Bachelors of Arts in Criminal Justice
Overview
Welcome to Kentucky State University’s online Criminal Justice program, where we prepare the next generation of professionals for success in law enforcement, corrections, and the judicial system. Our comprehensive curriculum equips students with the skills needed for roles in probation, victim advocacy, court administration, and more.
Criminal justice is more than a career—it’s a chance to make a difference. Graduates from our program become advocates for justice, fairness, and public safety, promoting positive change in their communities. Join us and embrace the opportunity to serve, protect, and contribute to a safer world.
Tuition and Fees:
$350
per credit hour
Flexible Start Dates:
Every 8 weeks
Efficient Completion:
1-4 years*
*depending on transfer credits
and your course load
Financial Aid
Kentucky State University's Office of Financial Aid coordinates federal, state, institutional, and external financial aid programs to ensure equitable and efficient use of available funding.
Our mission is to support and advocate for students, providing guidance on financial assistance to enhance their success in higher education.
Our vision is to remove financial barriers by offering resources with a focus on CARE, DIVERSITY, GUIDANCE, ACCESS, and EFFICIENCY. While financial aid helps cover educational costs, it typically does not fully fund tuition.
Financial Aid Services
FAFSA Help
Reviewing Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) and resolving any database matches or other criteria for participating in the student aid programs
Eligibility
Assessing eligibility for federal, state, institutional, and other aid awards
Awards Management
Send award notifications and make awards adjustments based on additional resources
or due to enrollment status changes.
Advising
Advising on next step actions for application process, disbursement of aid, and other special circumstances via in-person, telephone, and email contacts.
Outreach
Participation in outreach activities: orientation, financial aid workshops, etc.
Financial Aid is available
We're here to help you through the process! Contact the Financial Aid office for more
information.
Contact KSU Financial Aid
Career Outlook
Preparation for Success with a Degree in Criminal Justice
A degree in Criminal Justice serves as a robust platform for students aiming to delve into various specialized fields within the criminal justice system. This educational path not only prepares graduates for immediate employment but also lays the groundwork for advanced studies, leading to a multitude of career opportunities and professional growth.
Unlocking Opportunities
Upon completing a Criminal Justice degree, graduates are well-equipped to pursue a range of job roles across different sectors. These include:
- Sworn law enforcement positions such as police officers at state, county, or local
levels, as well as roles within federal agencies like the FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service,
US Marshals, and Immigration & Customs Enforcement, many of which have specialized
crime scene investigation units.
- Civilian roles in corrections, the legal system, juvenile justice, and academia, offering a variety of non-sworn career paths.
- Specialized positions such as Crime Scene Investigators, Criminal Investigators, Private Detectives, Fish and Game Wardens, Crime Victims Service Providers, Child Protective Services Officers, and Fraud Investigators - U.S. Postal Inspectors.
Furthermore, earning a degree in criminal justice provides an excellent foundation for furthering your education in Forensic Science or pursuing a career in law.
Admissions
Already have college credits?
Transfer applicants who have earned 24 or more college-level transferable credit hours must submit the following:
- Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions
- Minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5 at the most recently attended institution
- Official ACT or SAT scores (minimum composite SAT score of 960)
- Course-by-course transfer credit evaluation
📌 Test scores may be waived for applicants who are 25 or older, active-duty military, or veterans.
All undergraduate applicants must submit the following:
- Completed application via the KYSU Online admissions portal
- Official high school transcript or GED — minimum cumulative GPA of 2.5
- Official ACT or SAT scores (minimum composite SAT score of 960)
📌 Test scores may be waived for applicants who are 25 or older, active-duty military, or veterans.
- Current KSU students moving from a residential to an online or global program must meet the standard admission requirements for that program level.
- Readmit students follow the same standard admission requirements as new applicants at the same program level. Contact the Online Admissions Office at onlineadmissions@kysu.edu to confirm which materials you will need to resubmit.
Admission Process
1
Complete Application
2
Transcripts
3
Apply for Federal Financial Aid
4
Enroll in Classes
Major Courses and Requirements
- Introduction to Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Introduction to Criminal Law - Credit Hours: 3
- Juvenile Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Law Enforcement - Credit Hours: 3
- Private Security - Credit Hours: 3
- Criminal Investigations - Credit Hours: 3
- Courts - Credit Hours: 3
- Corrections - Credit Hours: 3
- Communications Relations Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Theories Crime & Delinquency - Credit Hours: 3
- Principles of Victimology - Credit Hours: 3
- Comparative Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Criminal Justice Ethics - Credit Hours: 3
- Criminal Justice Administration - Credit Hours: 3
- Seminar in Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Criminal Justice Internship - Credit Hours: 3
- Criminal Justice Research Methods - Credit Hours: 3
- Statistics for Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3
- Special Topic in Criminal Justice - Credit Hours: 3