BS in Criminal Justice – Strategic Intelligence Studies

In the military, intelligence saves the lives of service members on the battlefield. In law enforcement, intelligence can save the lives of both officers and civilians from terrorism and organized crime activity. Through Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice – Strategic Intelligence Studies, you can work to become equipped to analyze criminal patterns and work within law enforcement, homeland security, or other intelligence-gathering agencies.

If gathering intelligence, analyzing it, and predicting the future actions of criminals and terrorists sounds like something you’d like to do, then our criminal justice – strategic intelligence bachelor’s degree may be right for you!

Our professors have years of experience working in the intelligence community for organizations like Homeland Security and major law enforcement agencies. They can help you understand the demands of working in the intelligence community and how to integrate your Christian beliefs into day-to-day activities.

120

Credit Hours

View Courses

Next start date: Aug 18, 2025

Degree SACSCOC

Liberty University is accredited by SACSCOC


Hands-On Investigations

We were awarded an Illuminate Grant for Justice Project DNA testing equipment and training, allowing you – under the supervision of professors – to research cold cases and assist criminal justice reform advocates in exonerating wrongly convicted individuals.

Graduates Making an Impact

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, the Metropolitan Police Department, and NCIS.

Some of our graduates have worked with the U.S. Department of Defense, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), AECOM Defense Services Sector, and the Virginia State Police.

Professors with Proven Expertise

You will study under professors who are recognized for their excellence in teaching and who have served with the FBI, the Virginia Beach Police Department, and other distinguished law enforcement agencies.

Academic Excellence

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC). You can be confident that your degree meets high educational standards.


Liberty University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a specialization in strategic intelligence studies can help prepare you to pursue the following occupations:

  • Criminal intelligence analyst
  • Criminal investigator
  • Police officer
  • Special agent
Criminal Justice Strategic Intelligence
Niche Best Colleges White

Our bachelor’s degree in criminal justice – strategic intelligence studies can help you prepare to pursue a career in intelligence. You can gain a practical understanding of intelligence gathering, counter-terrorism, and the factors that come into play in fighting terrorism, including media coverage and consideration for the accused’s constitutional rights.

Additionally, you can learn how to how to effectively analyze the intelligence you gather – which is an essential part of uncovering plots, plans, and potential issues. We can help train you to analyze and evaluate information gathered from multiple Intel sources properly. You can learn what it is like to work within an intelligence agency from experienced professors who have worked for national, state, and municipal organizations.

Degree Information

Connect with Peers and Professionals

At Liberty, you can immerse yourself in a network of peers who share your passion for justice and strategic thinking. By exploring opportunities to get involved with criminal justice clubs and honor societies, such as Alpha Phi Sigma or the Criminal Justice Club, you may find ways to engage in discussions, service projects, and networking events.

These groups can help you grow personally and academically while staying connected to developments in law enforcement, intelligence, and national security.

Learn from Experienced and Engaged Faculty

Your courses will be led by instructors with both academic expertise and real-world experience in criminal justice, law enforcement, intelligence, and homeland security. Many of Liberty’s faculty have served in local, federal, or military roles and bring those insights into the classroom.

Their mentorship can help you connect classroom theory with the practical realities of the field and deepen your understanding of strategic intelligence practices.

Ground Your Knowledge in Ethical Principles

Liberty’s criminal justice curriculum is designed to incorporate a values-driven approach to justice and intelligence work. Your courses and discussions will encourage you to analyze ethical dilemmas with care and integrity.

This emphasis on ethical reasoning can help you consider how to approach decision-making with a sense of responsibility, especially in high-stakes environments related to intelligence and national security.

Study at an Accredited Institution

Liberty University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC), which signifies that the university meets rigorous academic standards. This institutional accreditation helps affirm the quality and integrity of the education you’ll receive.

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