Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
Virginia Wesleyan University
Program Details
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online Program)
Bachelor of ArtsBachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online Program)
Virginia Wesleyan University
To pursue a career in criminal justice, you must have a firm working knowledge of the law, and you must understand the motives and societal issues that contribute to crime. Virginia Wesleyan University's online criminal justice degree provides a criminal justice education viewed through a liberal arts lens. By taking a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach, we ensure you're able to put criminal justice issues within their broader social context. Our online bachelor's program teaches you real-world skills and emphasizes flexibility so that you can fit your education into your already busy life. Our highly qualified professors include lawyers, criminologists, police officers, NCIS officers and a homicide detective, and you'll learn not just how to work within the criminal justice system, but why that system is necessary. Upon graduation, you'll have the skills and knowledge necessary to enter a career in law enforcement, victim support or court support. At Virginia Wesleyan University, discover an online bachelor's in criminal justice with a social conscience.* *At VWU, we value our students' previous academic and professional experience. Police academy graduates may be able to receive prior learning assessment credit. Talk to your enrollment counselor for more information!
Outcomes
Students will demonstrate knowledge of criminological theory Students will demonstrate knowledge of criminal justice research methods Students will demonstrate the ability to apply research methods Students will orally present/communicate in a manner appropriate to the discipline Students will synthesize their previous work in their discipline and use critical thinking to address a real world problem or issue faced by an agency or organization Students will demonstrate the ability to think critically, employing appropriate evidence to synthesize and apply their previous work in their discipline to address a real world problem or issue faced by an agency or organization
Program Overview & Guidance
Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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| Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Considerations for Selecting Degree | Online criminal justice degree prepares you for a number of career paths in local and federal law enforcement or detective work |
| Considerations When Selecting Courses |
Includes foundation courses in criminal justice, criminology and criminal law
|
| Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | There are no additional requirements for this program. |
| Doing More With Your Degree | Provides a comprehensive, multidisciplinary approach that examines criminal justice issues within their broader social context |
| Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements
Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online Program)
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
BA in Criminal Justice-- Online
128
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
To earn this degree, students must earn a 2.0 cumulative GPA, complete a minimum of 34 credits at VWU, and not exceed 64 credits in any one discipline.
General Education Requirements
52
Wesleyan Seminar
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Transfer students may have seminar I and/or II waived pending credits transferred.
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth Requirements
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Courses must be completed from 6 different departments and must be outside your major department.
Breadth: Creative Arts
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Upper-Level Humanities
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Mathematical Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Natural Sciences
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Breadth: Social Science (Birdsong or WattsSPS)
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category list:
English Composition
4
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
English 001 may be required prior to ENG 105. A grade of C or better is required in ENG 105.
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C must be earned for courses in this requirement.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Options for satisfying the language requirement can be found at https://www.vwu.edu/academics/general-education/foreign-language-proficiency.php . Students with prior language experience, transfer students, and evening/weekend students are encouraged to review the options. Students satisfying the language requirement through other options will complete these 12 credit hours through completion of other courses related to their program plans.
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Foreign Language Competencies
12
Earn 12 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Major Requirements
44
Required Courses
20
Earn 20 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Additional Required Courses
24
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Successfully complete 24 credits of additonal courses atany level including one or two from the allied course list
Required Criminal Justice
20
Earn 20 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Required Allied Course
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Optional Intership
10
Intership Course 1
2
Earn 2 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Intership Course 2
8
Earn 8 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Electives
32
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Complete credits to fulfill the 128 semester hours of academic coursework. Elective courses may be taken in any subject matter or discipline to complete the required elective credits. They provide an opportunity to explore freely across the richness of the liberal arts curriculum at Virginia Wesleyan. Students may choose to complete a minor or a second major.
Applicable Admissions Agreements
The table below lists admissions agreements between Virginia Wesleyan University and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?
| Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Associate Transfer Degree Completion | The Fair Transfer Guarantee helps Virginia community college graduates save credits, save time, and save money by assuring that those with an associate of arts, associate of fine arts, or associate of science will enter Virginia Wesleyan with junior-class status. All lower-level general education requirements—including foreign language—will be deemed complete, allowing students to focus on courses for their major and upper-level elective credits necessary for their bachelor’s degree. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | First-time college students arriving with conferred Associate's degrees get transfer credit for all acceptable coursework.They are not exempted from any breadth requirements. |
| Credit for Prior Learning | Transfer credit is considered on the basis of an official transcript or transcripts from institutions accredited by regional accreditors. Official transcripts must be sent directly to Virginia Wesleyan University from all colleges previously attended. The results of the transfer evaluation of credit are recorded on the student’s “Transfer Evaluation Report†on WebAdvisor. A formal transfer credit evaluation is completed after admission to the University. The evaluation is completed only by the Office of the Registrar. Transfer grades are not included in the Virginia Wesleyan University grade point average. Amount of credit is determined in terms of the appropriate number of semester credit hours. Criteria for the acceptance of transfer credit include the following: Transfer credits are awarded for courses from colleges/universities accredited by regional accreditors and that are comparable in content and quality to those offered within the academic programs at Virginia Wesleyan University. |
| Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information
Number of Transfer Students
119
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
For the Fall 2020 recruitment cycle, 63% of transfer applicants were admitted. Average GPA 3.06
| College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
|---|---|
| Is This College Right For Me? | First year students who do not have parents in the local 7 cities are required to live on campus. Transfer students can choose to live on or off campus. Residential students are permitted to live on campus if they are under the age of 24. Average class size is 14. Our location is your advantage. With approx. 1.7 million people in the area we have excellent access to internships and research opportunities. All students can and are encouraged to get involved on campus through civic engagement and clubs/organizations. |
| Transfer Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| First Year Student Catalog Year | First traditional semester of entry (fall or spring) at VWU based on academic year (ex: fall 20-spring 21 entrants use same catalog) |
| Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | There is no specific date as to when a student needs to let us know their intent. However, it is in their best interest to do so early so they can take advantage of all the perks. Read more here https://www.vwu.edu/enrollment-aid/transfers/fair-transfer-guarantee.php |
Where Can This Degree Transfer
This section displays degrees most closely related to this program
and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the
next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to
visit that program page.
| Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Criminal Justice, A.A.S (formerly Administration of Justice, A.A.S.) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Northern Virginia Community College | Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
| Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
| Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
| Longwood University | Criminology & Criminal Justice BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BA in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Radford University | BS in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| The University of Virginia's College at Wise | Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in Administration of Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
| Bluefield University | BA in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Bluefield University | BS in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Criminal Justice, Criminology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
| Ferrum College | B.S. in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigation | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Careers Where This Degree Applies
| O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
|---|---|---|---|
| 25-1111.00 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
| 33-1011.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers. | Protective Service Occupations |
| 33-1012.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. | Protective Service Occupations |
| 19-4099.00 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4099.01 | Quality Control Analysts | Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
| 19-4099.03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
Cost To Complete