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Criminal Justice Focused Elective Area
Associate of ArtsThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.
The focused elective area in criminal justice at University of Maryland Global Campus can provide an introduction to the American criminal justice system, crime scene investigation techniques and how to hone your communication skills. Additionally, information about the impact of criminal behavior and the importance of research in the field of criminal justice is stressed.
Program Highlights
Required Courses
Within the overall outcomes of the AA degree in General Studies, the focused elective area in criminal justice provides an introduction to the American criminal justice system and helps you develop ethical reasoning and analytical skills.
Total Credits Required: 60
- Required Core Courses: 4 Credits
- Focused Elective Area Courses: 21 Credits
- General Education Courses: 35 Credits
Required Core Courses (4 Credits)
- One 3-credit course in communication, writing, or speech, chosen from the following:
- (3 Credits, ENGL 102)
- (3 Credits, ENGL 281)
- (3 Credits, JOUR 201)
- Any 3-credit COMM or SPCH courses
- Any 3-credit WRTG courses (except 486A and 486B)
- One 1-credit course, chosen from the following:
- (1 Credit, CAPL 198A)
- (1 Credit, CAPL 198B)
- (1 Credit, CAPL 198C)
- (1 Credit, BMGT 121A)
- (1 Credit, BMGT 121B)
- Any 1-credit course
Suggested Focused Elective Courses:
- Suggest Focused Elective Area Courses for Criminal Justice:
- Any CCJS courses for which you have met prerequisites (Courses which met the criminal justice bachelor's degree are suggested.)
Career Preparation
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
60
Transfer Credits
Up to 45
Format
- All courses are available online
- Select on-site and hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $250 per credit hour
(Europe & Downrange)
See our Tuition Rates page for details.
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.
Criminal Justice
Bachelor of ScienceThese program requirements are for students who enroll in the 2026-2027 academic year.
Develop critical thinking and effective decision-making skills and gain an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system in the online bachelor’s degree program in criminal justice at University of Maryland Global Campus. Connect with a diverse network of peers and learn from esteemed faculty members with experience in the industry. With convenient online courses, multiple start dates, and access to lifetime career services, UMGC provides the flexibility and support you need. You can also save time and money with a variety of scholarship opportunities for eligible students and our generous transfer credit policy. Get started today!
Program Highlights
- Analyze roles: Evaluate the roles and responsibilities of police, courts, and corrections within the American criminal justice system.
- Investigate implications: Utilize ethical reasoning, analytical skills, and professional knowledge to investigate the implications of criminal justice policies or procedures on diverse social groups.
- Articulate research: Articulate the importance of research in social sciences.
- Evaluate policies: Evaluate criminal justice public policies using analytical competencies.
- Apply law: Apply the principles of the various bodies of criminal law (i.e., substantive, procedural, and evidentiary) that currently regulate the American criminal justice system.
Required Courses
- (3 Credits, CCJS 100)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 230)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 340)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 345)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 350) or any upper-level CCJS course
- (3 Credits, CCJS 360) or any upper-level CCJS course
- (3 Credits, CCJS 380)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 341)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 352) or any upper-level CCJS course
- (3 Credits, CCJS 497)
- (3 Credits, CCJS 495)
Career Preparation
This program is designed to help you obtain the skills you need to succeed in local/state law enforcement, federal law enforcement, criminal justice administration, or private safety and security roles. For example, graduates might take on positions such as police officer, criminal investigator, forensic investigator, crime intelligence analyst, case manager, correctional officer, and more. Please note that many law enforcement roles require successful graduation from a police academy.
Experience Recommended for Success in the Program
No previous experience is needed.
Total Program Credits
120
Transfer Credits
Up to 90
Format
- All courses available online
- Select hybrid courses available
Tuition Per Credit
- $250 per credit hour
(Europe & Downrange)
See our Tuition Rates page for details.
Admission Requirements
This program follows standard UMGC admission requirements.
Military-Specific Details
This program does not have military restrictions. It is available to all eligible civilian and military-affiliated students.
State-Specific Details
This program does not have state-specific restrictions.