Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Finish Your Degree at ECU

Bring Your Criminal Justice Career Into Focus

Criminal justice professionals don’t just work—they serve. At East Carolina University®, we prepare you to advance your career and your impact with a flexible online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice program that fits into your life.

We’re dedicated to helping you finish your degree with hands-on learning opportunities that tackle key issues such as injustice and inequity in the criminal justice system. You’ll gain the skills today’s employers need to cultivate a safer and stronger society for everyone, all while making a monumental leap in your own career.

Are you ready to complete your degree? It’s time to experience ECU.

What You’ll Learn

ECU’s online BS in Criminal Justice is designed to give you a real-world skill set that leads to employment. During your time in the program, you’ll engage with key topics such as:

Applying evidence-based research into practice
Crime and criminality
Correctional systems
Principles of criminal law
Race, gender, and special populations in the criminal justice system
Issues and problems in criminal justice

Career Outcomes With a Criminal Justice Degree

A BS in Criminal Justice can prepare you for various career outcomes and advancement opportunities. Our graduates go on to work in positions such as:*

Criminal Intelligence Analyst

Average Annual Salary: $77,345

Criminal Investigator

Average Annual Salary: $66,976

Police Officer

Average Annual Salary: $60,505

Criminologist

Average Annual Salary: $57,192

Paralegal

Average Annual Salary: $52,947

Crime Scene Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $52,245

Juvenile Court Counselor

First-Year Salary: $45,422

Probation Officer

First-Year Salary: $44,099

"Our mission is to educate the next generation of criminal justice leaders. We look at the roles our students are pursuing, then give them the tools they need to be successful in the workforce."

‐ Dr Heidi S. Bonner, Criminal Justice and Criminology Department Chair

Tuition and Financial Aid

$386 per credit hour plus fees*

*$463 plus fees for out-of-state students

120 CREDIT HOURS*

*Transfer credits may reduce number of hours

FINANCIAL AID ASSISTANCE AVAILABLE

ECU online program tuition for in-state students is just $386 per credit hour plus fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition is $463 per credit hour plus fees. With transfer credits and financial aid, your bachelor’s degree is within reach.

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EXPERIENCED FACULTY

Expert faculty with proven experience in the field pass on real-world knowledge that can be immediately applied in your career.

CREATE YOUR OWN PATH

Our highly customizable curriculum allows you to choose classes that pique your interest and align with your career goals.

TRANSFER-FRIENDLY

You can transfer credits from coursework you’ve already completed and fast-track your path to a criminal justice degree.

BEYOND ACADEMICS

Our focus on individualized attention, student support, and career services ensures that you leave not only with academic proficiency but the tools for advancement.

TOP RANKED

ECU was ranked in the top 10 of America’s Top Online Colleges 2023 by Newsweek, meaning that you’ll graduate with a degree respected by employers nationwide.

COMMUNITY CONNECTION

ECU is more than a university—it’s a community. Even as an online student, you’ll benefit from a powerful network of peers and faculty who truly care about your success.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

Optional Minors and Internships to Focus on Your Learning

The BS in Criminal Justice offers two optional minors, Criminal Law and Legal Process & Criminology, so you can tailor your degree to your career goals. Plus, you’ll have the option to engage in an internship or field experience of your choosing to earn credit and expand your resume.

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Admissions

Online undergraduate students are required to have a minimum of 24 hours of transferable credits for admission. Students are evaluated under the transfer applicant criteria below:

A minimum of 24 hours of transferable college-level coursework (complete or in progress).
- Only courses with a grade of “C” or higher from regionally accredited institutions are eligible to transfer and can be used to gain admission.
- Students under the age of 21 will also be expected to meet NC High School Minimum Course Requirements and are required to submit a final high school transcript.
A minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA for all college-level coursework attempted.

Undergraduate Students Application Materials

A completed online application .
All official transcripts from each college, technical institute, or university attended, if applicable. Send transcripts to:

Office of Undergraduate Admissions
Mail Stop 517
East Carolina University
Greenville, NC 27858-435

We also accept electronic transcripts from most transcript services. Please request to have them sent directly to transfer@ecu.edu .

Residency Determination

The Residency Determination Service (RDS) has been established by the North Carolina State Legislature as the centralized service for determining residency for students. If you are a student applying for admission and claiming in-state residency for tuition purposes, you must visit NCresidency.org NCresidency.org to verify your residency.

If you’ve already completed the residency verification process and obtained your Residency Certification Number (RCN), you can enter your RCN when filling out our application. If you do not already have your RCN, you may submit your application and then come back and enter your RCN once you have it.

For more information, visit the Office of the Registrar’s Residency page , or contact RDS at 1-844-319-3640 or rdsinfo@ncresidency.org .

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Frequently Asked Questions

How many credits are generally required to complete an online bachelor’s degree at East Carolina University?

For most programs, 120 total credit hours are required to graduate. This includes transfer credits and credits you earn at ECU.

Can I transfer credits from other institutions to an online program at East Carolina University?

Yes. 24 transferable credits are required to apply.

Are online programs at East Carolina University accredited?

Yes. East Carolina University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award baccalaureate, master’s, and doctoral degrees. Learn more about accreditation .

What financial aid resources are available for students enrolled in online programs at East Carolina University?

ECU online program tuition for in-state students starts at just $386 per credit hour plus fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition starts at $463 per credit hour plus fees. Learn more about financial aid opportunities .

About ECU Online

ECU is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACSCOC) and was the first university in North Carolina to offer online degrees. We’ve continued to enhance the online experience ever since. As an established institution in North Carolina, we pride ourselves on offering a student-first, community-centric experience that empowers graduates to complete their online degrees from a reputable institution that employers recognize.

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*General labor market and salary data are sourced from Payscale. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience, education, and opportunities for employment. ECU does not guarantee employment placement, salary level, or career advancement. Additional training and experience may be necessary for leadership positions.