An online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice gives you the knowledge you need to take your career further.

The criminal justice system is vital to the safety and sense of well-being in every community. Our criminal justice bachelor’s degree provides you with the skills you need to make a positive impact in your community—and advance your career in the process.

Take the First Step

Get in touch with any questions or submit a simple application for admission.

We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

At a Glance

409,500
Number of jobs in protective services

Program Length

As little as 2 years depending on transferred credits

Format

  • Online

Tuition per Credit

$495

Is This the Degree For Me?

Who It’s For

  • Students who want to more effectively engage with their community in matters of justice
  • Those looking to start or advance a career in law enforcement
  • Students looking to take a step toward law school or double majoring in Psychology

Career Paths

  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Victim Advocate
  • Forensic Investigator
  • Corrections Officer
  • Crime Analyst, Investigator
  • Crime Prevention Specialist
  • Federal Officer
  • Security Specialist

What You’ll Learn

Through our Criminal Justice degree, you’ll gain valuable insights into the criminal justice system, its ethical underpinnings, and the many different criminal justice roles for professionals. Upon graduation, you’ll be prepared to: 

  • Assess the comparative strengths of the different approaches to criminal justice.
  • Show an understanding of the major areas of criminal justice, including:
    • Criminal Justice and Juvenile Justice Process
    • Criminology
    • Law Enforcement
    • Law Adjudication
    • Corrections
    • Homeland Security
    • Probation and Parole
    • Private Security
  • Display ethical and professional behavior while applying this knowledge to problems and changing fact situations.
  • Communicate this knowledge effectively in written and oral form.
  • Process and apply information reliably.
  • Demonstrate research skills to include statistics and computer methods.
  • Demonstrate logic, critical thinking, and ethical decision-making.
  • Display an understanding of the impact of issues of diversity on themselves and their communities.

Program Details

Program Information

Please visit our catalog for admission requirements and a full list of our courses.

Your first step is to get in touch with any questions or submit the simple application for admission. We will assist you every step of the way toward acceptance so you can enroll and begin your classes!

If you are serving or have served our country, we sincerely thank you. Our military services office is here to work closely with active duty, retired, reserve, and eligible family members qualified for military benefits. Learn how we can help you with the application process and review the benefits you have earned.

For a full list of fees, visit our Tuition and Fees page.



The University of Mary is committed to putting your educational goals within reach. Learn what scholarships you qualify for.

We welcome students from various backgrounds, including transfer students from institutionally accredited colleges and universities recognized by the US Dept. of Education and those with military or career and work experience. 

How do I show my previous college, military, or work experience?

  • Official transcripts (if applicable) from a regionally accredited institution with a minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 should be submitted directly to the Office of Admissions.
    • Did you graduate from the University of Mary? Then we’ll get your Mary transcript for you!
    • At most other schools, you can request transcripts by going to the National Student Clearinghouse or by contacting the registrar’s office. 
      • Have your transcripts sent to:

        Office of Admissions

        University of Mary

        7500 University Drive

        Bismarck, ND 58504
      • Or request to send electronic transcripts to registrar@umary.edu.
  • Students with previous career or work experience can earn credits for prior learning.
    • You can choose to test for prior learning credits — we convert your test scores into college credit.
    • You can request a portfolio review for prior learning credits. You’ll assemble documentation to show your experience, which will be reviewed and evaluated by an experienced faculty member.
  • Military experience can count towards a degree.
WHAT WILL I NEED TO APPLY?
  • All of our programs require you to fill out the general application form in addition to submitting the application fee and your transcripts.
  • Any program-specific requirements you’ll need to submit in addition to the items listed above can be found in our catalog.

At the University of Mary, we review every application on an individual basis, ensuring that the materials you submit are evaluated with care and attention. Reach out to us if you have any questions in filling out your application.

Get Started Today

Apply Online