Program Overview
Take the first step toward a fulfilling career in criminal justice with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice from The University of Alabama. Complete your degree online and broaden your career possibilities while balancing your work and other responsibilities.
Online Program Format
120 Credit Hours
$399 Tuition Per Hour
Build a Career That Can Make a Real Difference
Deepen your understanding of the legal system with an emphasis on the research and theory that are critical to investigating and preventing criminal behavior. Courses are delivered in a flexible online format and are taught by the same faculty who teach on UA’s campus.
Classes like Judicial Process, Law and Society, Terrorism and Human Trafficking will enhance your writing and communication skills while helping you grasp the structure of the criminal justice system. Armed with this degree, you can pursue careers in fields such as law enforcement, private or corporate security, corrections, legal and investigative services, or compliance and intelligence analysis.
| Application Deadline | Applications accepted year round |
| Are test scores required? | ACT and SAT scores are not required through the Fall 2026 entry term |
| Scholarships and Grants Available | Discover a range of scholarships and grants to support your educational journey |
Curriculum
The BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice program consists of 120 credit hours. Students complete 33 credit hours within the major and are required earn a C- or higher in all CJ courses.
Required Courses
- CJ 102 Principles of Criminology & Criminal Justice
- CJ 380 Research Methods
- CJ 300 Survey of Criminal Theories
- CJ 381 Statistics
Elective Courses
- Students must complete 15 credit hours of CJ electives
- Students must complete 6 credit hours of 400-level CJ coursework
General Education and Core Curriculum Requirements
- UA 101/102 First-Year Compass Course
- AS 110 Arts & Sciences Freshman Compass Course
- EN 103 Advanced English Composition
- 8 Hours of Natural Science
- 3 Hours of Math
- 6-8 Hours of World Language
- 3 Hours of Literature
- 6 Hours of Humanities/Literature/Fine Arts
- 3 Hours of History
- 6 Hours of Social Behavioral Sciences/ History
- 3 Hours of Writing
- 3 Hours of U.S. & Global Citizenship
To learn more about the core curriculum requirements, visit UA’s Core Curriculum Framework website.
Students will also be required to complete a minor. A list of available minors can be found here.
Admission
Admission to the BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program requires a completed admissions application and transcripts to be submitted from all colleges previously attended. Transfer students considering admission should review UA’s transfer information and policies.
Applicants must meet one of the following admission requirements:
- If you have earned more than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet the transfer student admission requirement of a minimum 2.0 overall college GPA.
- If you have earned less than 24 college-level credit hours at the time of your application to the University, you will need to meet both the 2.0 overall college GPA required for transfer students, as well as Admission Requirements for Freshmen Students. If high school graduation was more than four years ago, ACT/SAT scores are not required.
Student Spotlight
Inspiring stories of success from students and alumni.
Take a look at some of our UA Online stories.
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Dawn Stephens
Devoted Mother
When Dawn Stephens determined it was time to finish her bachelor’s degree, she chose UA Online’s New College LifeTrack.
Read More : Devoted Mother to Full-Time Special Ed Teacher | BA in Interdisciplinary Studies -
Captain Ryan Jacobs
This Turtle Soars
A dedicated member of the United States Air Force who excels with honors wherever he lands.
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Megan Brannan-Pierce
Q&A with Megan
We caught up with her to learn more about the exciting transformation of her career since graduation.
Read More : Q&A with Megan Brannan-Pierce | MA in Special Education – Gifted -
William Jones
Hunger and Heart
UA Online student William Jones built a bridge from his Master of Science degree to pursue Higher Education Administration.
Read More : Hunger and Heart | Redefining Leadership Through Education | Executive EdD in Higher Education Administration -
Janet Williams
Building Her Best Legacy
Janet Williams knew she could be an even better teacher to her fourth grade students.
Read More : Building Her Best Legacy | EdS in Elementary Education -
Savannah Fisher
Mastering Her Next Move
When Savannah Fisher was a busy undergraduate, she knew she’d soon be pursuing an MA in Elementary Education.
Read More : Mastering Her Next Move | MA in Elementary Education -
Noel Taylor
Pursuing Excellence
He embraced the academic rigor of his courses along with the camaraderie and companionship.
Read More : Pursuing Excellence and Carrying It Forward | EdS in Educational Leadership -
McKinsey Poole Threlkeld
Defining Her Passion
McKinsey thought she was supposed to be a middle school classroom teacher, but the COVID-19 pandemic gave her the space to take a step back.
Read More : Defining Her Passion, Delivering Compassion | MA in Higher Education Administration -
Matthew and Madison Barrett
Meet the Barretts
Matthew and Madison Barrett share their experiences as they balanced work, life and the pursuit of their graduate degrees with UA Online.
Read More : Meet the Barretts: A Shared Journey of Success at UA Online
Contact Us
Program Information
Katie Nethery
Admissions Representative 800-467-0227
katelynn.bama@ua.edu
Admissions Information
UA Online
800-467-0227
online@ua.edu