Degree Overview
A Criminal Justice Degree That Goes Beyond the Basics
Understanding criminal justice means more than memorizing statutes. It means grasping why crime happens, how society responds to it, and what role law enforcement, courts, and corrections play in the bigger picture. Batten's online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice approaches the field through a liberal arts lens, giving you the critical thinking and analytical skills that employers actually want. You'll study criminology, criminal law, and social research alongside courses in psychology, sociology, and public policy — because the job rarely fits neatly into one box. Our faculty bring real-world credentials to the classroom, including lawyers, law enforcement officers, and criminologists, so the learning is grounded in practice, not just theory.
Police academy graduates may be eligible to receive prior learning assessment credit toward this degree. Talk to your enrollment counselor for details.
Course Information
All Batten students complete a shared general education curriculum designed to build critical thinking, communication, and a broad academic foundation alongside your major coursework. The four components are:
- English Composition — ENG 105: The Art of Writing (must be passed with a C or higher)
- Foreign Language Proficiency — demonstrate competency through coursework, AP/CLEP credit, or prior study. Transfer students entering with 60+ credits have a simplified pathway.
- Batten Seminars — three seminar-style courses (Seminars I, II, and III) that develop scholarly inquiry, writing, and oral communication skills
- Breadth Requirement — 24 credit hours spanning arts and humanities, mathematics, natural sciences, and social sciences, drawn from at least six different departments outside your major
View full General Education requirements on the Batten University website →
Core Courses
Allied Courses (choose 1–2)
Internship (optional)
Police academy graduates may be eligible for prior learning assessment credit. Talk to your enrollment counselor for details.
Career Outcomes
Criminal justice is a broad field, and a degree grounded in liberal arts prepares you for more than one career path within it. Whether you're advancing in your current role or entering the field for the first time, the analytical, research, and communication skills developed in this program apply across law enforcement, courts, corrections, public policy, and related professions.
Law Enforcement and Investigations
Coursework in criminology, criminal law, and social research prepares graduates for investigative and enforcement roles across local, state, and federal agencies. Students build the legal knowledge and analytical skills needed for careers in policing, investigations, and related public safety roles.
Courts and Legal Services
Criminal justice professionals also support the legal system outside of direct enforcement. Graduates may pursue roles in court administration, victim advocacy, legal support, and case management within judicial and legal services environments.
Corrections and Rehabilitation
Coursework addressing criminal behavior, social systems, and rehabilitation helps prepare graduates for roles in corrections, probation, parole, and offender case management—positions that require both procedural knowledge and an understanding of human behavior.
Criminal Justice Policy and Research
With training in social research and program evaluation, graduates can pursue work in policy analysis, criminal justice research, and program assessment for government agencies, nonprofits, and advocacy organizations.
Why Batten Online
92%
Successful Graduates
Of our graduates receive job offers or go on to graduate school within one year of graduation.
Free & Rolling
Apply Anytime
Rolling admissions means you can start when you're ready. Our application is free — no fee standing between you and your degree.
96
Transfer Credits Accepted
Transfer up to 96 credits into an undergraduate program. You've already done the work — you shouldn't have to pay for it twice.
U.S. News
Nationally Ranked Programs
Selected for inclusion in U.S. News & World Report's Best Online Bachelor's Programs, Best Online MBA, and Best Online Graduate Education.
How to Apply
Admission Requirements
- Complete our online application.
- Applicants who have not yet completed 12 semester hours of college work must submit an official high school transcript and an official college transcript from all colleges and universities previously attended. Applicants who have not taken an SAT or ACT may be admitted on the basis of an evaluation of high school coursework. Applicants who are not high school graduates may be admitted on the basis of GED test results.
- Applicants who have successfully completed 12 or more semester hours of college work must submit official college transcripts from all institutions previously attended. Generally, individuals transferring to Batten University must present a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher.
Financial Aid
There may be financial aid options available to you when you apply for an online program at Batten University.
Explore Financial Aid Options