesize material on approaches for accountability and fairness in 21st century police organizations.
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

Career opportunities for graduates of the policing program include work:

  • at the local level in sworn positions in police departments and sheriff's offices
  • at the state level in trooper and investigator roles in state agencies
  • at the federal level in agent and officer positions in federal law enforcement agencies
  • in crime and intelligence analysis
  • in private security

Graduates of the criminology and criminal justice program with a concentration in policing can also continue to graduate studies in criminology, related fields or law school.

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
3.3%
$65,790
3.3%
$65,790
1.5%
$86,280
1.5%
$86,280
1.5%
$86,280
3.1%
$96,290
3.2%
$69,150
* 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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