Criminal Justice | KYSU Online

The Program

Program Overview

Kentucky State University's online Criminal Justice program prepares the next generation of professionals for success in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system. The curriculum equips students with the skills needed for roles in probation, victim advocacy, court administration, and more — built on a foundation of critical thinking, problem-solving, and a commitment to social justice, criminal justice reform, and due process.

B.A.

Criminal Justice

Career Outlook

Where This Degree Can Take You

Graduates go on to work across a wide range of sectors, both sworn and civilian — and the degree also lays the groundwork for advanced study, including graduate school or law school, if you want to keep going.

Sworn Law Enforcement

Police officers at the state, county, or local level, plus federal roles with the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, and ICE — many with dedicated crime scene investigation units.

Corrections & Courts

Civilian roles across corrections, the legal system, juvenile justice, and academia.

Specialized Careers

Crime Scene Investigator, Criminal Investigator, Private Detective, Fish and Game Warden, Crime Victims Service Provider, Child Protective Services Officer, and Fraud Investigator.

Graduate & Law School

A strong foundation for advanced study, including graduate programs or law school.

Curriculum

What You'll Study

You'll complete a minimum of 120 semester hours to graduate, including 45 hours in the Criminal Justice major.

Core Requirements

Criminal Justice Major (45 hours)

CJE 101 — Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJE 215 — Introduction to Criminal Law
CJE 220 — Juvenile Justice
CJE 320 — Law Enforcement
CJE 325 — Courts
CJE 330 — Corrections
CJE 335 — Theories of Crime and Delinquency
CJE 340 — Principles of Victimology
CJE 345 — Comparative Criminal Justice
CJE 350 — Criminal Justice Ethics
CJE 410 — Criminal Justice Administration
CJE 415 — Seminar in Criminal Justice
CJE 430 — Criminal Justice Internship
CJE 433 — Research Methods
CJE 434 — Statistics in Criminal Justice

Plus One Additional CJ Elective

Choose an additional Criminal Justice elective to round out your major.

Support Courses

Principles of Sociology
Contemporary Social Problems
Technical Writing or Business Writing

General Education & Electives

Remaining hours are fulfilled through KYSU's general education core and free electives — standard across most bachelor's degrees.

See tuition & financial aid

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice