Bachelors (BACJ / BSCJ) in Criminal Justice

A degree in criminal justice can help you begin a criminal justice career but can also help with promotion and advancement opportunities as most leadership positions in the criminal justice field require at least an undergraduate degree. 

With a degree in criminal justice, you can work in a field where you can help people every day, providing the support they need to live and thrive. A criminal justice degree can prepare you for a multitude of careers including:  

• Police Officer

• Detective or Criminal Investigator

• Probation Officer

• Corrections and Parole Officer

• Security Manager

• Forensic Science Technician

• Legal Assistant or Paralegal

• Crime Analyst

• Juvenile Case Manager

• Victim Advocate

• Customs and Border Protection Officer

• Private Investigator

• Emergency Management Specialist

• Drug Enforcement Agent

• Intelligence Analyst

• Community Outreach Coordinator

Yes, the University of Kentucky College of Social Work offers a Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science, and Master of Science in Criminal Justice as fully online degree programs.  

The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice are also available on campus. 

Does the curriculum align with your academic and career goals? Does online learning work best with your life? How much does it cost? What student support services are available? Do you have enough self-discipline to manage your time commitments?  

At the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, a degree in criminal justice is for those who want to make a difference by increasing your knowledge in the justice systems to be prepared for careers in criminal justice settings.  

Our program is built upon a dynamic curriculum that goes beyond a surface-level understanding to delve deep into the underlying cultural, economic, and political connections with social harm, crime, and systems of social control. By exploring these issues, we will prepare our students to think critically, analyze situations, and develop innovative solutions to the challenges facing our society today.  

Our faculty is passionate about sharing their knowledge and experiences with our students. They bring real-world expertise to the classroom, ensuring that you receive a comprehensive education. Their dedication to your success will inspire and guide you throughout your academic journey. 

Students have the option to pursue a Bachelor of Arts (BA) in Criminal Justice or a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice.

• BACJ: Does not require additional science credits. To complete a BA in Criminal Justice, students must complete the following:
  • UK Core Requirements.
  • Criminal Justice Major Coursework: 27 credit hours of core criminal justice courses.
  • Guided Electives: 12 credit hours of criminal justice specific guided electives.
  • Minimum of 120 credit hours to complete a bachelor’s degree.
    
     
• BSCJ: Includes an additional 15 hours of science-oriented curriculum designed to prepare students for settings that may be science oriented such as forensic investigations. To attain a BS in Criminal Justice, students must complete the following:
  • UK Core Requirements.
  • 15 credit hours of biological, physical, computer, or mathematical science course.
  • Criminal Justice Major Coursework: 27 credit hours of core criminal justice courses.
  • Guided Electives: 12 credit hours of criminal justice specific guided electives.
  • Minimum of 120 credit hours to complete a bachelor’s degree.

Guidance: The selection process is guided by the student's interests and professional goals. For example, students interested in positions such as victim advocate, probation and parole, or juvenile justice do not require any additional science background, so BACJ is a good fit. Whereas students interested in positions such as crime scene and accident reconstruction, cyber security, toxicology, and similar fields will need a science foundation and should pursue BSCJ.