ECU Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Finish Your Degree at ECU

120 credit hours; Just 24 transfer credits required *

*Transfer credits may reduce number of hours

$429 per credit hour, including technology fee for Fall 2026*

*$510 for out-of-state students; tuition subject to change

Active-duty military service members are eligible to receive a waiver that brings the tuition balance down to $250/credit hour for select programs*

*Max benefit of $4,500 per year, availability is limited each term

Learn more about the BS in Criminal Justice at ECU Online.

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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 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 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 leap in your own career.

Are you ready to complete your online bachelor’s degree in criminal justice? It’s time to experience ECU Online.

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What You’ll Learn

The ECU Online: BS in Criminal Justice Flight Path Program 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

Flight Path Programs

Flight Path Programs are designed specifically for returning, adult learners who are balancing work, family, and life responsibilities. These fully online programs offer the flexibility and convenience needed to fit education into a busy schedule, with multiple start dates throughout the year, so you can begin when the time is right for you. Courses are offered in a condensed format, allowing you to focus on fewer classes at a time—making it easier to stay on track, complete your program, and move confidently toward your academic and professional goals.

Is Criminal Justice a Good Major?

When you earn an online BS in Criminal Justice from ECU, you’ll be prepared to pursue any of a wide range of professional opportunities. These roles span law enforcement, intelligence, corrections, and the legal system, meaning you can decide how you want to apply your degree to meet your professional goals.

The job outlook for these professions is promising. The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) projects there will be around 85,600 job openings in legal occupations and around 419,300 openings in protective service roles each year through 2033. During that same time, about 63,000 job openings are expected to be available each year for police officers and detectives, and about 7,400 job openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists.

While some criminal justice positions don’t require a bachelor’s degree, a criminal justice degree may yield a higher salary in those roles. For example, police departments—including those in North Carolina cities—sometimes offer incentive pay or stipends for candidates with a higher education degree, such as a bachelor’s. A degree can also open the door to more specialized roles and promotions within an agency, such as the rank of Sergeant, leading to higher salaries.

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:*

Intelligence Analyst

Median Annual Salary: $82,573

Criminal Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $71,828

Police Officer

Median Annual Salary: $63,633

Criminologist

Median Annual Salary: $56,345

Paralegal

Median Annual Salary: $56,284

Crime Scene Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $56,193

Juvenile Court Counselor

Median Annual Salary: $42,555

Probation Officer

Median Annual Salary: $55,534

Curriculum & Courses

Criminal justice is a widely applicable and important major that requires strong communication and people skills, which we foster in our curriculum. The BS degree requires 120 total credit hours, which includes 40 hours of general education courses, 18 hours of core courses, 33 hours of criminal justice electives, and 29 hours of minor or general elective courses.

At least 50% of core courses and 25% of the degree must be completed at ECU Online. Second-degree students are waived from General Education and Minor or General Elective requirements.

Keep in mind that as a degree completion program, we accept transfer credits, which may significantly reduce your required hours to graduate. The required criminal justice courses include the following:

Core Criminal Justice Courses - 18 credit hours

CRIM 1000 – Introduction to Criminal Justice
Law enforcement, courts, and correctional systems.

CRIM 2004 – Crime and Criminality
Examination of crime causation and crime policies.

CRIM 3700 – Special Populations in the Criminal Justice System
Issues and problems related to varied communities within the criminal justice system.

CRIM 3800 – Research Methods in Criminal Justice
Data collection and the techniques used in the process of criminal justice research.

CRIM 3900 – Introductory Statistics for Criminal Justice
Descriptive and inferential statistical techniques for criminal justice research.

CRIM 4500 – Issues and Problems in Criminal Justice
In-depth examination of policy issues and ethical dilemmas confronting the different sectors of the criminal justice system (police, courts, and corrections).

Criminal Justice Electives - 33 credit hours

Criminology (6 credit hours, choose two):

CRIM 3003 – Drugs and Crime
Crime and criminality in relation to substance use and abuse.

CRIM 3400 – Introduction to Victimology
Role of victims in crime and criminal justice.

CRIM 3605 – White-Collar Crime
Nature and extent of white-collar crime, focusing on harmful and criminal acts by individuals and corporations.

CRIM 4005 – Organized Crime
Comparison of organized criminal behavior around the world, including structural aspects, activities conducted, and criminal justice responses.

Justice Systems (6 credit hours, choose two):

CRIM 2009 – Corrections in the United States
United States of America correctional system, including the history, development, and operations of correctional facilities, and the various types and purposes of criminal punishment.

CRIM 2012 – Police and Society
Historical and contemporary role and function of law enforcement organizations in the U.S., including the influence of political, economic, and social conditions.

CRIM 3007 – Criminal Investigation
Fundamentals of criminal investigation including the gathering of investigative information from victims and witnesses, the search and recording of crime scenes, and the principles of collecting and preserving physical evidence.

CRIM 3112 – Advanced Seminar in Law Enforcement
In-depth examination of the role of police in United States society, with a focus on ethics and accountability.

CRIM 3200 – The Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile court, juvenile delinquency, and delinquency prevention.

