Study Criminal Justice in Arizona

Living in the desert has its perks. Sunny days, wide-open spaces, and beautiful landscapes abound. But in Arizona, there’s another thing in abundance – higher education.

With large universities like Arizona State University and the University of Arizona leading the way, residents of Arizona have their pick of any number of institutions of higher education. Better still, with online learning an extremely popular option in Arizona, you don’t even have to live there to get a degree!

If you’re ready to get an education in criminal justice and want the flexibility of getting your degree online from a respected Arizona institution, some of the popular options discussed below should be at the top of your list.

Best Accredited Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Arizona - Criminal Justice Bachelor's, Master's and Associate's Programs in Arizona

Online Criminal Justice Degrees in Arizona

Listed below are some of the popular schools offering online criminal justice degrees in Arizona:

  • Arizona State University
  • University of Arizona
  • University of Phoenix
  • American Public University
  • Grand Canyon University
  • Arizona State University Online
  • UMass Global
  • Southern New Hampshire University

Arizona State University

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

At Arizona State University, you can get a Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice in about four years. During that time, you must complete 40 classes for a total of 120 credits. Each class is accelerated – at just 7.5 weeks long, you’ll finish each course in half the time it normally takes.

Since the coursework for this degree is accelerated, you’ll take fewer classes at a time. This, in turn, allows you to tend to the fast-paced work of fewer classes without being overwhelmed. Another accelerated option exists, too – you can complete this program as part of an Accelerated Master of Arts in Criminal Justice or a Master of Science in Crime Analysis. Doing so allows you to finish your undergraduate and graduate studies in just five years.

The curriculum for this degree is broad-based. On the one hand, you’ll take general education classes that give you opportunities to study multiple disciplines, like math, science, social science, and English. You’re also required to take interdisciplinary classes in areas like Inclusive Community Development, Public Service and Policy, and Social Work, to name a few.

On the other hand, the major-area coursework is also interdisciplinary. For example, you’re required to complete a Research Methods course in criminal justice, which introduces you to the essential concepts and practices of conducting social research. You’ll learn how to propose research questions, gather and analyze data, and report on your findings.

A completely different requirement is the course you must take on Inequality, Crime, and Criminal Justice. Rather than focusing on research methods, this class examines the processes of committing crimes and being punished through the lens of race, ethnicity, class, and socioeconomic status, among other demographic factors.

Of course, you’ll also complete basic criminal justice coursework. One of the first courses you take is Introduction to Criminal Justice, which gives you a broad overview of this field, from policing to the court system to the correctional system in the U.S. You’ll also take classes like the following:

  • Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices
  • Criminology
  • Courts and Sentencing
  • Introduction to Policing
  • Introduction to Corrections

You’re required to complete major-area electives as well. These courses enable you to learn more about specific criminal justice applications that most closely align with your interests and career goals. For example, let’s say you want to pursue a career as a youth probation officer. That being the case, you’d do well to take courses like Juvenile Justice, Community Justice, and Juvenile Delinquency.

But let’s say you’re more interested in working in advocacy. In that case, you might focus on taking electives like Police Use of Force, Victims and the Criminal Justice System, and Police Accountability. Other options might include coursework in Legal Issues in Corrections, Crime and Forensic Mental Health, and Community Corrections.

Arizona State also offers internship opportunities. Taking part in an internship can be an eye-opening experience – it allows you to see what you’ve learned as implemented in real-world situations. Being able to apply the theories you’ve discussed in class helps solidify your expertise in this field. An internship can also be a doorway to employment after graduation.

You can apply to Arizona State University online at any time. It takes about 30 minutes to do so. To apply, be sure you meet these qualifications:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent, including studies in the following areas:
    • Four years of math
    • Four years of English
    • Three years of lab science
    • Two years of social science
    • Two years of the same foreign language
    • One year of career and technical education or fine arts
  • Meet one of the following:
    • Graduate in the top 25 percent of your high school class.
    • Have a 3.0 GPA or higher.
    • Score 22 or above on the ACT (24 or above for non-residents) or 1120 or above on the SAT (1140 or above for non-residents).
    • Earn a satisfactory score in the GED, HiSet, TASC, or California High School Proficiency Examination.

University of Arizona

Online Bachelor of Applied Science in Administration of Justice

The Bachelor of Applied Science in Administration of Justice at the University of Arizona is a unique criminal justice degree. Not only will you learn about criminal justice, but you’ll also examine areas like immigration, terrorism, and border security. Beyond that, since this program is offered by the College of Applied Science and Technology, you’ll gain valuable critical thinking, analytical, and research skills.

This program is specifically designed for students who already have an applied associate degree in this field or equivalent work experience. If you don’t meet this criterion, you’ll need to first complete an Applied Associate of Science before starting this program. Doing so gives you the basic knowledge and skills necessary to continue your studies in this BAS program.

