Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
As society continues to evolve, the need for well-trained, highly-educated criminal justice professionals will be in high demand. UC’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal offending and criminal justice process.
BS Criminal Justice Program Overview
Whether you are seeking an entry-level position or want to advance your current career in law enforcement, loss prevention, special investigations, social advocacy or private security, earning a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice can help you achieve your goals.
Our online baccalaureate program combines professional skills training with relevant curriculum designed to help you develop a solid foundation of criminal justice knowledge. Ultimately, this online program prepares graduates to become leaders in criminal justice settings, policy reform and law enforcement. Students may enroll in the spring, summer or fall semester. It typically takes students four years to complete the degree.
BS Criminal Justice Program Highlights
High Quality Education
Customize your online Criminal Justice degree with a minor or certificate
Prepare for your dream career by selecting a minor or certificate to focus on while completing your bachelor’s in criminal justice. Options include topics in psychology/sociology, business, leadership, English/communication, foreign language/culture, and health/wellness. Students wishing to pursue a minor or certificate should work closely with their advisor after looking at all minor and certificate options offered at UC. Below are a few examples of programs that may be completed entirely online:
- Correctional Rehabilitation
- Crime and Intelligence Analysis
- Forensic Populations
- Criminal Justice
- Substance Abuse Counseling
- Substance Abuse Prevention
- Violence Prevention
- Early Childhood Education and Development
- Law and Paralegal Studies Minor
- Law and Paralegal Studies Certificate
- Information Technology
- Social Science Research
Flexibility
- 100% online
- Option to transfer credits
- Courses offered in spring, summer and fall semesters
- Financial aid available
Support from Application through Graduation
At UC, you’ll have a full support team behind you:
Enrollment Services Advisor: Your go-to resource during the application process
Student Success Coordinator: Helping you prepare for classes and stay on track
Access to Resources: Access to university resources that will support you through your program including online learning expectations and resources, health and wellness resources, and academic support
Prerequisites
Students applying to the program directly from high school must meet the following prerequisite:
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.7
Students who were not admissible directly from high school must meet the following prerequisites:
- 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
- At least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)
Complete the online application and submit a $50 application fee.
Applications are accepted continuously throughout the year. Our staff will review your application based on the following:
After submitting your application form, all applicants are required to have official transcripts sent directly to University of Cincinnati in order to be eligible for admissions review.
- First-Year and Transfer Applicants with Fewer Than 24 Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from your high school and all prior colleges (if applicable) for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- Transfer Applicants with 24+ Completed Semester Hours at a Prior College:
- Order official transcripts from all prior colleges for delivery directly to University of Cincinnati.
- You are exempt from the High School transcript requirement, this item will be removed from your application checklist once your college documents are received.
Please review the section below for guidance on how to submit your transcripts.
Online transcript request systems are the preferred method to deliver official transcripts electronically. To see if your transcript(s) can be ordered electronically, visit the links below and search for your previous school(s).
- Parchment
- Please select “University of Cincinnati – Main Campus” as the recipient of your transcript.
- National Student Clearinghouse
- Please have your transcript sent directly to admissions@uc.edu.
If you do not see your past school(s) listed on either site, please contact the school(s) directly to determine their ordering process.
If a physical copy must be sent, DO NOT request it be delivered to you. It must be sent directly from your prior school to the following address:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, Ohio 45221-0091
Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).
- In order to apply to University of Cincinnati as a transfer student, learners must submit a transfer application form and have official transcripts sent directly to UC from all prior institutions they’ve attended.
To request these transcripts, please contact your previous institution’s registrar and ask them to send the official transcript to the University of Cincinnati via an approved electronic method such as Parchment, eScrip-Safe, National Student Clearinghouse, or similar services. This is the preferred method. If electronic submission isn’t available, transcripts may be mailed to the Office of Admissions at:
University of Cincinnati
Office of Admissions
PO Box 210091
Cincinnati, OH 45221
| Term | Application Deadline | Classes Start |
|---|---|---|
Summer 2026 Fall 2026 |
March 15, 2026 July 15, 2026 |
May 11, 2026 August 24, 2026 |
The University of Cincinnati's online course fees differ depending on the program. On average, students will accrue fewer fees than students attending on-campus classes.
The one fee applied across all UC Online programs is the distance learning fee. Students living outside the state of Ohio must also pay an additional “non-resident” fee to enroll in courses at UC Online. This fee is lower than the out-of-state fee for traditional on-campus programs.
To view tuition information and program costs, visit the Online Program Fees page.
Fraternal Order of Police members and their dependents are eligible for an exclusive scholarship for the online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program. Contact an Enrollment Services Advisor to find out more.
“Every course was applicable in my current role as a Probation and Parole Officer. I was able to incorporate some of the evidence-based practices in my everyday work and apply my own experience to my coursework.”
Ryan L. Probation and Parole Officer
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