Architectural details of a building: Pursue a bachelor’s in criminal justice degree online or at Regent’s campus in Virginia Beach.

B.S. in Criminal Justice

Safeguard Your Future Through a Criminal Justice Degree

You’re passionate about justice and creating a safer future for everyone. Through Regent’s Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice, you’ll study criminal justice theory, criminal investigation processes and ethics, juvenile justice, and more — all presented from a Christian worldview. Explore the role of technology in forensics and criminal justice and how the courts work with law enforcement as you prepare for a career in local, state, federal, or international law enforcement. You’ll also choose one of three concentrations that best aligns with your career goals.

Locations: On Campus, Online

Total Credit Hours: 120+

Next Session Start: January 13, 2025

Approved Degree Plan: Download PDF

ALIGN YOURSELF WITH EXCELLENCE

Regent has been ranked among the Top National Universities by the U.S. News & World Report (2024). Our programs have also ranked as the #1 Best Online Bachelor's Programs in Virginia 12 years in a row (2013-2024).

ADVANCE YOUR KNOWLEDGE

Understand criminology, police studies, crime scene investigation, community corrections, crisis intervention, and more.

FOCUS ON SAFETY

Explore homeland security through the Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice program and learn how to prepare for disasters and mitigate hazards.

ACCESS FACULTY EXPERTISE

Be mentored by faculty in Virginia Beach who hold the highest degrees in their field.

Explore Scholarships

Explore exciting scholarship opportunities such as academic merit scholarships, honors college scholarships, and more! Learn about the scholarships for on-campus incoming freshmen: the $10,000 Freedom Scholarships, $4,000 Homeschool Scholarships and $4,000 Private School Scholarships.

Please complete the Request Information form on this page to learn more about this program.

Regent University ranked #17 of the top 18 bachelor's degrees in law enforcement | BestAccreditedColleges.org

Regent University ranked #4 of the top 10 Best Online Criminal Justice Programs | CriminalJusticeDegreeHub.com

Regent University ranked #24 of the top 44 Probation Officer degree programs | Intelligent.com

Regent University ranked #25 of the top 49 best security management bachelor's degrees | Study.com

Career Opportunities

On completing the B.S. in Criminal Justice degree, you can:

Prepare for a career in local, state, federal, or international law enforcement.
Navigate the trial process, sentencing, and appeals.
Work efficiently within police departments and other law enforcement agencies.

Career Opportunities

Bailiff
Border Patrol & Customs
Detective Work
Game Warden
Homeland Security Official
Police & Probation Officer

$67Thousand

Median annual wage for police and detectives U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020

Concentrations

Corrections

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice – Corrections will expand your understanding of juvenile justice, criminal law, criminal procedure, criminal justice systems and ethics.

Learn More

Homeland Security

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice – Homeland Security will increase your knowledge on issues of criminal law, homeland security, terrorism and the criminal justice system.

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Law Enforcement

The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminal Justice – Law Enforcement will teach you about issues of criminal law and procedure, public policy, constitutional law, ethics, and law and order.

Learn More

Featured Courses

Featured Courses
Code	Name	Credits
CRJU 131	Introduction to Criminal Justice	3	Examines the American criminal justice system. Investigates the agencies and processes involved in the administration of criminal justice. Considers various approaches in defining, measuring, and controlling crime.
CRJU 220	Criminology	3	Investigates the nature and causation of crime. Gives attention to major theoretical explanations for crime as well as to the treatment and prevention of crime.
CRJU 250	Research & Writing in Criminal Justice	3	Covers thesis design, overview of criminal justice library guides, introduction to quantitative and qualitative research methods, APA formatting, administrative and criminal case briefing, academic writing, formal reporting, and memoranda.
CRJU 280	Criminal Investigation	3	Discusses principles and practices of criminal investigation including crime scene conduct and procedures, collection and preservation of evidence, interview and interrogation techniques, development of leads, and the use of surveillance techniques. Addresses ethical issues related to the criminal case investigation.
CRJU 330	Corrections	3	Investigation and analysis of the history, current practices, and various aspects of the corrections system. Gives attention to the future direction of corrections.
CRJU 335	Criminal Evidence	3	Discusses criminal evidence rules in the United States. Emphasis to the exclusionary rule and the distinction between real and testimonial evidence. Trial procedures, examination of witnesses, real/physical evidence, circumstantial evidence, the hearsay rule, the opinion evidence rule, and judicial notice. Discusses ethical considerations related to seized and submitted evidence.
CRJU 340	Constitutional Law	3	Analyzes the character of judicial power and review. Examines key U.S. Supreme Court decisions as related to the Bill of Rights, and its relationship to the states through focusing on civil rights and civil liberties decisions. Cross-listed with GOVT 382.
CRJU 361	Ethics in Criminal Justice	3	Analysis of the diverse ethical dilemmas encountered in the criminal justice profession. Considers the importance of an ethic of virtue that focuses on an individual’s character as the source of virtuous action- both personal and professional. Evaluates leading ethical theories as they are applied to diverse ethical dilemmas in the criminal justice profession and examines various standards and codes of professional conduct within the criminal justice profession.
CRJU 411	Theories of Criminal Justice	3	Examines crime control and various perspectives. Identifies approaches to crime control and the legislation, courts, and corrections engaged in the process. Considers approaches beyond the criminal justice system.
CRJU 460	Senior Research in Criminal Justice	3	Capstone course for the integration and synthesis of knowledge and principles concerning the criminal justice system, law and adjudication, criminology, law enforcement, ethics, diversity, research methods and other areas of study. Students plan, design, and conduct a research project. Final papers report the results of the study and are presented in a formal research seminar. As part of course, an electronic portfolio may be required. Prerequisites: CRJU 457 and Senior standing.

Admissions Requirements

Step 1: Apply to Regent University

Submit your application using the Regent University Online Application.

Note: If you are unable to complete our application due to a disability, please contact our Admissions Office at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu and an admissions representative will provide reasonable accommodations to assist you in completing the application.

Step 2: Submit Your Unofficial Transcripts

Submit your unofficial high school or college transcripts to regent.edu/items.

Upon submitting your application, you will receive an email requesting authorization for Regent University to obtain your official transcripts from your U.S. degree-granting institution. International transcripts must be evaluated by a NACES, AACRAO or NAFSA approved agency.

Step 3: Submit Your Government-Issued ID

To ensure academic integrity, Regent University requires a copy of a government-issued ID. Please submit a scanned copy or photograph of it to regent.edu/items.

Step 4: Submit Your FAFSA

Complete your Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) at studentaid.gov Regent's school code is 030913.

Please feel free to contact the Office of Admissions at 757.352.4990 or admissions@regent.edu should you have any further questions about the application process.

Note: All items submitted as part of the application process become the property of Regent University and cannot be returned.

Tuition & Fees

2024-25 Tuition Rates

On Campus

Degree	Tuition Block Rate Per Semester	Credit Hours Per Semester	Tuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$9,975	12 - 18	$19,950

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$665	Under 12	$7,980
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$665	Over 18	$11,970
Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester)	$665	N/A	$1,995+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)

$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Online

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)	$450	6	$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)	$395	12	$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)

$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

2023-24 Tuition Rates

On Campus

Degree	Tuition Block Rate Per Semester	Credit Hours Per Semester	Tuition Rate Per Year
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$9,493	12 - 18	$18,986

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$630	Under 12	$7,560
Students taking on-campus classes (fall & spring semesters)	$630	Over 18	$11,340
Students taking on-campus classes (summer semester)	$630	N/A	$1,890+

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (On-Campus Students)

$850 (Fall & Spring)
$700 (Summer)

Housing Fees » | Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

Online

Degree	Tuition Cost Per Credit Hour	Average Credit Hours Per Semester	Average Tuition Per Semester
Part-Time Students (3-11 Credit Hours Per Semester)	$450	6	$2,700
Full-Time Students (12+ Credit Hours Per Semester)	$395	12	$4,740

Student Fees Per Semester

University Services Fee (Online Students)

$700

Military Admissions & Aid » | Cost of Attendance »

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“We are active-duty military, so finding an accredited, online university was important. With Regent, the transfer process was smooth, the curriculum is engaging, and I get to learn from professors who love God and teach with passion and expertise.”

Allie Bryant, B.S. in Marketing, 2021 Social Media Specialist

“I'm grateful to Regent for developing my leadership skills, which are an essential component to the technical knowledge needed for a career in my field.”

Maximiliano Gigli, B.S. in Cybersecurity, 2020 Administrative Business Partner, Google

“I easily passed the ITF+ and CompTIA A+ exams. My scores well exceeded the passing minimum, thanks to what I learned at Regent even before completing my degree!”

Jason Elliott, B.S. in Cybersecurity - Business Leadership & Management, 2022

“Regent University provided a firm foundation for my worldview as a Catholic Christian in a profession and field of study largely missing an understanding of metaphysical and theological truths.”

Jalyn Dio, B.S. in Biophysical Sciences, 2022 Assistant Scientist, PPD