Once you’re enrolled in this bachelor’s program, you’ll learn in a rich online environment. Your coursework will include traditional learning experiences like lectures and live synchronous classes. It will also include recorded videos, hands-on learning opportunities, and interactive group work.

In other words, the curriculum blends traditional and cutting-edge methods to help you gain the skills you need to proceed through the program with confidence. Of course, you’ll gain specific knowledge of criminal justice-related topics, too.

For example, you’ll take a course in the American Judicial System that examines the foundational theories, structures, and functions of the American judicial system. You’ll also explore the judicial process at local, state, and federal levels.

Another key class you’ll take is Civil Liberties and the Constitution. This course offers an examination of civil liberties and how the Constitution guarantees them for all citizens. You’ll develop an understanding of these concepts by analyzing key U.S. Supreme Court decisions.

This degree also requires you to take Politics of Terrorism. Rather than exploring the aftermath of terrorist activities, you’ll also study international relations, the changing tactics of terrorists, and terrorist ideologies that compel people to commit crimes against humanity.

Furthermore, you’ll take an American Political Institutions class that examines all three branches of the U.S. government. You’ll learn about the structure and function of Congress, the judiciary, and the presidency. You’ll also analyze the foundations of American politics, including Constitutional foundations, interest groups, and public opinion, among others.

A final course worth highlighting is Constitutional Law: Federalism. This class discusses the development of American constitutional law and its influence on the development of this nation. You’ll look at the successes of the federalist system as well as problems of the distribution of powers.

As a result of your studies in these and other administration of justice courses, you’ll graduate from this program with critical skills that allow you to work in areas ranging from intelligence analysis to criminal justice to asset protection. With tangible skills in research, writing, case management, and computer literacy, the career options available to you are broader still.

To apply, be sure you meet the following requirements before applying:

  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores (if you haven’t already completed an associate’s degree).
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

University of Phoenix

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration

The College of Social and Behavioral Sciences at the University of Phoenix offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration that you can complete entirely online. This program focuses on the fundamentals of the criminal justice system, including community policing, criminology, and change management. You’ll gain career-focused skills, too, which will enable you to pursue administrative positions in law enforcement, criminal court settings, and correctional settings.

This program’s curriculum is consistently reviewed to ensure it remains on the cutting-edge. In fact, the University of Phoenix uses advisory councils of criminal justice experts to periodically review the curriculum to ensure the program is relevant to current needs. As such, you’ll benefit from taking core and elective courses that focus on today’s most important criminal justice topics.

First, though, you are required to complete general education coursework. This begins with very basic courses like Foundations of University Success, which essentially teaches you how to be an effective student. You’ll take Elements of Health and Wellness, too, which offers insights into stress management, healthy eating habits, and other wellness topics to help you remain healthy throughout your college education.

Other required general education courses include the following:

  • Everyday Economics and Finances
  • Psychology of Learning
  • English Composition I and II
  • Media Influences on American Culture
  • Quantitative Reasoning I and II

After completing these and other interdisciplinary general education classes, you’ll focus primarily on criminal justice administration coursework. This component of the degree is interdisciplinary, so you’ll take courses from multiple fields of study. For example, you’ll take Introduction to Sociology, American National Government, and Life Span Development. You’ll also take courses like Cultural Diversity in the United States, State and Local Political Processes, and Contemporary American Society.

Regarding criminal justice-specific coursework, you’ll explore areas like juvenile justice, mental health services and crisis intervention, and grant writing and funding. Furthermore, you’ll take a class entitled Contemporary Issues and Futures in Criminal Justice, which analyzes where the criminal justice system currently is and where best practices might take it in the future.

Since this degree focuses on administrative roles, you’ll take a variety of courses designed to help you become a more effective leader and administrator. For example, you must complete the following classes:

  • Budget, Finance, and Planning
  • Interagency Communication
  • Organizational Behavior and Management
  • Criminal Justice Problem-Solving Methods
  • Ethics and Social Responsibility

Furthermore, this degree requires you to complete a capstone project that integrates your learning into a practical application of your knowledge. You’ll conduct research, display your public policy and administration skills, and demonstrate ethical decision-making as you work through this summative learning experience.

In all, you’ll take 40 classes for a total of 120 credits. Most students require four years of full-time studies to complete these requirements. However, you can finish the program faster by taking an additional class each fall and spring semester. You can also reduce the time needed to complete the degree by taking summer courses. Conversely, you can study part-time and extend the timeframe to complete the degree to accommodate work and life obligations.

You must meet the following requirements to apply:

  • Provide information about your educational background and work history.
  • Have a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Submit official high school transcripts or equivalency scores.
  • Submit official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.
  • Be a U.S. citizen, a permanent resident, or have a valid visa.

Additionally, you cannot have been expelled from a previous college or university to be eligible for admission to the University of Phoenix.

American Public University

Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice

As a Arizona resident, you have access to the online programs offered by American Public University, including a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. This program presents several benefits, such as free books and no application fees. Additionally, American Public University does not require entrance exams for admission.

