Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice Management

Union Institute & University’s program in Criminal Justice Management is your path to a rewarding career in law enforcement. Our flexible online degree program is specifically designed to prepare you to move up the ranks into supervisory, management, and executive positions within the criminal justice system. It is led & taught by experts who know the field, not only because they’ve studied it, but because they’ve experienced it firsthand – as line employees, support personnel, supervisors, managers, and executives. Union encourages you to bring your own real-world experience in the field to our online criminal justice community.

120 Total credits
$395 Cost Per Credit Hour
Jan 2 Next Start Date

Union Institute & University’s program in Criminal Justice Management is your path to a rewarding career in law enforcement. Our flexible online degree program is specifically designed to prepare you to move up the ranks into supervisory, management, and executive positions within the criminal justice system. It is led & taught by experts who know the field, not only because they’ve studied it, but because they’ve experienced it firsthand – as line employees, support personnel, supervisors, managers, and executives. Union encourages you to bring your own real-world experience in the field to our online criminal justice community.

Criminal justice CONCENTRATIONS

Students who choose to major in Criminal Justice may complete a generalized program or select one of the two following concentrations (12 credit hours) with a specific focus:

homeland security-cjm (1)

Homeland Security

The concentration in Homeland Security will give students an increased understanding of the resources at their disposal to respond to terrorist threats in their communities. These online courses are designed for professionals working in the areas of public safety, security management, fire service, emergency management, criminal justice, and law enforcement, as well as managers in private and nonprofit corporations responsible for multiple aspects of supervising security programs.

leadership concentration (1)

Organizational Leadership

Self-understanding is at the heart of good leadership, the building of relationships, and the effectiveness of teams. The focus of this concentration is on leading oneself, leading others, and leadership for the common good.

  • 120 credit hour program (minimum)
  • Full & part-time options
  • Classes start every eight weeks
  • Transfer up to 90 credit hours

GENERAL EDUCATION AT UNION

General education courses are the foundation of a bachelor's degree and aim to introduce students to the world of critical thinking, written expression, broad philosophical topics, scientific method, quantitative reasoning, and more.

General education at Union Institute & University is different with a purpose. Most colleges have an assortment of “Introduction to….” courses for their general education curriculum - not Union. Our general education courses are topic-based, and they have a direct link to our popular majors. These topics make for a seamless transition from the breadth of general education to the depth of your major.  

Applying Your Degree to Real World Experience

Union’s Criminal Justice Management program connects with Union’s national community of law enforcement personnel across the country. Developed by and for law enforcement professionals, our program connects you directly to our law enforcement site coordinators to provide the personal attention you need to advance your rank.

  • Police Officer
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • State Correctional Officer/Deputy
  • County Custodial Officer/Deputy
  • Probation Officer
  • Juvenile Hall Officer
  • Sergeant
  • Lieutenant
  • Captain
  • Chief of Police/Sheriff

Transfer Credits

At Union, we know your field work has taught you things that can’t be learned in a classroom. That’s why our credit transfer policy recognizes your previous training and experience. Transfer up to 32 semester credits from your Basic POST Certificate and up to 34 credits for your FDLE Academy Training. You can also transfer additional training beyond the academy using Union’s certified learning method (with a maximum of 60 credit hours for training). Our generous transfer credit for service is just one of the ways Union is built for you.

Skills & Benefits Union Students Gain

  • Understand and apply contemporary techniques for supervision, leadership, and administration within a justice organization.
  • Analyze and critique criminal justice policy and service delivery from a management point of view.
  • Interpret & describe how current issues in the field impact organizations, personnel, community and other stakeholders.
  • Interpret applied ethical theories in a contemporary environment.

WHAT MAKES OUR PROGRAM UNIQUE?

"Developed by law enforcement, the Criminal Justice Management program was developed for law enforcement students preparing for advancement in their careers while discussing contemporary issues in their chosen field. The program's professors offer real-life law enforcement experience to our students bridging the gap between theoretical and practical application."

Paul Brugman, M.S.
Criminal Justice Management Chair

Hear What Our Students Are Saying

Alumni Spotlight

“Union is a perfect fit for me. I had to find a university with a real-world curriculum that allowed me to work full time."

SGT. HEATHER FORSYTHE
Graduate and Mark Dunakin Award Recipient, 2018

Funding Your Future

Explore your financial aid & scholarship options. We strive to make college affordable. See what makes Union the best value.