Criminal Justice

Overview

Protect and serve at a higher level.

Take the next exciting step in your law enforcement career with the online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice offered by Notre Dame College Online.

Designed for working professionals seeking advanced positions within their field, our online bachelor’s in criminal justice provides the training and skills you need to become proficient in industry topics, increase your salary potential and make a more significant impact on your field.

Topics of Study

A comprehensive curriculum based in the liberal arts gives you a thorough understanding of the most relevant topics in your profession, including:

• Courts
• Criminal law
• Criminology
• White-collar crime
• Homeland security
• State and local politics

Badge to Grad

With our Badge to Grad program, police officers receive an accelerated path towards career advancement. Those who have successfully completed a police academy may use their experience to transfer up to 30 credit hours towards a B.A. in Criminal Justice or the following degrees:

• B.A. in Cybersecurity
• B.A. in Emergency Management
• B.A. in Intelligence Studies
• B.A. in Business Administration Management Concentration
• B.A. in Psychology

Notre Dame College Online is especially proud of the faculty who lead your journey. As industry experts, they provide exceptional personal and professional support throughout your program. Faculty members include published homeland security author Dr. Kelley A. Pesch-Cronin and others with advanced academic training in law enforcement.

You will also be prepared for careers at the federal level or to continue with graduate study in the National Security and Intelligence Studies program.

Our online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice is offered fully online for your convenience. Because you will attend school when and where it is right for you, you will never have to sacrifice work or life commitments while you complete the program.

This Program Is Designed for:

• Current law enforcement professionals seeking to enter positions of management
• Police officers who have successfully completed a police academy

Why Notre Dame College

Located in South Euclid, Ohio, Notre Dame College is a small yet vibrant liberal arts Catholic college. We are committed to offering world-class learning both on campus and online with student success as our top priority. Our reputation for excellence is rooted in our variety of degree programs, expert instructors and continuous support of our students. Whether you learn on campus in Ohio or in one of our flexible online degree programs, you’ll experience the exceptional education Notre Dame College is known for.

Courses & Requirements

Your course of study will help you earn the credential you need to take the next step in your career. Our online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice requires a total of 45 credit hours for the major: 39 hours in criminal justice core curriculum and 6 credit hours of electives. Additionally, all students are required to complete 75 hours of foundational studies.

Core Curriculum: Foundational Studies (75 hours)

Foundational studies courses offer students a comprehensive introduction to a range of subject areas, and help build skills necessary for academic and personal success.

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (45 hours)

Core Courses (39 hours)

Course	Description	Credits
CJ 131	American Criminal Justice* This course provides an overview of the American criminal justice system, emphasizing the “system,” its legal actors and political constraints. Course will cover the historical development and will familiarize students with the functions, structure and organization of those criminal justice agencies responsible for the administration of justice in the United States.	3
CJ 231	Courts and Justice* Course examines the functions, operations and decision-making processes of the American criminal court system. The role of judges, prosecutors, defense attorneys and juries will also be explored. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 233	Criminal Law* Course provides an analysis of the principles of criminal law and those concepts focusing on both the procedural aspects and substantive elements of various crimes. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 235	Theory and Applied Criminology This course provides a general introduction to the study of criminal behavior from an interdisciplinary perspective. Students will examine criminological theories of crime and criminality, offender types, along with current trends and patterns found in crime and delinquency. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 333	The Role of Police in Contemporary Society* Course examines the role of police in the administration of justice and the critical issues that impact law enforcement in contemporary society. Topics presented include: the history of policing, basic police operations, subcultural influences, the influence of coercive power and emerging technologies. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 334	Corrections in America* This course explores the historical development, organizational structure, personnel, administration and inmate social world in the American prison system. Also studied are the areas of probation and parole and their place in the overall concept of rehabilitation and community corrections. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 430	Criminal Justice Policy Analysis & Planning This course examines how program and policy development may be used in an effort to resolve criminal justice issues. Course will present a comprehensive and structured account of the process of administering planned change in the criminal justice system. Techniques of policy analysis and program evaluation will be applied to real world scenarios. Prerequisite: junior standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 432	Ethics in Criminal Justice A critical examination of the diverse ethical issues encountered in the criminal justice system. The emphasis will center on making moral, rational and responsible decisions which will lead to ethical professional behavior. Prerequisite: junior standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 450	Senior Research Seminar This course is designed to provide criminal justice majors with a capstone experience emphasizing the integration of knowledge acquired in previous courses on the institutions, policies and practices of the criminal justice system. Students engage in the development and production of a senior level research paper grounded in criminal justice theory and policy literature. Prerequisite: senior standing or departmental permission.	3
CJ 495	Senior Practicum* The senior practicum provides students with field experience at a criminal justice agency of their choice. Students work closely with NDC Career Services in completing both the on-site and written requirements. Prerequisite: 12 hours of criminal justice courses and senior standing.	3
CJ 499	Victimology This course provides an overview of the scientific study of victimology and the rediscovery of crime victims by the current justice system. Emphasis is placed on victim’s rights and the criminal justice response to the plight of the victim. Prerequisite: junior standing or departmental permission.	3
PO 350	Introduction to Social Science Research This course examines the research process through the logic of social science inquiry and contemporary analysis techniques. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3

