Overview
Gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the criminal justice field. Earn your online Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice degree from the University of the Virgin Island to prepare yourself to serve and secure our nation.
- WHAT WILL I LEARN IN THIS BACHELOR IN THE BACHELOR OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE ONLINE PROGRAM?
At the completion of the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice you will be able to advance or pursue a career in juvenile justice, corrections, investigations or law enforcement.
- WHAT CAREERS CAN I PURSUE WITH AN ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS IN CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE?
With the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice you will be prepared to have a career in law enforcement, corrections, national security or corporate loss prevention. - HOW LONG IS THE BACHELOR OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE ONLINE DEGREE PROGRAM?
The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice online degree program from start to finish is designed to be completed in 38 months however, it could take less time depending on how much transfer credit you receive and how many classes you take every term. The total program credit hours are 120. - HOW MUCH WILL THE ONLINE BACHELOR OF ARTS – CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAM COST?
Learn more about our tuition and fees here.
When Can I Start?
Courses begin every eight weeks, so we’re ready when you are. Contact us at online@uvi.edu to learn more about our accredited degree programs, financial assistance opportunities or enrollment process.
Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice Online Program Outcomes
After successfully completing UVI’s 100% online Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice program, you will be able to:
- Explain the various causes of crime using criminal justice theories, practices and processes to a multicultural population
- Compare and contrast historical and contemporary police functions, issues and responses to crime
- Describe the nature and function of corrections, its services, practices and institutions
- Analyze relevant criminal law and procedures as they relate to the administration of justice
- Differentiate between adult and juvenile procedures throughout the criminal justice system
- Apply the concepts of professionalism, ethical behavior and social responsibility to make decisions as a criminal justice professional
- Evaluate the three components of the criminal justice system
curriculum
PROGRAM CORE:
| UVI Online Course No : | Course Name : | Credits : | |
|---|---|---|---|
| CJU 1100 | Introduction to Criminal Justice | 3 | |
| This course provides an overview of the components and processes of the criminal justice system. Particular emphasis is placed on aspects of the system including the nature of crime, victim assistance, policing, courts and adjudication, punishment, sentencing and incarceration alternatives, and corrections. Class material will include an overview of career opportunities. | |||
| CJU 1120 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 | |
| This course examines the study of criminology by exploring the biological, psychological, sociological, and economic theories of crime. The “traditional theories” of criminology are examined along with contemporary theories. Topics covered are: what is criminology; patterns of crime; research methods and theory development; biological, psychological, and sociological roots of crime; crimes against persons and property; white-collar and organized crime; drug abuse and crime; technology and crime; criminology and social policy; and the future of criminology. | |||
| CJU 2250 | Juvenile Justice I | 3 | |
| Juvenile delinquency in relation to the general problem of crime. Analysis of factors underlying juvenile delinquency, treatment, and prevention. The adjudication process for juveniles-philosophy and practice. | |||
| CJU 3110 | Police Systems & Practices | 3 | |
| This course provides a comprehensive and realistic introduction to modern policing in our society. Through the utilization of real-world examples grounded in evidence-based research, this course helps students think critically about the many misconceptions of police work and understand best practices in everyday policing. The course addresses important law enforcement topics that include discussions of discretion, police use of force, and tough ethical and moral dilemmas—giving students a deeper look into the complex issues of policing to help them think more broadly about its impact on society. The goal of this course is to instill within the student a well-developed understanding of the complex role of police in our society, an appreciation of the challenges of policing, and an ability to differentiate fact from fiction relating to law enforcement. | |||
| CJU 3130 | Correction Systems & Practices | 3 | |
| The objective of this course is to provide students with an overview of our past and present corrections system, the evolving manner in which inmates have been treated, and the controversies that still remain in the corrections system today. Students will be expected to utilize critical thinking skills to participate in discussion, and to contribute their opinions and thoughts to the class. By the end of the semester, students should be more knowledgeable about the corrections system and its participants, as well as be aware of the different perspectives of various members of society. Prerequisite: CJU 1100 | |||
| CJU 3210 | Criminal Procedure | 3 | |
| Constitutional and procedural considerations affecting arrest, search and seizure. A study of United States Supreme Court cases involving the fourth, fifth, sixth and fourteenth amendments to the U. S. Constitution specifically dealing with the law enforcement officers’ investigative and police powers, and their limitations, in connection with obtaining evidence, confessions and identifications, and in making searches, seizures and arrests. Prerequisites: CJU 1100 and CJU 1120 | |||
| CJU 3230 | Introduction to Criminal Justice Ethics | 3 | |
| This course explores the ethical issues and dilemmas faced by the criminal justice practitioners. The course addresses the examination of the controversy between absolutism and relativism, an evaluation of models of criminal justice in terms of consequentialist and deontological ethical theories, and the difference between substantive justice and procedural justice. Students are given an opportunity to explore decision making in various situations involving ethical issues and dilemmas. Prerequisites: CJU 1100 and CJU 3110 | |||
| CJU 3250 | Criminal Law | 3 | |
| Elements of criminal law with definitions and general penalties; laws of arrest, search, and seizure; rights and duties of officers and citizens. Prerequisites: CJU 1100 | |||
| CJU 4010 | Criminal Justice Research Methods | 3 | |
| This course is concentrated on research methods with an emphasis on applying them to the field of criminal justice. Students will be provided with a sound understanding of the scientific method, the terminology of research, how to conduct research. An introduction to the basic methods used in analyzing data from criminal justice agencies, including crime patterns, crime rates, analyses of victim and offenders, recidivism rates, and offense typologies. Students will be provided with hands on experiences in interpreting and analyzing crime data from different sources like homicide reports, Department of Corrections, the Probation Departments, victim agencies/advocates, attitudinal surveys, and other relevant sources. Prerequisites: CJU 1100 and CJU 3110 | |||
