Criminal Justice
Enhance your understanding of complex law enforcement and corrections systems and maximize your career potential with a Criminal Justice degree from the University of Wisconsin Oshkosh.
Our program is delivered in an accelerated format that merges the flexibility of a 100% online program with the quality and reputation of UW Oshkosh!
We offer three paths toward an online bachelor’s degree:
- Bachelor of Art
At least two years of professional experience related to the field. - Bachelor of Science
At least two years of professional experience related to the field. - Bachelor of Applied Studies
Designed for students with an associate of applied science degree in a related field.
Career and Post-graduate Opportunities
You will be prepared for a variety of future opportunities.
With a criminal justice degree, you’ll be able to:
- earn a promotion.
- enroll in a graduate or law school program.
- pursue a career in the field.
Career
Law Enforcement
Graduates from the UW Oshkosh criminal justice program are now working in:
- local police or sheriff’s departments.
- private security.
- state agencies and federal agencies.
The State of Wisconsin requires certification before one can serve as a law enforcement officer. Our graduates receive this training from various Wisconsin Technical Colleges.
Institutional and Community Corrections
This rapidly growing area of employment includes a vast array of positions:
- family counseling.
- forensic mental health.
- juvenile and adult institutions.
- juvenile and adult probation and parole.
- juvenile and adult residential treatment for offenders.
- programs for mentally ill offenders and substance abuse.
- therapeutic recreation
- youth mentoring programs.
Several victim/witness programs in Wisconsin employ our graduates with many of them holding management positions.
Post-Graduate
Academia and Research
This degree can be your first step toward a professional career in academia and research.
Our teaching and research internships also equip our students with the knowledge and ability to compete for graduate and research assistantships at your school of choice.
Common graduate degrees that our students go on to pursue include:
- Criminal justice
- Public administration/affairs
- Public safety administration
Law School
The logic, analytical, reading comprehension and writing skill developed in our program will help you excel on the Law School Aptitude Test and in law school.
Recent graduates have been admitted to institutions throughout the region.
Affordable
Our tuition rate – $360 per credit course – makes budgeting for your degree easy!
Courses taken outside of your degree requirements may have additional fees.
Financial aid is available for students who qualify so please contact the Office of Financial Aid for more information.
We also welcome employer reimbursement.
ONLINE PROGRAM DELIVERY
Our Criminal Justice program is offered completely online!
Most courses are delivered in an accelerated, seven-week session, which offers additional flexibility for students working full time whether you work outside or inside the home.
Courses are delivered through Canvas where you will interact with your professors and classmates through online discussion, class lectures and the use of a dropbox for assignments to upload assignments.
There are no required scheduled meeting times, but there are deadlines and due dates for projects, assignments and discussions.
Transfer Credits
Get a free transfer credit evaluation!
Students with an approved applied associate degree typically transfer in around 60 credits.
To assure that your associate degree credits will transfer properly, please contact Online Program Advisor Brandon Pannier at pannierb@uwosh.edu.
DEGREE PATHS
Become a leader in the field by earning your Bachelor of Applied Studies in Criminal Justice.
Gain a better understanding of the complex systems of law enforcement and corrections, and increase your career potential.
Bachelor of Applied Studies
The BAS program is for students who have an approved associate’s degree in a related field from an accredited institution.
For full-time students with 60 or more transferable credits, the BAS degree can be completed in as little as two years.
Bachelor of Art
This program is for students who have at least two years of related work experience.
Bachelor of Science
This program is for students who have at least two years of work experience.
Coursework
Criminal justice degree coursework focuses on writing and critical thinking skills, a theoretical understanding of crime, data analysis, policy formulation & analysis, and legal, ethical, administrative and behavioral aspects.
Students begin the program with general education requirements. Students with prior education experience may be exempt from these requirements.
Browse Criminal Justice Core Courses
| Level I (6 credits) | (3 credits each) |
|---|---|
| Introduction to Criminal Justice Process | CJ 110 |
| Introductory Criminal Law | CJ 270 |
| Level II (21 credits) | (3 credits each) |
|---|---|
| Managing of Criminal Justice Organizations | CJ 212 |
| Adjudication Process in Criminal Justice | CJ 218 |
| Correctional Process | CJ 244 |
| Elementary Statistics in Criminal Justice Research | CJ 281 |
| Police in Modern Society | CJ 288 |
| Quantitative Research Design | CJ 343 |
| Theories of Crime | CJ 351 |
| Level III (Choose 9-15 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Criminal Investigation | CJ 304 |
| Criminal Courts: Proof of Guilt | CJ 310 |
| Criminal Courts Behavior | CJ 328 |
| Illegal Bias in the Criminal Justice System | CJ 333 |
| Police Administration | CJ 340 |
| Community-Based Corrections | CJ 346 |
| Juvenile Justice Systems | CJ 347 |
| Law of Corrections | CJ 348 |
| Organized Crime | CJ 352 |
| Special Topics in Criminal Justice | CJ 375 |
| Internship in Criminal Justice | CJ 396 |
| Independent Study in Criminal Justice | CJ 446 |
| Level IV (3 credits) | |
|---|---|
| Major Criminal Justice Issues | CJ 358 |
Admission Requirements
Applicants must hold an approved two-year associate degree from an accredited university or have a minimum of two years of professional experience in a related field.
Admission Requirements
- Bachelor of Arts: At least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Bachelor of Science: At least two years of relevant professional experience.
- Bachelor of Applied Studies: An applied associate degree in a related field.
A Supportive Community
You will have a strong support network from day one with small classes, dedicated advisors and excellent campus resources that are available to all online students: academic advising, Polk Library and writing center.
Online Degree Programs
Lincoln Hall, Second Floor
608 Algoma Blvd.
Hours: 8:00 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.