*Courses waived with transfer credit from Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy.

Criminal Justice Electives (6 hours)

Students must choose six credits of elective courses. These may be selected from criminal justice, political science or intelligence studies courses. Suggested electives include:

Course	Description	Credits
CJ 335	Organized and White-Collar Crime Course provides the student with a realistic understanding of organized and white-collar crime in the United States as well as the globalization of both types of activity. The history, business and attempts by the government to fight both types of crimes will be explored. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3
PO 415	Politics of Homeland Security This course will examine the Homeland Security Enterprise (HSE) and the politics involved in the efforts to ensure the safety and security of our nation. Topics presented include: all-hazards emergency response and recovery, intelligence and counterterrorism, border security, transportation safety and security, cybersecurity and critical infrastructure protection. Prerequisite: Junior standing or departmental permission.	3
IP 350	Terrorism An examination of the origins of terrorism and its evolution in order to develop an understanding of the roots, development and impact of contemporary worldwide terrorism, especially in the United States. Special attention will be given to methods of recruitment, terrorist methodology and how terrorists use traditional and social media to achieve their goals. Prerequisite: sophomore standing or departmental permission.	3

Admission Requirements

Students applying for the online B.A. in Criminal Justice must meet the following requirements:

1. Previous law enforcement experience
2. A minimum 2.5 GPA
3. Completion of the OPOTA or any police academy*

How to Apply

Students applying for admission to the online B.A. in Criminal Justice must submit the following materials:

1. A complete online application
2. Official high school transcripts or GED score
3. Official transcripts from all previously attended institutions including OPOTA or any police academy transcript

To apply, fill out our admission form. One of our enrollment counselors will get in touch with you and help you begin your Notre Dame College Online journey.

*The Notre Dame College online Criminal Justice Program accepts police officers and OPOTA (Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy) graduates as designated by an official transcript or certificate. Students who have completed police academy training out of state may also be eligible.

Costs & Financial Aid

Notre Dame College Online features a high-quality education at a price you can afford. See how your past academic credentials can help you make the most of your college education.

Outcomes & Resources

Careers

Learn more about potential careers available after you graduate. Some include:

• Police lieutenant
• Deputy chief in law enforcement
• Police sergeant
• Law enforcement commander

Related Programs

Learn more about similar programs of study offered by Notre Dame College.

Frequently Asked Questions

How can I be a successful online student?

Online students are exceptionally self-motivated. They demonstrate determination, discipline and a willingness to fulfill their commitments. Be prepared to devote a significant amount of time each week to your classes. Engage in discussion, meet your deadlines and communicate with your advisor if you have questions or concerns. These habits will help you move successfully through our programs.

Can I afford Notre Dame College Online?

Yes! Notre Dame College Online recognizes the importance of an affordable education, and we strive to ensure your financial situation is not a boundary when it comes to your career success. Refer to our Financial Aid page to learn more about how to pay for your degree.

What is FAFSA and how can it help me fund my education?

The Free Application for Free Student Aid determines your eligibility for financial aid programs, such as loans and grants. It helps identify the types of aid you may receive, such as federal and state grants, work study programs and low interest loans. We strongly recommend you fill out your FAFSA form each year to help identify which financial aid opportunities may be available to you.