Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice
This affordable program qualifies you for exciting and meaningful careers in policing, corrections, courts, and elsewhere in criminal justice while offering a pathway to graduate studies.
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Program Overview
Accelerate your professional growth with our online criminal justice bachelor’s degree
$460*
Per Credit Hour
Up to 90
Transfer Credits
120
Credit Hours
The highly respected Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice program from YSU ─ which has been taught on campus for more than 50 years ─ equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system and its subsystems.
Develop your ability to apply best practices in the management of CJ agencies and learn how to use data and research methods to analyze and interpret patterns as they relate to criminal behavior, legal situations, and agencies. Whether you currently work in criminal justice or want to enter the field, this online criminal justice B.S. degree program offers a pathway to certification in related disciplines such as FEMA, cybersecurity and criminal police science.
Benefit from affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition and multiple start dates and begin studying online at your own pace.
The Williamson College of Business Administration at Youngstown State University is accredited by The Association to Advance Collegiate Schools of Business (AACSB International).
In this Bachelor of Science in criminal justice online program, you will learn how to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and influence of the criminal justice system at the subsystem levels (e.g., policing, courts, corrections)
- Analyze legal situations that relate to the criminal justice system
- Apply principles and strategies identified as best practices in the management and operation of criminal justice agencies
- Analyze and interpret patterns and trends affecting criminal justice related agencies through the application of theory and the use of data analysis and research methods
- Engage in activities in preparation for employment for further study in criminal justice related areas
- Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and influence of the criminal justice system at the subsystem levels (e.g., policing, courts, corrections)
- Analyze legal situations that relate to the criminal justice system
- Apply principles and strategies identified as best practices in the management and operation of criminal justice agencies
- Analyze and interpret patterns and trends affecting criminal justice related agencies through the application of theory and the use of data analysis and research methods
- Engage in activities in preparation for employment for further study in criminal justice related areas
- Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and influence of the criminal justice system at the subsystem levels (e.g., policing, courts, corrections)
- Analyze legal situations that relate to the criminal justice system
- Apply principles and strategies identified as best practices in the management and operation of criminal justice agencies
- Analyze and interpret patterns and trends affecting criminal justice related agencies through the application of theory and the use of data analysis and research methods
- Engage in activities in preparation for employment for further study in criminal justice related areas
This bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online program prepares students for a variety of roles, including:
- Police Officer
- Juvenile/Intervention Treatment Specialist
- Compliance Officer
- Correctional Officer/Jailer
- Probation Officer
- Government Employee
- Victim's Advocate
In this Bachelor of Science in criminal justice online program, you will learn how to:
- Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and influence of the criminal justice system at the subsystem levels (e.g., policing, courts, corrections)
- Analyze legal situations that relate to the criminal justice system
- Apply principles and strategies identified as best practices in the management and operation of criminal justice agencies
- Analyze and interpret patterns and trends affecting criminal justice related agencies through the application of theory and the use of data analysis and research methods
- Engage in activities in preparation for employment for further study in criminal justice related areas
- Demonstrate knowledge of the operation and influence of the criminal justice system at the subsystem levels (e.g., policing, courts, corrections)
- Analyze legal situations that relate to the criminal justice system
- Apply principles and strategies identified as best practices in the management and operation of criminal justice agencies
- Analyze and interpret patterns and trends affecting criminal justice related agencies through the application of theory and the use of data analysis and research methods
- Engage in activities in preparation for employment for further study in criminal justice related areas
- Police Officer
- Juvenile/Intervention Treatment Specialist
- Compliance Officer
- Correctional Officer/Jailer
- Probation Officer
- Government Employee
- Victim's Advocate
Undergrad Admission FAQs
Your questions about YSU’s online BSAS in Criminal Justice answered. Take a look at some of our most frequently asked questions.
Tuition
Stay on budget with affordable, pay-as-you-go tuition
Expand your opportunities when you earn a high-value B.S. in Criminal Justice online degree with affordable, pay-by-the-course tuition. All fees are included in the total tuition.
Tuition breakdown:
$460*
Per Credit Hour
*In-state tuition.
Note: No payment plans are available for accelerated online students.
| Program | Per Credit Hour | Per Course | ||
|---|---|---|---|---|
| In-State | Out-of-State | In-State | Out-of-State | |
| BSAS in Criminal Justice | $460 | $465 | $1,380 | $1,395 |
Calendar
Important dates to know when applying
This Youngstown State University program features an accelerated online format optimized for flexibility and convenience. Review upcoming start dates and other important deadlines below.
