statue of the scales of justice
B.S.
Bachelor's of Science

Criminal Justice

Prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public service with SUNY Empire’s online B.S. in Criminal Justice. 

This 120-credit program provides a comprehensive understanding of the legal system, criminology, and ethical issues in justice. With flexible online classes, you can tailor your education to your interests, whether in policing, forensic science, homeland security, or rehabilitation services. 

 

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Program Overview
Career Outcomes
Next Steps

Program Overview

Bachelor's of Science in Criminal Justice

B.S.
Earn your criminal justice degree online and prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public service. 

Format

100% Online

How it Works

Tuition

$295 / credit

Tuition & Fees

Credits

120

Course Catalog

Next term starts

Summer 2026 

Ready to Apply?

The deadline for the Summer 2026 term is April 10. How to Apply

Gain the Knowledge to Lead in Criminal Justice

  • Understand the structure and function of the U.S. criminal justice system
  • Analyze ethical and legal issues in law enforcement
  • Conduct research and investigations in criminal justice
  • Explore the impact of diversity and social systems on justice

 

For comprehensive information about our courses, please visit our course catalog.

Course Catalog

 

Our team can help you prepare for the next step in your career.

A degree in criminal justice opens doors to careers in law enforcement, corrections, and public service. Possible career paths include:  

  • Law Enforcement Officer
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Corrections Officer
  • Forensic Analyst
  • Criminologist

Career Services

 


Jose O. at commencement in Albany.
Empire prepared me for the next steps in my career by giving me the right classes to broaden my knowledge about my career. My mentor, and the OP program, really created a solid support system around me. They were consistently checking in and consistently running meetings and tutor programs to help not only me but all the students of the program.
Jose O.
Criminal Justice, ‘25

Interested? Take the Next Steps

1

Build Your Future in Criminal Justice and Public Service 

We're here to support you every step of the way, making your path to a criminal justice degree as seamless as possible. Our dedicated advisors provide the guidance you need to navigate your education, build essential skills, and prepare for a career in law enforcement, corrections, or public service. 

 

Request Info
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2

Check for Prior Learning Credits

Put your past experience toward your degree. Use transfer credits, work experience, or life skills to get a head start, save money, and earn your degree faster.

How To Get Credits

Normal Program Length
Your Prior Learning
Your Prior Learning
3

Apply for Your Online Criminal Justice B.S.

Make sure you have all the admissions requirements and complete your application to be ready for our next term! 

How To Apply

Next start term

Summer 2026  

Deadline to apply

April 10 

Start Your Degree

as soon as May 11, 2026.

Meet Our Professors

 

Dr. Brian J. Frederick 

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice, Social Science & Public Affairs

Dr. Brian Frederick earned a joint doctorate in Cultural and Global Criminology from the University of Kent and Universität Hamburg, and an M.Sc. in Criminal Justice from California State University at Long Beach. His research focuses on cultural and queer criminology. Current projects include a study on LGBTQ+ youth and a documentary on queer activism.

headshot of Dr. Brian Frederick

Interested in Criminal Justice?

Learn more and get started.

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