Criminal justice is an ever-evolving field that requires qualified professionals who have both a deep understanding of our legal system and adept interpersonal skills. At Southern New Hampshire University, you can earn a Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a real-world perspective.

Expanding the boundaries of a traditional criminal justice program, you'll be exposed to:

- Current criminology theories

- Discretion in decision making

- Emerging national and global trends

- Effective communication strategies

The bachelor's degree in criminal justice includes an embedded communication certificate, which can help give you the tools to write and speak effectively in situations where every detail matters.

Learn how to:

- Evaluate the impact of technologies and trends on criminal justice agencies

- Promote community relations and partnerships

- Communicate effectively and professionally to diverse audiences

- Apply laws, regulations, and ethical standards to decision-making practices

- Develop research-based solutions to complex problems

- Examine human motivation and behavior

Get credit for law enforcement training: If you have completed basic police, corrections, or probation and parole academy training, you may receive up to 12 credits toward your criminal justice degree at SNHU. Throughout the courses in this online criminal justice degree program, you'll gain practical, hands-on experience that can help you pave your way in the field.

It was a major benefit for David Lemieux '18. "(My criminal justice degree) has provided me with the knowledge in constitutional law to conduct proper police-community involvement," said Lemieux, a criminal justice graduate and an employee of the Portland (Maine) Police Department. "Every instructor had a vast array of knowledge; they got back to you within 24-48 hours on a question that you might have."

Critical thinking and communication are crucial for success in the field, and it's why this program includes courses that make up an embedded criminal justice communication certificate a bonus if you want to move up the ranks. Our criminal justice faculty have experience working for major law enforcement agencies, including:

- Atlanta Police Department

- Chicago Police Department

- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

- Homeland Security

- Houston Police Department

- Miami Police Department

- New York Police Department (NYPD)

"Criminal justice programs have the direct responsibility to help ensure that future law enforcement professionals have an enhanced understanding of the human condition along with strong critical thinking skills in order to become culturally competent public servants," said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, associate dean of criminal justice and social science programs at Southern New Hampshire University." Czarnec spent decades with the Manchester (N.H.) Police Department.

Casey Dickson with the text Casey Dickson"Having professors that have combined centuries' worth of knowledge is incredibly handy," said Casey Dickson '21, a graduate of the bachelor's in criminal justice program. "You can pick their brain on just about anything you want."

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

- Completed free undergraduate application

- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you

- Test scores are not required as part of your application Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)