Criminal Justice

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS)

Save @ APU

$0 Application Fee
$0 Transfer Credit Evaluation
$0 Textbooks & Ebooks

0Entrance Exams

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Overview

Take a deep dive into the scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, and digital forensics with the bachelor of science degree in criminal justice at American Public University. 

This dynamic online criminal justice bachelor’s degree program closely examines digital forensic science as the application of scientific methods and analysis of scientific data to support the law. You gain a solid foundation in digital forensic science, studying the application of forensic science to crime, police investigation, and the adjudication process. This program also studies the importance of scientific analysis of digital evidence and its place in the judicial system. 

To prepare you for today’s complex criminal justice field, your analytical and communication skills will be sharpened through this bachelor’s in criminal justice online program.

NOTE: This degree program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any country, state, province or other jurisdiction. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional licensure.

What You Will Do

  1. Recognize and explain the major international, U.S., and localized law enforcement systems and organization
  2. Describe and analyze the political and public administrative aspects of law enforcement organizations
  3. Communicate and apply the major theories and concepts of crime, criminal justice, and criminology
  4. Conduct research associated with criminal justice and criminology theories

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
120
Cost Per Credit
$360 | $250*
$324**
Courses Start Monthly
Online
  • Want to Learn More?

    Interested in a specific program or wondering about the application process? Fill out the quick form below, and we’ll follow up with details tailored to your goals. Click here if you are a current student and need assistance.











Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Offers an in-depth scientific study of crime, criminal behavior, crime scene investigation theories, and the importance of scientific analysis as evidence. Focuses on cybercrime and computer forensics with emphasis on wireless networks and devices, operating systems, intrusions, and the related investigative procedures.

Objectives:

Choose 27 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4671

|
This course offers a framework for learning the latest developments and trends in ad-hoc wireless and mobile communications. The course provides a complete coverage of the wireless ad-hoc networks: principles, protocols and applications. The course will look at the characteristics and operations of contemporary ad-hoc wireless network technologies. Students will study the impact of wireless transmission and user mobility with an emphasis on the design and management of ad-hoc wireless mobile systems. Students must have access to MS Visio software. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. This course meets the topical requirements of the DoD Directive 8570.1M Information Assurance Management (IAM) Technical I category.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4006

|
The explosion in the use of the Internet and the ensuing growth in cybercrime have given rise to the field of computer forensics (also called digital forensics). Digital forensics is used to assemble digital evidence to prosecute cybercrime, analyze intrusions, mitigate risk, and for data recovery. This course examines the theory, best practices, and methodologies to conduct computer forensics investigations; it includes the ethical issues, data presentation, and chain-of-evidence procedures. It also appraises current tools and technologies to analyze, acquire, and organize digital evidence. This course maps to the general objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification. Requires CITRIX CLIENT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR ONLINE VIRTUAL LABS accessibility.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4009

|
The rapid change in technology and the exponential growth in the use of the Internet have resulted in an increase in the number of computer and technology related crimes. This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and technologies needed to detect, investigate, and prevent computer related crimes. Topics to be covered include: cybercrime classification (hacking, denial of service attacks, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, virus dissemination, identity theft, electronic funds transfers, phishing, spoofing, Internet fraud, access device fraud and salami attacks), vulnerability of computer systems and computer applications, computer intrusions and attacks, the impact of cybercrime (social, economic, and legal), investigation of digital evidence, computer forensics, and the prevention of cybercrime.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4411

|
This course is an introduction to Computer Forensics Investigation Procedures and Response. It provides a basic understanding of the importance of computer forensics, how to set up a secure lab, the process for forensic investigation including first responder responsibilities, how to handle various incidents and information on the various reports used by computer forensic investigators.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4412