| CJU 4210 | Community Policing | 3 | |
| An examination of factors contributing to cooperation or friction between law enforcement personnel and the community, with emphasis on political pressures and cultural problems. Citizen involvement in the criminal justice process, community organization and the social responsibility of law enforcement are examined. Prerequisites: CJU 1100 and CJU 3110 | |||
| CJU 4990 | Professional Strategies – Capstone | 3 | |
| Students synthesize the various concepts they have learned throughout the program of study. They research a specific topic and write a comprehensive paper. The course allows the students to further explore and conduct an in-depth study of a topic related to Criminal Justice. Prerequisites: Completion of degree requirements | |||
| POL 1290 | Introduction to Public Administration | 3 | |
| Designed to acquaint students with the basic principles and concepts associated with administrative management and the execution of public policy, the organization and functioning of public institutions and the implementation of policy decisions in the public arena. A survey course designed to promote interest and understanding of basic management practices and administrative procedures applicable to the public section. It is concerned with the processes by which bureaucratic organizations function. | |||
| Total Program Core | 36 | ||
| Total Program Electives (300-400 Level) | 15 | ||
| Open Electives | 15 | ||
| General Education | |||
| SSS 1000 | Student Success | 1 | |
| In this course, students will develop effective strategies and insights necessary for success in the online academic environment. The course provides an introduction and orientation to the nature of University education and available resources. Topics included will assist students to obtain the necessary skills in resilience, information literacy, communication, support networks, and career development. | |||
| COM 1190 | Communications and Leadership Skills | 3 | |
| An introduction to interpersonal communication and to leadership skills basic to all disciplines. Specific areas include an examination of the communication process and the role that perception plays in the formation of verbal and nonverbal messages. Emphasis will be placed on demonstrating the relationship of interpersonal skills with basic communication skills central to promoting excellence in leadership. | |||
| COM 1200 | Introduction to Public Speaking | 3 | |
| This course develops the communication skills required for effective public speaking. It involves the study of good presentational skills coupled with intensive study in researching topics, outlining and effective speech organization. The course will provide practical experiences in presenting both informative and persuasive public speeches. | |||
| ENG 1200 | English Composition I | 3 | |
| English Composition is the intermediate writing course in the University’s composition offerings. It develops critical thinking, investigative research, and coherent ideas through the writing of analytical, literary and critical essays and the close reading of texts. | |||
| ENG 2010 | Research & Applied Writing | 3 | |
| ENG 2010 is the capstone course in the University-wide writing requirements. It is designed to ensure student competency with the principles and practice of effective writing. This course will prepare students to achieve proficiency in the use of standard writing formats for communication in the various disciplines offered in the University, including research, report writing, argumentation, technical writing, critical writing, and other professional-level writing skills. Prerequisites: ENG 1200 | |||
| ENG 2610 | World Literature I | 3 | |
| An interdisciplinary exploration of the short story and novel from a global perspective, the terminology of literary analysis, different critical approaches, and selected criticism leading to the production of aesthetic and critical analyses of works of fiction. Prerequisites: ENG 2010 | |||
| ENG 2620 | World Literature II | 3 | |
| An interdisciplinary exploration of poetry and drama from a global perspective, the terminology of poetry and drama, interdisciplinary critical approaches, and selected works of criticism leading to the production of aesthetic and critical analyses of works of poetry and drama. Prerequisites: ENG 2010 | |||
| PHI 2000 | Critical Thinking | 3 | |
| Students examine the basic principles of critical thinking with an emphasis on the use of criteria to evaluate issues; the development of extensive experience in constructing, analyzing, evaluating, and presenting oral and written arguments. Students discover different ways of knowing and exploring philosophical concepts through a variety of interdisciplinary literatures, and apply these concepts in the study of contemporary issues of society in everyday contexts, especially as promulgated in the mass media. | |||
| GEN 2990 | General Education Capstone | 3 | |
| General Education Capstone is the culmination of skills and information students have gained through their general education courses. This course will allow students to review knowledge that was gained throughout their college experience and build on that knowledge as they get ready for graduation and beyond. Students will apply research and critical thinking skills to current events. Prerequisites: Completion of Humanities, Social Science, Math and Science requirements | |||
| Humanities | 9 | ||
| Social Science Electives | 6 | ||
| Math Electives | 8 | ||
| Science Electives | 8 | ||
| Total Required General Education | 25 | ||
| Total General Education Electives | 54 | ||
Program Snap Shot |
|||
| Total Program Core Credits | 36 | ||
| Total General Education Credits | 54 | ||
| Total Electives | 30 | ||
| Program total | 122 | ||
Career Outlook
Pursue a criminal justice degree online and pursue a career in detection, apprehension, detention and other police-related career opportunities.
Potential career paths and positions include:
The median wage in 2016 for Loss Prevention Managers was $104,970.1
The median wage in 2016 for First Line supervisors of Police and Detectives was $84,840.2
The median wage in 2016 for Security Managers was $104,970. 3
1 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.08#WagesEmployment
2 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/33-1012.00#WagesEmployment
3 https://www.onetonline.org/link/summary/11-9199.07#WagesEmployment
Employers can include:
- Security firms
- Insurance companies
- Local, state and federal law enforcement agencies
More Information
Gain the knowledge you need to succeed in the criminal justice field. Earn your online Bachelor of Arts – Criminal Justice degree from the University of the Virgin Island to prepare yourself to serve and secure our nation.
At the completion of the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice you will be able to advance or pursue a career in juvenile justice, corrections, investigations, or law enforcement.