This program prepares you for entry-level positions in criminal justice and further studies in graduate criminal justice programs. Upon completion, you’ll have developed essential skills and abilities, such as the ability to:

  • Compare local, state, and federal criminal justice systems.
  • Identify key components of the criminal justice system.
  • Design criminal justice research.
  • Analyze the impact of criminal justice standards on the legal system.
  • Explain common criminal justice theories.

Designed by criminal justice professionals and taught by experienced faculty, this program provides you with valuable insights into the practical application of theories and techniques. You’ll learn to connect abstract concepts with real-world applications in various criminal justice settings.

The curriculum for this degree includes 120 credits of required coursework. Classes are offered in both traditional 16-week and accelerated eight-week formats. The courses fall into four categories:

  • General education courses
  • Major required courses
  • Concentration courses
  • Final program requirements

The general education requirement includes 30 credits of required coursework and 45 credits of electives. The required coursework covers fields such as arts and humanities, history, and natural sciences. Additionally, you must complete credits in communications, mathematics, and civics.

The elective component is broader, allowing you to earn 45 credits from any undergraduate field of study. However, the courses used to satisfy general elective requirements cannot also fulfill major requirements.

For the major-area portion of the curriculum, 27 credits of coursework are required. These classes cover important themes in criminal justice, including Criminology, Ethics in Criminal Justice, and Constitutional Law. You’ll also take classes in U.S. Law Enforcement, Corrections and Incarceration, and the Criminal Legal Process.

You must select a concentration as part of your studies, choosing from areas such as:

  • Organizational Law Enforcement Leadership
  • Maritime Law Enforcement
  • Entrepreneurship

Alternatively, you may choose a general concentration composed of coursework from each of the other three concentrations.

The final program requirement is a three-credit senior seminar in criminal justice. This class integrates your work throughout the program and requires you to review and analyze it in a detailed academic paper. The subject of your paper is up to you but must be approved by your advisor. Your paper should demonstrate your understanding of key criminal justice principles and assess your mastery of the program’s degree outcomes.

You can apply to American Public University online at any time. The admission requirements for first-year students include:

  • Having a high school diploma or its equivalent.
  • Providing a copy of your high school diploma or equivalency scores.
  • Submitting official transcripts from every college or university from which you’ve earned credit.

Grand Canyon University

Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice from Grand Canyon University includes an emphasis in law enforcement. As such, you’ll learn about trends in policing, crime analysis, and strategic planning. You’ll also explore risk management in policing, crime prevention programs, and contemporary crime trends.

This degree requires the completion of 38 credits. However, you can transfer up to one-third of the total required credits and still earn your degree from Grand Canyon. This allows you to utilize coursework you’ve already completed to speed up the process of finishing this degree.

Each of the classes you take from Grand Canyon are eight weeks long. The accelerated format is fast-paced; however, since you take fewer classes at a time, you avoid being overloaded with coursework. Speaking of coursework, you’ll take ten courses, all of which fall under the category of core coursework.

For example, you’ll take a class in Criminal Behavior Analysis that examines the interrelationship between psychology and the criminal justice system. You’ll discuss criminal profiling, crisis intervention, personality assessments, and psychopathology, to name a few topics.

Another course you’re required to take is Advanced Crime Analysis. This class examines trends and techniques of crime analysis, Specifically, you’ll learn how to identify patterns in crime data and use your understanding of those patterns to improve responses to and prevention of crime.

Not all the classes you take focus on criminal behavior, specifically. A good example of this is Organizational Behavior and Leadership. As a management-related class, you’ll learn about the values that drive law enforcement management, as well as conflict management, power dimensions, and organizational development.

Other courses related to administration and management in criminal justice include the following:

  • Exploration of Law and Public Policy
  • Ethics and Decision-Making
  • Strategic Analysis and Organizational Planning
  • Crime Prevention and Public Relations

This degree further requires you to take a Research Methods class. You’ll learn the basis of conducting social research, including methodologies specific to evaluating criminal justice processes. You’ll learn how to conduct statistical analyses, design research programs, and use quantitative and qualitative methods for conducting research, too.

All of this coursework is completed online in Grand Canyon University’s digital learning platform. This rich learning environment enables you to complete your coursework anywhere you have a computer and internet access. You can read course materials, take part in online projects with your classmates and professors, and learn from the many different perspectives of your professors and classmates in high-level discussions and group work.

You can start the application process to Grand Canyon University online if this graduate program sounds like a good fit. There is no application fee. Furthermore, the university will review your application materials within 24 business hours and provide you with a plan of study at that time. You must meet the following requirements to be eligible for admission:

  • Have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university.
  • Have a cumulative undergraduate GPA of 2.8 or higher.
  • Submit GMAT or GRE scores (if you don’t meet the GPA requirement).
  • Provide official transcripts from every college or university you’ve attended.

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