Arm yourself with the real-world tools and training you need to move up the ranks in your career. Become a change agent in your community.
Rise above the competition and reach your goals faster
Enhance your skills and credentials while continuing to protect and serve your community with our BS in Criminal Justice program.
A bachelor’s in criminal justice prepares professionals with the skills needed for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, investigation, security, and more.
Walden is designated by the National Security Agency and Department of Homeland Security as a National Center of Academic Excellence in Cyber Defense Education.
Coursework focuses on cybercrime, restorative justice, and 21st-century policing. An engaging blend of content brings contemporary topics to life.
Put concepts and theories into practice through true-to-life scenarios, case studies, and virtual technologies that simulate real crime scenes.
Scholar Practitioners
Benefit from curriculum developed and taught by scholar practitioners with real-life experience in the criminal justice field.
Walden Undergraduate Academy
This dedicated online learning track offers support, tuition savings, and resources for those without previous college credit.
Walden Undergraduate Academy
Discover a new bachelor’s education experience for first-time adult college students.
Walden Undergraduate Academy™ opens new doors for working adults like you and makes earning a degree more achievable than ever before. This dedicated learning experience has an extra layer of support to help you build your confidence and academic skills before you start your online bachelor’s program. You’ll also be eligible for special savings that can make your bachelor’s degree more affordable.
The progress you make now pays you back. Receive one tuition-free course for every three paid courses you successfully complete. In addition, you’ll receive a $1,500 tuition grant.
We believe you can achieve your goals—and we’re here to support you along your journey.
Request information to learn more about scholarships and financial aid.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. See Tuition and Fees section and Scholarship Details for more information.
| Curriculum Component | Requirements | Cost | Amount |
|---|---|---|---|
| Tuition | 181 quarter credit hours | $333 per quarter hour | $60,273 |
| Technology Fee | Per quarter | $170 | $2,720 |
| $62,993** | |||
|
BELIEVE & ACHIEVE SCHOLARSHIP |
-$16,818 |
*Represents course-based learning format, minimum time to completion, no transfer of credit, and Believe & Achieve Scholarship. Your actual total program time and costs may vary. Believe & Achieve Scholarship savings based on current tuition. See Scholarship Details for more information.
**Tuition reflects the minimum time to completion. Time to completion varies by student, depending on individual progress and credits transferred, if applicable. Tuition and time to complete may be reduced if transfer credits are accepted, or if you receive grants, scholarships or other tuition reductions. Walden may accept up to 135 transfer credits. For a personalized estimate of the number of your transfer credits that Walden would accept, call an Enrollment Specialist at 844-768-0109.
Tuition and fees are subject to change. Books and materials are not included and may cost up to an additional $5,000.
Progress at Your Pace. Control Your Cost.
Walden’s Tempo Learning® programs follow a subscription-based pricing format. Students are billed a flat-rate for each 3-month subscription term. All pricing is represented in U.S. dollars and is subject to change.
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period Technology Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS in Criminal Justice | $2,600 | $165 | 3-month subscription period |
Effective March 6, 2023
| Program | Subscription Period Tuition | Subscription Period Technology Fee | Subscription Period Time Frame |
|---|---|---|---|
| BS in Criminal Justice | $2,600 | $170 | 3-month subscription period |
Program Details
Admission Requirements
Admission is considered for adult students who hold a high school diploma or its equivalent. Applicants must also meet one of the following criteria:
- You are 21 years of age or older.
- You are less than 21 years of age with at least 12 quarter credits.
- You are an active member of the military or a veteran with documentation of service.
More information for international applicants.
Two Ways to Learn
The Crime and Criminal Investigation concentration offers you to choose from two degree completion options that are both designed for working professionals.
The course-based format may be a good option for you if you prefer an instructor-led approach and learning on a predetermined schedule.
Tempo Learning® is an alternative way to earn your Walden degree. It’s different from our standard course-based learning because you can work at a pace that makes sense for you, and progress once you’ve shown you understand a subject. With Tempo Learning®, you have the flexibility of online learning, plus the ability to personalize and control the length, cost, and pacing of your program.
With Tempo Learning, you may be able to complete your BS in Criminal Justice degree in 16 months for under $17,000 with Tempo Learning.*
* Based on the fastest pace of our top 25% transfer students. Your actual total program time and costs will depend on your individual pace and transfer credits. A student’s pace is usually determined by their experience with the subject, ability to work independently, and available time.
Program Outcomes
Climb Higher on the Career Ladder
Walden’s BS in Criminal Justice program prepares you for an exhilarating, rewarding career in law enforcement, homeland security, and many other disciplines. Explore topics that matter in today's criminal justice environment, from ethics and diversity to 21st century policing. Through virtual simulations and other true-to-life learning experiences, you’ll build job-ready skills you can apply immediately to make a positive impact.
What’s the Career Impact of Earning a BS in Criminal Justice?
From leading disaster response efforts to keeping our streets free of crime, criminal justice professionals play a critical role in protecting our nation’s communities. Make a meaningful difference in the lives and safety of others by earning a BS in Criminal Justice from Walden.
What Can I Do With a BS in Criminal Justice?
Many criminal justice agencies now require a minimum of a bachelor’s degree in order to be considered for employment. A BS in Criminal Justice can give you the skills and credentials you need to launch your career—or achieve a promotion or salary raise.
Whether you’re already working in the field or switching paths, you’ll be positioned for interesting and fulfilling career roles in:
- Law enforcement
- Corrections
- Probation/parole
- Security or security management
- Private investigation
- Fraud investigation
- Detective
Career options may require additional experience, training, or other factors beyond the successful completion of this online criminal justice bachelor’s program.
Learning Outcomes
As a graduate of Walden’s online BS in Criminal Justice program, you will be prepared to:
- Explain concepts, theoretical perspectives, empirical findings, and trends in criminal justice.
- Demonstrate the ability to apply legal and ethical principles to the criminal justice system.
- Describe the structure, function, and interaction of key institutions in criminal justice.
- Discuss the patterns, typologies, and root causes of crime.
- Apply criminal justice concepts, processes, and practices to social justice and social
