BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration
Manage Law Enforcement Resources Effectively with a BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Degree
If you would like to enter the exciting world of criminal justice but feel your skills and passions aren’t in the enforcement area of law, then maybe you should consider public administration. Without the effective management of vital resources, law enforcement’s men and women would not be able to fight crime successfully. Law enforcement needs managers who can handle resources and people at the local, state, or federal agency level. Our Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice – Public Administration degree can help train you to develop responses and solutions to complex administrative situations.
If you find yourself looking for a career that combines financial expertise, law enforcement, and managerial skills, then criminal justice administration may be the right field for you. Gain a practical understanding of public administration, criminal justice, and legal processes as you prepare for a career of service with duty, dignity, and integrity.
Credit Hours
View CoursesNext start date: Aug 18, 2025
Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC
Highlights
Highlights of Our Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree Program
Investigate Real Cold Cases
Thanks to an Illuminate Grant, we now have advanced DNA testing equipment and training for the Justice Project. As a student, you’ll get to work alongside professors from the Criminal Justice, School of Law, and Biology departments to investigate real cold cases.
This hands-on experience gives you the chance to help criminal justice reform efforts and support the exoneration of wrongly convicted individuals.
Benefit from Expert Teaching
You’ll study under professors who are not only academic experts but also real-world practitioners in law enforcement. Some have served with organizations like the FBI and the Virginia Beach Police Department. Their expertise can help you gain valuable knowledge and skills for your future in criminal justice.
Participate in the Criminal Justice Club
Our Criminal Justice Club offers events designed to help you connect with peers and professionals in the field. These opportunities can help you build valuable relationships and learn more about career paths in criminal justice.
Explore Career Opportunities in Government
Our bachelor’s in criminal justice degree has produced graduates of distinction who have interned with agencies such as the FBI, U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Marshals, Metropolitan Police Department, and NCIS.
Some of our graduates have gained employment in government organizations such as the U.S. Department of Defense, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AECOM Defense Services Sector, and the Virginia State Police.
Career Potential
What Can You Do with a BS in Criminal Justice?
Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in public administration can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:
- Corrections facility director
- Criminal justice policy advocate
- Police officer
- Special agent
#4 Best College Campus in America
At Liberty, you’ll find an affordable, high-quality education designed to help equip students like you for the real world. Our commitment to excellence has earned us recognition as the #4 Best College Campus in America by Niche.com.
Earning your degree from a nonprofit university with state-of-the-art resources like ours can help set you apart from your peers.
Courses
What Will You Study in Our BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Degree Program?
In our BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration degree, you will study many valuable skills needed for managing a municipal, state, or federal department.
- Examine how the various rules regulating businesses affect and apply to the regulation of government.
- Explore how to develop a budget for a police department or other government agency.
- Gain knowledge of economic and management concepts in the government sector.
- Learn about the budgeting process in government.
- Study an overview of the administrative processes found in criminal justice and other government organizations.
Featured BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Degree Courses
CJUS 300 – Administration of Justice Organizations
PADM 360 – Introduction to Public Administration
PADM 462 – Public Finance and Budgeting
PADM 475 – Advanced Public Administration
Degree Information
- This program falls under the Helms School of Government
- View the Degree Completion Plan
- Check out our course catalog
- Transfer in up to 75% of the degree total
BENEFITS
Why Choose Liberty’s Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice – Public Administration?
Uphold Ethical Excellence in Public Service
Criminal justice is a field that calls for individuals who lead with integrity, fairness, and responsibility. At Liberty, you can learn in an environment that prioritizes those same values. The university’s strong ethical foundation helps shape a culture where you are encouraged to think critically, act justly, and prepare for roles that influence policy and community well-being.
Learn from Experienced Faculty
Liberty’s criminal justice faculty bring years of experience in law enforcement, legal practice, public administration, and government service. Their insights can offer practical guidance that bridges theory with application. Additionally, Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which means your education comes from a university that meets rigorous academic standards.
Gain Hands-On Training Through Real-World Opportunities
Whether you’re exploring public policy or preparing for leadership in a government agency, hands-on experience is key. Liberty’s Washington Fellowship offers an opportunity for you to potentially apply what you’re learning through an internship. This experience can help you develop critical thinking and leadership skills in a professional setting related to criminal justice and public administration.
Connect with Peers Through Clubs and Honor Societies
Joining Liberty’s Criminal Justice Club as well as the National Criminal Justice Honor Society, Alpha Phi Sigma, can help you build strong professional relationships. These groups regularly host events, offer networking opportunities, and support student development through service, scholarship, and leadership.
By participating in these communities, you can engage with others who share your goals and broaden your understanding of the field.
Admissions
How Do You Become a BS in Criminal Justice – Public Administration Student?
Every application is reviewed by the admission committee on a case-by-case basis, meaning there are no set minimums for acceptance. However, all applicants must submit the following documents* for admission:
- Admission application
- Official high school transcripts
- Official college transcripts (if applicable)
- Admission essay
Results from the CLT, SAT, or ACT are not required for admission, but may be used in consideration for merit-based aid.
*Note that additional documentation may be requested by the admission committee after your application has been received.
Have Questions?
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