Next Start & Application Due Dates:
2/17/25
Next Application Deadline
3/10/25
Start Classes
| First Starts | Program Start Date | Application Deadline | Document Deadline | Registration Deadline | Tuition Deadline | Last Class Day |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Spring 1 | 1/6/25 | 12/16/24 | 12/23/24 | 1/1/25 | 1/3/25 | 2/16/25 |
| Spring 2 | 3/10/25 | 2/17/25 | 2/24/25 | 3/5/25 | 3/7/25 | 4/20/25 |
| Summer 1 | 5/12/25 | 4/21/25 | 4/28/25 | 5/7/25 | 5/9/25 | 6/22/25 |
| Summer 2 | 6/30/25 | 6/9/25 | 6/16/25 | 6/25/25 | 6/27/25 | 8/9/25 |
| Fall 1 | 8/25/25 | 8/4/25 | 8/11/25 | 8/20/25 | 8/22/25 | 10/12/25 |
| Fall 2 | 10/20/25 | 9/29/25 | 10/6/25 | 10/15/25 | 10/17/25 | 12/7/25 |
Admissions
Know what you need to apply to our online criminal justice bachelor’s program
To be admitted to a YSU online undergraduate program, you must meet specific requirements. Please read the admission guidelines for the B.S. in criminal justice online to ensure you qualify.
Online application
Official transcripts
from all institutions previously attended
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Online application
Official transcriptsfrom all institutions previously attended
Minimum 2.0 GPA
Applying at Youngstown State University is a simple 3-step process and is the first step toward earning your online BSAS in Criminal Justice degree from Youngstown State University. The admission information below will detail what’s required, what additional materials you need and where you should send them. Review the Program Map to determine eligibility of this program in your state.
Admission Requirements
- Must be at least 25 years of age at time of enrollment
- If you are under 25, you still qualify for this program and other undergraduate programs. Visit the Online Degree Programs Page for more information.
- Have a minimum cumulative 2.0 GPA (on a 4.0 scale)
- Be in good standing at the previously attended school
- Complete undergraduate admission application
Application Submission Requirements
- Pay $45 application fee (waived if you are an active duty/veteran military member)
- Submit official transcripts from all colleges/universities attended
Official Transcripts
Transcripts must be mailed from the granting institution or sent electronically through a secure server vendor.
Email Address: [email protected]
Fax Number: 330-941-3674
Mailing Address:
Office of Admissions
1 Tressel Way
Youngstown, OH 44555
Transfer Credits and PLA
Youngstown State recognizes that your journey to this point may not be a straight path. You may have credits from other institutions, along with certifications and experience that also may qualify for earned credits. Upon admission, Youngstown State’s advisors will work with you to maximize your credits earned to shorten the path to earning your degree.
For additional information on the Youngstown State credit transfer and prior learning assessment (PLA) policies, please see the Undergrad FAQ page.
If you
graduated from the police academy or have experience in the corrections field,
you may be eligible for up to 14-16 hours of PLA credit based on an evaluation
of prior work and transcripts.
Courses
Preview the curriculum for your online bachelor’s criminal justice
For the Bachelor of Science in Applied Science in Criminal Justice online, you must complete 120 credit hours. If you have credits from other institutions, certifications and/or relevant experience, you may qualify for earned credits. A YSU advisor will help you determine your total credits earned upon admission.
CRJS 1500: Introduction to Criminal Justice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Overview of the American criminal justice process with emphasis on its constituent foundations, its constitutional limits, and the rights of the individual from arrest through sentencing and release.
CRJS 2601: Policing
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The evolution, structure, and function of modern police organizations; the role of police in a democratic society; the impact of social, political, and economic influences; contemporary practices and controversies. Prereq.: CRJS 1500.
CRJS 2602: Criminal Courts
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Structure and function of criminal courts in American society, perceptions of national commissions; organization, administration, and caseflow relationships with appropriate social agencies. Prereq.: CRJS 1500 or permission of instructor.
CRJS 2603: Corrections
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development and description of the American correctional systems' history and philosophy; the constitutional foundations of its control, and the rights of those within it. Overview of treatment approaches. Prereq.: CRJS 1500.
