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Applied Criminal Justice Degree in 3 Years

Prepare for work that matters鈥攐nline or on campus. Build the skills to serve, protect, and lead.

麻豆原创鈥檚 Applied Criminal Justice program combines foundational knowledge of the justice system with hands-on learning that prepares you for real careers in public service. Now available 100% online or on campus in North Manchester, within just three years, you鈥檒l gain practical experience, ethical leadership skills, and a career-ready knowledge base for roles in law enforcement, courts, corrections, policy, and forensic investigation.

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This degree is available 100% online

Start Your Career With a Degree Built for the Real World

Today鈥檚 criminal justice professionals need more than theory. They need judgment, communication skills, ethical decision-making, and real-world experience.

Manchester鈥檚 Applied Criminal Justice degree was designed to meet that need.

Students graduate with a strong understanding of criminal justice institutions鈥攊ncluding policing, courts, and corrections鈥攚hile developing practical skills that translate directly into professional environments.

This reduced-credit pathway helps you graduate sooner and enter the workforce faster.

Course Catalog

Program Information:

Major | BS

  • 90+ Credit Hours

Minor

  • 23 Credit Hours

Location

  • 100% Online
  • North Manchester

Completion Time

  • 3 Years

What You Can Do With This Degree

Law Enforcement Officer

Serve communities through public safety and crime prevention.

Court Services Specialist

Support judicial systems, case management, and legal operations.

Corrections Professional

Help guide rehabilitation, safety, and offender support.

Public Policy Analyst

Contribute to justice reform and community solutions.

Forensic Investigation Support

Assist with evidence, laboratory, and investigative processes.

Why Choose Manchester鈥檚 Applied Criminal Justice Degree

Hands-On Experience That Sets You Apart

Every student completes at least 120 hours of career-focused internship experience or directed research before graduation.

You won鈥檛 just study criminal justice鈥攜ou鈥檒l practice it.

Career-Ready Learning

Courses such as:

  • Supreme Court and the Constitution
  • Victimology
  • Adolescence and Juvenile Justice
  • Forensic Chemistry

help students build practical knowledge employers value.

Personal Support and Faculty Mentorship

Manchester鈥檚 small class sizes mean professors know your goals, support your growth, and help you prepare for meaningful work after graduation.

BUILT FOR IMPACT

Learn to Lead With Integrity

Criminal justice careers demand responsibility, fairness, and sound judgment. This program helps students develop the ethical foundation needed to serve diverse communities with professionalism and respect.

You鈥檒l graduate prepared to make thoughtful decisions that improve the human condition.

CAREER OUTLOOK

Careers That Make a Difference

Organizations need professionals who understand systems, communicate clearly, think ethically, and respond responsibly under pressure.

Graduates are prepared for opportunities across:

  • Local and state law enforcement
  • Court systems
  • Corrections
  • Community services
  • Policy organizations
  • Investigation support roles
  • Graduate study
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Kyle Newcomb, Criminology

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How the Criminology Program Supports Your Growth

Learn by Doing

Students complete at least 120 hours of field experience through opportunities such as:

  • Law enforcement shadowing or internships
  • Court observation and administration support
  • Community outreach organizations
  • Research projects with faculty
  • Justice-focused nonprofit work
  • Public service initiatives

Criminology vs. Criminal Justice: What鈥檚 the Difference?

While both criminology and criminal justice play crucial roles in the justice system, they focus on different aspects. Criminology is a social science that studies crime, its causes and its effects on society. Criminologist jobs entail analyzing data from past crimes to help prevent future ones while considering sociological and psychological factors. Criminal justice, on the other hand, focuses on law enforcement and the legal system. Criminal justice careers include policing, corrections, and the court system.

Applied Criminal Justice Degree Program Learning Outcomes

Program Goal 1: Graduates will have a comprehensive understanding of the discipline of criminal justice and criminal justice system institutions

SLO1.1: Demonstrate a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice concepts that apply to the criminal justice system听

SLO1.2: Demonstrate how criminal justice concepts differentiate the roles of three types of institutions: police, courts, and corrections and how these institutions interact with and influence each other

听

Program Goal 2: Graduates will comprehend the interplay between public policy and the criminal justice system

SLO2.1: Identify how public policies influence criminal justice practices and reforms

SLO2.2: Evaluate criminal justice policy and reforms that impact justice delivery

SLO2.3: Design innovative criminal justice policies or reforms in practice that improve the human condition

听

Program Goal 3: Graduates will cultivate ethical and responsible practice in criminal justice

SLO3.1: Compare ethical standards, responsible conduct, and safe practices in criminal justice

SLO3.2: Create a collection of ethical standards and responsible conduct in preparation for careers in the criminal justice system

SLO3.3: Apply their ethical knowledge and skills in real-world scenarios, emphasizing integrity, fairness, and respect for justice and human rights

Meet the Faculty

Non-Discrimination in the Admission Process

麻豆原创 is committed to non-discrimination in campus life. The University does not discriminate on the basis of national origin, ancestry, race, color, age, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, familial status, religion, disability or veteran status in admissions or any area of campus life, including its educational programs, scholarships and loan awards, residence life programs, athletic programs, extracurricular programs, promotion and tenure policies and practice, and alumni affairs.

麻豆原创 is committed to carry out the provisions of Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 and the Americans With Disabilities Act, which provide for accessibility of University programs to the physically disabled.

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