CRIM 3503 – Courts and Judicial Process
History, structure, and functions of the United States of America court system. Detailed examination of the roles, responsibilities and discretionary authority of court actors, and of court processes including pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures including plea bargaining and appellate procedures.

CRIM 3620 – Homeland Security
Examination of homeland security in the United States, including apparatus, preparedness, and role of criminal justice.

CRIM 4006 – Community Corrections
Recent developments, purposes, and effectiveness of community-based corrections programs, such as probation, parole, house arrest, electronic monitoring, and others.

Writing Intensive Course (3 credit hours):

CRIM 3501 – Criminal Procedure
Rules and procedures governing criminal justice process from arrest through sentencing, including concepts of due process and rights given to prisoners.

CRIM 4300 – Criminal Justice Organizational Roles and Leadership
Management principles, supervision, and leadership as applied to criminal justice organizations.

Criminal Justice courses above 2999 (18 credit hours):

Note: courses not chosen in Criminology or Justice Systems areas may be used to complete the requirement.

CRIM 3003 – Drugs and Crime
Crime and criminality in relation to substance use and abuse.

CRIM 3007 – Criminal Investigation
Fundamentals of criminal investigation including the gathering of investigative information from victims and witnesses, the search and recording of crime scenes, and the principles of collecting and preserving physical evidence.

CRIM 3112 – Advanced Seminar in Law Enforcement
In-depth examination of the role of police in United States society, with a focus on ethics and accountability.

CRIM 3200 – The Juvenile Justice System
Juvenile court, juvenile delinquency, and delinquency prevention.

CRIM 3400 – Introduction to Victimology
Role of victims in crime and criminal justice.

CRIM 3500 – Principles of Criminal Law
Nature, sources, and types of criminal law, as well as specific criminal offenses, liability, and defenses.

CRIM 3501 – Criminal Procedure
Rules and procedures governing criminal justice process from arrest through sentencing, including concepts of due process and rights given to incarcerated individuals.

CRIM 3503 – Courts and Judicial Process
History, structure, and functions of the United States of America court system. Detailed examination of the roles, responsibilities and discretionary authority of court actors, and of court processes including pretrial, trial, and post-trial procedures including plea bargaining and appellate procedures.

CRIM 3605 – White-Collar Crime
Nature and extent of white-collar crime, focusing on harmful and criminal acts by individuals and corporations.

CRIM 3620 – Homeland Security
Examination of homeland security in the United States, including apparatus, preparedness, and role of criminal justice.

CRIM 4005 – Organized Crime
Comparison of organized criminal behavior around the world, including structural aspects, activities conducted, and criminal justice responses.

CRIM 4006 – Community Corrections
Recent developments, purposes, and effectiveness of community-based corrections programs, such as probation, parole, house arrest, electronic monitoring, and others.

CRIM 4300 – Criminal Justice Organizational Roles and Leadership
Management principles, supervision, and leadership as applied to criminal justice organizations.

CRIM 4602 – Gender-Based Violence
Critical examination of the crimes of, and criminal justice response to, domestic violence and sexual assault.

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"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

$410 per credit hour plus fees for Fall 2026*

*$491 per credit hour plus fees for out-of-state students; tuition subject to change

Active-duty military tuition rate with waiver is $250 per credit hour plus applicable fees.

Availability is limited each term

120 CREDIT HOURS*

*Transfer credits may reduce number of hours.

ECU Online: Flight Path Programs tuition for in-state students is just $410 per credit hour plus fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition is $491 per credit hour plus fees. Active-duty military service members are eligible to receive a waiver that brings the tuition balance down to $250 per credit hour for select programs, with a maximum benefit of $4,500 per year.* With transfer credits and financial aid, your bachelor’s degree is within reach.

*Military tuition assistance does not cover books, technology fees, or other course-related fees.

Note: For Summer 2026, tuition is $398 per credit hour plus fees for in-state students and $477 per credit hour plus fees for out-of-state students.

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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 and student support ensures that you leave not only with academic proficiency but also 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!

Electives and Internships to Focus Your Learning

The BS in Criminal Justice includes a broad range of electives so you can tailor your educational journey to your field of interest. 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. All students must visit ncresidency.org to verify their 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 ECU Online: Flight Path Program?

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 online Flight Path Program?

Yes. 24 transferable credits are required to apply. At least 25% of the degree must be completed at ECU and at least 50% of the major must be completed at ECU.

Are ECU Online: Flight Path Programs 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 ECU Online: Flight Path Programs?

ECU online program tuition for in-state students starts at just $410 per credit hour plus fees. For out-of-state students, the tuition starts at $491 per credit hour plus fees. Active-duty military service members are eligible to receive a waiver that brings the tuition balance down to $250/credit hour for select programs, with a maximum benefit of $4,500 per year. Military tuition assistance does not cover books, technology fees, or other course-related fees. The military rate of $250 per credit hour is only applicable to the BS in Criminal Justice and BS in Security Studies programs. Please note that tuition is subject to change. Learn more about financial aid opportunities .

Note: For Summer 2026, tuition is $398 per credit hour plus fees for in-state students and $477 per credit hour plus fees for out-of-state students.

About ECU Online: Flight Path Programs

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 the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) and 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.