|
The growth of wireless networking technologies has given rise to many security issues. Wireless technology has become popular because of its convenience and low cost. This course pertains to the study of Computer Forensics Students will be introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. An overview of cybercrime and security will be addressed by explaining the basic security procedures and will include discussions of the various security threats that today’s users face. This course will prepare students to gather all necessary information and evidence to support prosecution in a court of law. This course will examine wireless networks and devices and will discuss how to investigate wireless attacks, as well as PDA, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®, and BlackBerry® forensics. Current literature will be examined on such topics. iPod®, iPhone® and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. BlackBerry® is a registered trademark of BlackBerry Limited.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4413

|
The increase in the use of the Internet and ensuing growth in cybercrime have given rise to the field of digital forensics. Students will be introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. This course examines computer related crime and abuse cases in order to gather all necessary information and evidence to support prosecution in a court of law. Collection of evidence, investigating information hiding, and intrusion response techniques will be explored. This course will examine network intrusions, network traffic, web attacks, DoS attacks and corporate espionage. Current literature will be examined on such topics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4414

|
This course is designed to expose the student to the process of detecting attacks and collecting evidence in a forensically sound manner with the intent to report crime and prevent future attacks. Learners are introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. The course provides a basic understanding of steganography, data acquisition and duplication. It examines how to recover deleted files and partitions and image file forensics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4415

|
This course is designed to expose the student to the process of detecting attacks and collecting evidence in a forensically sound manner with the intent to report crime and prevent future attacks. Learners are introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. The course provides a basic understanding of file systems, hard disks and digital media devices. Boot processes, Windows and Linux Forensics and application of password crackers.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2537

|
This is a procedural law course which includes an overview of the law of arrests, search, and seizure, the making of bail, adjudication, pre- and post-trial activities and the nature of plea bargaining. Substantial emphasis is given the constitutional protections afforded through the Bill of Rights. This course examines procedures used by American police, prosecutors, and courts to bring criminal cases to trial and explores some of the defendant’s rights at trial and on appeal. The course will consider the Common Law, constitutional, and statutory bases of procedural practices in American criminal law. The student will be exposed to a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in the use of criminal evidence including rules of evidence; arrests, searches, and seizures; interrogations, confessions, and non-testimonial evidence, impeachment and cross-examination of witnesses; opinion evidence; hearsay evidence; and articles and exhibits of evidence.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

|
Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

|
Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2533

|
The course will provide the student with an overview of the American criminal justice system as an interdisciplinary social science involving aspects of criminology, sociology, law, and political science. This course will also examine the complexity of the American Criminal Justice System through its administrative process.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2535

|
This course examines criminal behavior in relationship to various criminological theories and analyses these theories through a historical context. These theories include classical theories and current theories of crime as they relate to criminal involvement. Additionally this course will analyze society's response to criminal behavior through the assessment of legal approaches and the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Additionally types of criminal behavior and the systems reaction to these crimes will be distinguished. Research affecting social policy and public crime concerns are examined including social problems and social responsibility perspectives as well.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2538

|
This course is an analytical examination of crime detection and solution, including such topics as crime scene procedures, physical evidence, interviews, field notes and reporting, follow-up investigation, interrogation, and rules of evidence. Specific detail is given to investigations involving homicide, sex-related offenses, and crimes against children, robbery, larceny, vehicle thefts, computer crime, environmental crime, arson, and drug abuse. There is an in depth analysis of investigation methodologies addressing inductive and deductive reasoning to assess the decision making process to solve crimes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2539

|
This course concentrates on the major functions, structures and processes that underline ethical issues within the American Criminal Justice System. This course will explore the structure and nature of the various types of ethical debates within the American judicial system. There will be an assessment of the ethics in criminal justice, as it explores the issues of morality, virtue, honesty, and making ethical decisions in the United States criminal justice system. Assessments of various issues will be examined as they relate to decision making and ethics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2553

