Bachelor of Science in
Criminal Justice
Already Certified.
Already Serving.
Ready for What’s Next?
Explore an Online Criminal Justice Degree at Southwest University. Our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers a flexible online learning experience focused on criminal justice, public safety, and leadership.
144 Weeks
Program length
186.5
Quarter credit hours
100% Online
Designed for working professionals.
Practical Curriculum
Focused on real-world public safety challenges.
Public Safety Focus
Built for professionals in multiple service fields.
Build for Multiple Public Service Fields
An online bachelor’s degree designed for working professionals in law enforcement, fire service, EMS, corrections, and other approved public service fields.
Law Enforcement
Fire Service
EMS / Paramedic
Corrections / Probation
Other Approved Public Service Fields
How This Program Connects to Your Field
Whether you serve in law enforcement, fire service, emergency medical services, or corrections, Southwest University’s Online Criminal Justice Degree is designed to build on your professional experience and expand your knowledge of public safety and leadership.
Fire Service
Prepare for future career opportunities.
Emergency management & ICS.
Build on your service experience.
Law Enforcement
Supervision & advancement.
Constitutional law & public safety.
Intelligence & investigations.
EMS / Paramedic
Public safety beyond the clinical role.
Shift-friendly online format.
Career development opportunities.
Corrections / Probation
Management & community supervision.
Courts and justice system.
Continue your education while working.
Other Public Service
Recognized certification required.
Ask admissions about eligibility.
Pathway for approved professionals.
Your Next Step
Build on the Career
You Already Have
Our online Criminal Justice program is designed for working public service professionals who want to expand their knowledge, strengthen their skills, and prepare for future opportunities within their departments and beyond.
Advance in Your Department
Be better prepared for future opportunities, specialized roles, or administrative positions.
Develop Specialized Knowledge
Gain insight into areas like emergency management, cybercrime, investigations, courts, and corrections.
Strengthen
Apply academic learning to real-world challenges in public safety and criminal justice.
Create New Opportunities
Build a foundation for roles with greater responsibility and broader impact.
Program Overview
Curriculum Highlights
Explore a selection of courses that directly connect to the realities faced by today’s public safety professionals. The curriculum combines criminal justice foundations with practical topics relevant to law enforcement, fire service, EMS, corrections, and other public service fields.
Real-World Relevance
Courses are designed to help you apply academic knowledege to the challenges you face in your profession.
Emergency Management & Incident Command
Learn the principles of emergency management, incident command, and interagency coordination.
Constitutional Law for Public Safety
Examine constitutional law, civil rights, and legal procedures relevant to public safety professionals.
Cybercrime Basics for First Responders
Understand cybercrime trends, digital evidence, and their impact on public safety operations.
Corrections and Community Supervision
Explore the structure of corrections, courts, and community supervision within the criminal justice system.
Criminal Justice Organization and Management
Develop skills in leadership, ethics, and organizational management in criminal justice and public safety settings.
Professional Writing and Communication
Build effective communication skills for reports, presentations, and professional documentation.
Why Choose Our Online Criminal Justice Degree?
Built for working public service professionals, SU’s online Criminal Justice program combines practical coursework, Texas-focused content, and professional development while allowing students to continue their education online.
100% Online
Study online while continuing your career
Built for working adults
Designed for professionals who are already serving.
Real-world public safety focus
Practical, relevant learning for today’s challenges.
Texas-focused content
Courses informed by Texas laws, policy, and public safety priorities.
Ethical decision-making
Develop the judgment and integrity that public service demands.
Career development
Develop professional skills in leadership, communication, and criminal justice practice
Frequently Asked Questions About the Online Criminal Justice Degree
Who is eligible for Southwest University's Criminal Justice degree?
Applicants must hold a recognized certification in a public service-related field before admission. Examples include law enforcement, firefighting, emergency medical services (EMT/Paramedic), and corrections. Other approved public safety or public service certifications may also qualify. Applicants must meet the program’s additional admissions requirements.
Is the Criminal Justice degree offered online?
Yes. Southwest University delivers its Criminal Justice degree through online lectures in a fully online format. Applicants must also complete an online course orientation.
How long is the Criminal Justice degree program?
The program has a published length of 144 weeks and requires 186.5 quarter credit hours.
What will students study in the Criminal Justice program?
The curriculum covers criminal justice systems, policing, public safety, corrections, constitutional law, professional ethics, leadership, courts, and criminal procedure. Coursework emphasizes practical applications relevant to criminal justice and public safety.
What certifications are accepted for admission?
The program catalog lists examples such as law enforcement academy certification, firefighter certification, EMT/Paramedic certification, and corrections officer certification. Certifications must come from a recognized or accredited agency, and applicants must provide documentation. Other public safety or public service certifications are subject to approval.
How can I check my eligibility for the program?
Use the Check Your Eligibility option on the program page to connect with Southwest University’s Admissions team and review the program requirements, including your prior public service certification.
Admissions Requirements
Prior Public Service Certification Required
This program is intended for applicants who already hold a recognized public service certification before admission.
High school diploma or equivalent.
Interview with an admissions counselor.
Proof of citizenship.
Completion of online course orientation.
Recognized public service certification required before admission.
Examples of Accepted Certifications:
- Law enforcement, including EPPD or equivalent police academy certification
- Firefighter certification
- Emergency Medical Services (EMT/Paramedic)
- Corrections officer certification
- Armed Forces or Military Police credentials
- Other approved public safety or public service certifications
ACADEMICS
ENROLL
RESOURCES
6101 Montana Ave,
El Paso, TX 79925
New Admissions Inquiries:
Download SU App Core
6101 Montana Ave, El Paso, TX 79925
(915)778-4001
New Admissions Inquiries:
(915)225-2449
ACADEMICS
ENROLL
RESOURCES
Download SU App Core
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