Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Overview

Learn to Uphold the Law with Integrity in Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Program

If you have a desire to protect your community, our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice degree can help you prepare to pursue roles in law enforcement. Throughout our criminal justice bachelor’s degree program, you can learn from experienced law enforcement officers who are passionate about teaching you the skills to serve your community with integrity and excellence.

Our BS in Criminal Justice program provides you with opportunities to apply what you have learned through realistic simulations, internships with police departments, and special programs like Justice Project DNA testing. Partner with us and prepare to pursue a career in criminal justice.

Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC

Highlights of Our Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program

We were awarded an Illuminate Grant for Justice Project DNA testing equipment and training, which gives our students a unique opportunity.

This grant allows students under the supervision of professors from our Criminal Justice, School of Law, and Biology departments to research cold cases and assist criminal justice reform advocates in exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.

Potential Career Opportunities for Our BS in Criminal Justice Graduates

Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:

Crime scene investigator
Criminologist
Detective
Federal agent serving in the CIA, DEA, FBI, Secret Service, or U.S. Marshals

Immigration and customs enforcement
Parole officer
Police officer
Prosecutor’s office investigator

Courses

What Will You Study in Our BS in Criminal Justice Degree Program?

In our BS in Criminal Justice degree, you can study important legal and procedural concepts that are reinforced through hands-on experience. Our professors have worked at the highest levels of government, including the Federal Bureau of Investigation and the White House, and are dedicated to helping you prepare to protect your community in a variety of roles.

In our criminal justice courses, you can learn theoretical concepts underpinning law enforcement, such as judicial process, criminology, and ethics. You can have the opportunity to synthesize and apply what you have learned in classes like criminal investigation and interrogation. These courses offer real-world simulations supervised by current state troopers and FBI agents.

In our specializations, you can take unique classes that are tailored to your area of study that help fine-tune and foster skills and techniques that are pertinent to your specific degree program.

Featured Undergraduate Criminal Justice Courses

CJUS 320 – Corrections

CJUS 340 – Criminology

CJUS 405 – Interview and Interrogation

Here’s what you’ll study:

Application of the interrogation skills you study in a realistic interview scenario
Behavior symptom analysis, interviewer characteristics, interview environment, interviewing protocol, factual analysis, and evaluation of the alibi using the Behavioral Analysis Interview and the Reid Nine Steps of Interrogation
The mechanics of interview and interrogation

CJUS 420 – Criminal Investigations

Degree Information

Explore further with the Course Catalog.
This program falls under our Helms School of Government.

BENEFITS

Why Choose Liberty For This Degree?

At Liberty, the criminal justice faculty comprises experienced law enforcement officers who bring real-world insights into the classroom. Their extensive backgrounds in various agencies enrich the learning experience, allowing you to grasp the practical applications of criminal justice theories. This mentorship allows you to become equipped to handle the complexities of modern law enforcement with integrity and excellence.

The program emphasizes practical experience through realistic simulations and internships with leading police departments. You have opportunities to participate in initiatives like the Justice Project DNA testing, which involves researching cold cases and assisting in criminal justice reform efforts. Such experiences not only enhance learning but also contribute to meaningful societal impact.

Liberty University integrates a biblical worldview into its curriculum, fostering the development of ethical and compassionate criminal justice professionals. Courses are designed to encourage critical thinking and moral reasoning, helping prepare you to make just decisions in your future career.

Students in the program have interned with esteemed agencies such as the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, and the Metropolitan Police Department. These internships provide invaluable exposure to federal and local law enforcement operations.

Tuition & Aid

How Much Does it Cost to Attend Liberty On Campus?

Knowing up-front what you’re paying for and why can go a long way toward making you feel comfortable about your investment. This overview of major college costs can give you an idea of what’s coming so you can create an accurate budget from the start.

All Tuition & Aid

Undergraduate Tuition

Full-time (12-18 Credits)

$12,325 / $24,650

Semester / Year
Part-time (<12 Credits)	$845

Specializations

BS in Criminal Justice Degree Specializations

Our specializations provide unique insight into various areas of study within the field of criminal justice. Whether you want to pursue further study in an area like strategic intelligence, homeland security, or juvenile justice, our specializations are an exciting way to hone your skills within the field of criminal justice.

Specializations

General*

Our BS in Criminal Justice degree can help prepare you with the investigative and procedural skills to pursue a career in law enforcement while allowing you the freedom to choose electives that fit your interests and unique career goals.