Criminal Justice Online

Criminal Justice (Online)

McMurry University’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares students to serve and lead in law enforcement, corrections, public safety, investigations, and related fields. The 100% online program combines practical knowledge of the American criminal justice system with critical thinking, communication, ethics, and real-world perspectives.

Designed for working adults, transfer students, and public-service professionals, the program uses focused seven-week terms and offers two concentrations: Law Enforcement and Crisis Management.

100% Online

Complete coursework online in short seven-week terms designed to fit around work and other responsibilities.

Experienced Faculty

Learn from faculty with extensive professional experience in law enforcement, public safety, and criminal justice.

Two Concentrations

Choose a concentration in Law Enforcement or Crisis Management to align the degree with your career goals.

Why Choose Criminal Justice at McMurry?

McMurry’s online criminal justice program blends academic preparation with practical perspectives from professionals who understand the realities of public service. Students develop broad knowledge of courts, corrections, policing, criminal procedure, ethics, victimology, and contemporary criminal justice issues.

Career-Focused Learning

Build knowledge and practical skills that apply directly to criminal justice and public-safety careers.

Flexible Scheduling

Multiple start dates and seven-week courses make it easier to continue working while earning your degree.

Transfer-Friendly

Build on prior college coursework and work with an advisor to understand how eligible transfer credit applies to your degree.

Personal Attention

Work with faculty and advisors who support your academic and professional goals throughout the program.

Career Preparation

A criminal justice degree can support careers across law enforcement, corrections, investigations, public safety, security, government, and related service organizations. McMurry graduates have pursued positions including police officer, detective, correctional officer, bailiff, and investigator.

The degree can also provide a foundation for graduate study or advancement within an existing criminal justice career.

Affordable Online Education

For 2026–2027, McMurry Online bachelor’s programs are $409 per credit hour. Active-duty military students using Tuition Assistance are eligible for a rate of $250 per credit hour. Online bachelor’s students also pay a $195 semester fee.

View Online Tuition and Financial Aid

Start Your Criminal Justice Degree

Take the next step toward earning your online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at McMurry University.

Curriculum and Program Information

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice requires 120 total credit hours. Students complete the Criminal Justice core, select a concentration in Law Enforcement or Crisis Management, complete electives, and fulfill McMurry’s general education requirements.

Program Format

New students are admitted to the online Criminal Justice program every eight weeks. Each semester is divided into two seven-week terms.

Seven-Week Terms

Short terms allow students to focus on fewer courses at one time.

Full-Time Study

Students seeking full-time status generally take two courses each term, for four courses per semester.

Up to 36 Hours

Students enrolled full-time across all six subterms may earn up to 36 credit hours in an academic year.

Transfer Credit

Eligible academic coursework from regionally accredited institutions may transfer when completed for college credit with a grade of C or better. Credit may also be awarded through approved examinations such as CLEP or departmental examinations.

Your academic advisor can review your transcript evaluation and explain how accepted credit applies toward your degree. Final acceptance of transfer courses, course equivalencies, and credit applied toward a degree is subject to Registrar approval.

Degree Requirements

Expand each section to review the Criminal Justice core, concentrations, electives, and general education requirements.

Criminal Justice Core — 30 Credit Hours
  • CRJS 1311 – Principles of Criminal Justice
  • CRJS 2311 – Criminal Procedure I
  • CRJS 2321 – Criminal Procedure II
  • CRJS 2361 – Diversity in Criminal Justice
  • CRJS 3341 – Juvenile Justice
  • CRJS 3361 – Victimology
  • CRJS 3381 – False Criminal Justice
  • CRJS 4341 – Serial Killers
  • CRJS 4361 – Elite Crime
  • CRJS 4391 – Ethics in Criminal Justice
Law Enforcement Concentration — 12 Credit Hours
  • CRJS 3312 – Principles of Forensic Science
  • CRJS 3332 – Community Policing
  • CRJS 3342 – Principles of Corrections
  • CRJS 4352 – Police Administration
Crisis Management Concentration — 12 Credit Hours
  • CRJS 1313 – Crisis Management
  • CRJS 3333 – Terrorism and Counterterrorism
  • CRJS 3343 – Management of Terrorist Incidents
  • CRJS 4353 – Homeland Security Law and Public Policy
Electives — 19–27 Credit Hours
  • CRJS Electives — 6 hours
  • Advanced CRJS Electives — 6 hours
  • General Electives — 7–15 hours

Total Hours in Major: 66

General Education — 39–41 Credit Hours

General education requirements include coursework in areas such as mathematics, English, fine arts, social sciences, natural sciences, and communication. Your advisor will assist with course selection and degree planning.

View General Education Requirements

Language Requirement

Students who graduated from high school without two years of study in a single foreign language may be required to complete eight hours of that language. Students who graduated before 2006 are exempt from this requirement.

Total Hours to Earn the Degree: 120

View the Criminal Justice Program in the Catalog

Additional Resources

Use these resources for academic dates, online technology requirements, and university policies.

Academic Calendar

Review semester dates, online subterms, holidays, registration periods, and academic deadlines.

2026–2027 Academic Calendar

Technology Requirements

Review the computer, software, internet, and technology requirements for McMurry online students.

Online Technology Requirements

Online Privacy Policy

Review McMurry University’s privacy information related to online programs.

View Online Privacy Policy