CRJS 3710: Social Statistics
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Coverage includes purposes of statistics, its importance and role in the field, descriptive, comparison, relational, and explanatory stats, as well as their set-up, creation, interpretation, application, and critique. Coverage will include stats in both normal and non-normal situations. Pre-req.: CRJS 1500.
CRJS 3712: Criminal Justice Research
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analysis of the major components of social research, including research design, sampling, measurement, data collection, analysis, and interpretation of findings.
CRJS 3715: Criminal Justice Management Concepts
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Modern criminal justice management theory; organizational behavior, organizational development, personnel management, executive decision making, supervision problems. Must be a Criminal Justice major or have permission of chairperson.
CRJS 3719: Criminal Law
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Development, theories, and purposes of criminal law; elements of a crime, parties to a crime. Prereq.: CRJS 2602.
CRJS 3735: Crime and Delinquency
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Study of the social context of crime in society, including a review of historical theories offered in explanation of criminal behavior. Review of social and psychological factors underlying delinquency, touching on treatment and preventive measures. Prereq.: CRJS 1500 or PSYC 1560 or SOC 1500 or CRJS 3736.
CRJS 4800: Senior Seminar
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Overview of the criminal justice system in the United States. Review of constitutional issues, discussion of contemporary issues. Serves as the criminal justice senior capstone course. Portfolios and resumes prepared, assessment exam. Must be a Criminal Justice major or have permission of chairperson. Prereq.: Senior standing or permission of chairperson.
Students must choose 9 of the following courses
CRJS 3736: Criminal Victimization
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Dynamics of the victim-offender relationships within the Criminal Justice System. Review of advocacy programs including information on victim compensation/assistance programs. Examination of society's attitudes towards victims. Review of current laws advocation for compensation of crime victims. Prereq.: PSYC 1560 or SOC 1500 or CRJS 1500.
CRJS 3740: Criminal Justice Information Systems
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Information theory and practice applied to criminal justice agencies; automated systems in policing, courts, and corrections at the federal, state, and local levels; problems and constitutional constraints. Microcomputer and Internet assignments. Prereq.: CRJS 1500.
CRJS 3751: Prevention Strategies
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Concepts and strategies of crime prevention, the protection of assets in the public and private sectors. Must be CJFS major, or have permission of chairperson. Prereq.: CRJS 2601.
CRJS 3752: Race, Ethnicity and Crime in America
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
A critical analysis of current research and theories of racial and ethnic discrimination within the American criminal justice system. The discussion will center on issues relating to: patterns of criminal behavior and victimization, police practices, court processing and sentencing, the death penalty, and correctional programs. Prereq.: CRJS 1500 or SOC 1500 or PSYC 1560.
CRJS 3765: Human Relations
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Methods of coping with conflicts arising from law violation intervention; programs for improving interpersonal relations between police and the community. Prereq.: SOC 1500 or PSYC 1560.
CRJS 3799: Directed Individual Study
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 1
Individual study or field research of a special topic related to the criminal justice field. Application must be made to the department prior to registration. May be repeated once for a maximum of 6 s.h. Prereq.: Senior standing and 15 s.h. of CRJS and permission of the Chair.
CRJS 4803: Correctional Case Management and Treatment
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Theory and techniques of counseling and interviewing the correctional client including case management. Simulated field and clinical situations to provide experience in interviewing and report writing. Must be a Criminal Justice major or have permission of chairperson. Prereq.: CRJS 3702 or CRJS 2603.
CRJS 4807c: Criminal Justice Internship
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Field experiences in an appropriate criminal justice agency under the direction of qualified and experienced professionals. Grading is CR/NC. Prereq.: Junior standing or higher and permission of the Chair; CRJS 2601 or CRJS 2602 or CRJS 2603. May be taken multiple times for a maximum of 12 s.h.
CRJS 4848: Loss Prevention and Assets Protection Administration
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Security standards, policy, and regulations at the state and federal levels as they impact on the security operations. Administrative decisions regarding security program. Plant protection, safety and security; credit and insurance investigative procedures. Prereq.: CRJS 3751 and senior standing in criminal justice or permission of chairperson.
CRJS 4850a: Leadership in Criminal Justice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Special topics course in leadership and management within the Criminal Justice system.
