Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Catalog Year 2025-2026

Based on VCCS Curriculum for CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Transfer Guidance

Guaranteed Admission Agreement

• By meeting the following criteria, students who complete the prescribed curriculum and meet the criteria below are guaranteed admission into Radford University and directly into Criminal Justice.

• Earn a transfer associate degree based on the Criminal Justice Curriculum

• Earn a minimum of 2.8 GPA for the associate degree

• Good academic standing at current institution

• Please visit the TransferVirginia.org portal to find course requirements for different majors and Transfer Guides that outline course requirements for specific majors.

Important Links & Dates

• University Transfer Center: https://admissions.radford.edu 

• Admission Application: By March 1 for priority fall admission and November 1 for priority spring admission at https://www.radford.edu/admissions/apply/index.html 

• Financial Aid: https://www.radford.edu/fin-aid , FAFSA priority deadline March 1.

• FAFSA - Free Application for Federal Student Aid: https://studentaid.gov 

What Should I Consider When Selecting Courses?

• Complete your English courses and first math course in your first year.

• Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered. For help, see Transfer Steps and Resource Center at www.TransferVirginia.org

• Connect with an advisor at your community college and an admissions counselor at Radford University within your first year. College Connect is available in your account at www.TransferVirginia.org

Is This Degree Right For Me?

• The Criminal Justice major provides students with the background for understanding crime, its causes, the criminal justice system response to crime, as well as researching crime.

• The BA/BS with a major in Criminal Justice prepares students for careers in criminal justice agencies at the local, state, and federal level. The major also helps students who are planning to pursue graduate education in Criminal Justice and/or Criminology.

What Is The Impact On My Degree Of Work I Have Already Completed?

• Associate Transfer Degree Completion: The completion of the transfer-oriented degree program will satisfy the REAL Curriculum (lower division/general education) requirements. Students will need to complete all other University, college, and departmental requirements in order to obtain the baccalaureate degree from RU.

• Dual Enrollment — Completion of Associate Degree in HS: Students completing the associate degree in high school should apply using the freshman application. If admitted, the student will receive the benefits associated with the transferable associate degree (as noted prior).

• Credit for Prior Learning: AP, IB, and CLEP are evaluated for credits (based on receipt and evaluation of official scores).

• Catalog Year: Students will be subject to the catalog in effect at the time of enrollment at RU unless otherwise requested.

Is This College Right For Me?

• Main campus is located in the city of Radford and our Radford University Carilion campus is located in Roanoke. RU is well-known for strong faculty/student bonds, vibrant student life and a commitment to student support.

• Situated in the stunning landscape of southwest Virginia, there are plenty of nearby opportunities to explore the outdoors.

• With 70+ bachelor’s degree programs across a variety of disciplines, the classes at Radford are hands-on and designed to help you prepare for your chosen career path.

• Transfer students have the option to live on-campus or off-campus within the local area.

• Over 80% of students receive some form of financial aid.

• 16 Division I teams and 300+ student organizations.

• Learn more about our university at www.TransferVirginia.org

Did You Know That…

• Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor’s degree?

• Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at Radford University?

What Can I Do With This Degree?

• Explore possible careers, salaries, and job outlook at www.TransferVirginia.org

Program Successes & Highlights

• The curriculum is interdisciplinary in nature and includes courses that will provide students with the research and analytical skills necessary for understanding the nature of justice and the issues that affect its implementation.

• The department offers minors in conservation law enforcement, crime analysis, and forensic studies.

• There are numerous opportunities available to students such as internships, participation in undergraduate research, and participation in student organizations.

• The Department of Criminal Justice offers an Accelerated Master of Science in Criminal Justice program. High performing students may take 3-12 credit hours of graduate coursework that applies to both the BA/BS and the MS.

What Are My Chances For Getting Accepted?

• Of students who apply, usually about 65% of transfer applications are accepted to RU and about 80% of the entering transfer class comes from the Virginia Community College System.

• Learn more about applying at www.TransferVirginia.org

Do More With Your Degree!

• This program leads to graduate programs including an MA/MS/Ph.D. in Criminology and/or Criminal Justice and Law School.

Other Than Classes, Are There Other Program Requirements?

• All students must complete 120 total credit hours and all BA/BS major requirements.

• Students must earn an overall and major GPA of 2.000.