|
This course explores criminal behavior, its motivation, and the environmental influences and patterns of offending. Other topics examined are the approaches to profiling and how these investigative techniques are applied to helping solve crimes. This course will address aspects of behavior, taking into consideration the definition of criminal profiling as the inference of offender traits from physical and/or behavioral evidence. Evaluations will be made of the history, theories, and investigative techniques regarding profiling crime offenders, using a unique blend of both social science, as well as psychological and legal research. It includes legal case excerpts to demonstrate the role of the profiler (investigator). This provides the student a solid knowledge foundation of the integral relationship between the profiling techniques and theories of criminal behavior and the court system. It is recommended students take either CMRJ101 or CMRJ306 prior to enrolling in this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2556

|
This course will examine contemporary practices for analysis and measurement of crime including the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to map various aspects of crime. Modern crime analysis focuses on reducing crime and improving police efficiency by illustrating the impact of crime on the community and community impact on crime through the use of the SARA (scanning, analysis, response, & assessment) problem-solving model. Crime analysis facilitates informed decision making on criminal activity and prevention, thereby being instrumental in helping society learn the linkages between crime and other factors such as poverty or drug abuse. Additionally, there is a review of the crime analysis function within the law enforcement organization and a demonstration of how to develop, implement, and operate a crime analysis unit.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2557

|
The purpose of this course is to educate students regarding the everyday operations of state and federal crime laboratories and the forensic services provided by these organizations. The course is scientifically oriented and will concentrate on the significance of forensic evidence and various testing procedures and instrumentation used to analyze biological, chemical, pattern, and trace items of evidence. Another focus will be the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence obtained from systematic searches of crime scenes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2554

|
This course is an introduction to Constitutional Law, the Supreme Court, and other aspects of the legal system using the case analysis approach. Its concentration is on the study and analysis of United States Constitution. It emphasizes an in-depth study of the Bill of Rights, specifically those rights pertaining to Civil Liberties. Topics include: the historical events that led to the development of the Constitution; principles governing the operation of the Constitution and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Judiciary; characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; development of due process and individual protections to include right to speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, right to vote, and right to counsel.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2555

|
This course familiarizes the student with the basic law, procedures and rules that govern the criminal justice system in America. It is designed to produce students who can understand, appreciate and discuss the benefits and problems with the criminal justice system in America today. The students will become conversant with the Bill of Rights, basic criminal law terminology and procedures. The course emphasizes the principles of criminal liability and the acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are necessary ingredients in crimes against persons or property or in offenses involving theft, fraud, drugs, morality and decency, public peace, or public justice.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4890

|
This course provides basic research methods skills for addressing problems and issues specific to the programs within the School of Security and Global Studies. The course covers four basic approaches to social research including experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Students will gain foundational knowledge in research planning, design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. This course prepares students to carry out research at the undergraduate level.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
04/27/26 - 10/02/26 10/05/26 - 11/28/26 Fall 2026 Session B 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session
06/29/26 - 12/04/26 12/07/26 - 01/31/27 Fall 2026 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5113

|
This course is designed to be the final class taken in the B.S. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics program. The class will be an 8-week course during which students will be required to complete work which will demonstrate a mastery of their program. It is designed to be a meaningful culmination of their learning and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree requirements. Topics covered during the capstone will allow students to review, analyze, and integrate the work the student has completed towards their degree. NOTE: All required, core, and major courses must be completed prior to enrollment in this course. SENIOR standing is required.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
02/23/26 - 07/31/26 08/03/26 - 09/27/26 Summer 2026 Session I 8 Week session
05/25/26 - 10/30/26 11/02/26 - 12/27/26 Fall 2026 Session I 8 Week session

Courses Start Monthly

Next Courses Start Jul 6
Register by Jul 3

Admission Requirements

  • All APU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED). Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the APU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Additional Fees

Software and/or lab equipment required for some courses in this program must be purchased at the student’s expense, and are not included in the university book grant. Course materials for this program are approximately $230.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an APU admissions representative at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

 

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about American Public University's cost components and full cost of attendance