CRJS 4850f: History of Corrections
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course is a special topics course on the history of corrections. Given the format, it probably could be called a “guided” readings or independent study class. There are two components to the course: 1) core readings that illustrate that the modern criminal justice system emerged as a formalized response to modernization and was heavily influenced by religious and philosophical currents prevalent in the West from the 17th through the 19th-centuries with assignments related to these readings and 2) a term paper which allows students to focus on an area of their own choosing that is approved by the instructor. Prereq.: CRJS 1500 or permission of the Chair.
CRJS 4850x: Sex Crimes
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will help students develop an understanding of the moral and legal reasons for sex crime legislation. It will cover different types of sex crimes including but not limited to prostitution, pornography (adult and child), human trafficking, sexual assault and rape. Legislation, offender typologies and treatments will also be covered.). Prereq.: Junior standing or permission of the Chair.
CRJS 4851: Women and Justice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Examines the historical development and current women's issues as they related to the justice system. Women's roles in the legal system, prisons (as staff and offenders), victims and perpetrators of violence, policing society and organized crime. Female juvenile delinquency and controversial topics such as abortion and capital punishment. Prereq.: Senior standing or permission of the chair.
CRJS 4870: Law Enforcement Administration
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Detailed examination of the administration of line and staff services of law enforcement agencies and the role of technology in administration. Must be a Criminal Justice major or have permission of chairperson. Prereq.: CRJS 3715 and senior standing.
CRJS 5825: Criminal Procedures and Constitutional Issues
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Constitutional foundations of the American criminal justice process with special emphasis on recent Supreme Court decisions. Legal and practical applications of the laws of arrest, criminal procedure, search and seizure, court structures, and federal civil rights. Prereq.: CRJS 3719 and must be a criminal justice major or have permission of chairperson.
CRJS 5831: Violence in America
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Analysis of violence in America including official and unofficial statistics, types and levels of violence, research findings, and profiles of offenders. Case analysis of domestic violence, juvenile violence, gangs, and other forms of violence. Prereq.: CRJS 3735.
CRJS 5840: Critical Incidents and Homeland Security
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course provides an overview of emergency planning at all stages from the initial development of an emergency plan to the management of crisis situations to the evaluation of the response. The course culminates in the creation of an emergency preparedness plan for jurisdiction or agency of the student’s choosing, and the student is encouraged to select a situation consist with present work or long-term career plans. Prereq.: CRJS 1500, PHLT 1531, OR graduate student status.
CRJS 5841: Terrorism and Countersurveillance
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
The course provides an introduction to terrorism and counter-terrorism techniques. Generally, the course material is divided into two parts. First, the course offers a description of terrorist and anti-government groups. Topics covered include the background and history of terrorist and anti-government groups as well as the tactics of these groups. Second, the course takes the perspective of homeland security and law enforcement agencies proactively counteracting the threats to public safety that the groups may pose. Prereq.: CRJS 1500, PHLT 1531, OR graduate student status.
CRJS 5865: Gathering and Using Information in Criminal Justice
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
Specialized communication skills to prepare criminal justice practitioners in information-gathering techniques, written presentation techniques, verbal and nonverbal communication skills within constitutional guidelines. Prereq.: CRJS 2601 or graduate student status.
CRJS 5872: Drugs and Crime
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
This course will cover the drug-crime connection. In doing so, a wide variety of topics will be highlighted from a history of criminal justice policies on various drugs to ways to prevent and treat substance abuse. The three learning objectives (LO) that will be pursued in this course are: 1) explain the context of the criminal justice approaches to specific types of drugs; 2) apply criminal justice (CJ) theories on drug use and abuse; and 3) analyze and assess drug-control policies and criminal justice intervention/management strategies. These three course objectives relate to the overall CJ degree learning outcomes in fostering critical thinking relative to CJ policies, literature review development, and the inter-relationships within the CJ system.
CRJS 5875: Juvenile Justice System
Duration: 7 Weeks weeks
Credit Hours: 3
In-depth analysis of the specialized agencies and procedures developed to deal with problems of juveniles from a historical and philosophical perspective. Consideration of the juvenile court, community-based programs, institutionalization. Prereq.: Senior standing. Prereq.: CRJS 2602 and CRJS 2603 or graduate student standing.
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*Price includes in-state tuition and fees. For students from outside Ohio, tuition and fees total $465 per credit hour.
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