BA Criminology and Justice Studies

Overview

The fully online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies will teach you how to evaluate critical issues of crime and justice to pursue solutions for positive social change while preparing for careers in criminal justice and social service agencies. You will also be prepared for graduate study in criminology, law, criminal justice, justice studies and more. The program starts in fall and spring and can be completed in 16 months with eight-week semesters.

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Upcoming Online Information Sessions

May 17, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
June 21, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - RSVP
July 19, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
Aug.16 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - RSVP
Sept. 20, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
Oct. 18, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - RSVP
Nov. 15, 6:00 p.m. - 7:00 p.m. - RSVP
Dec. 20, 11:00 a.m. - 12:00 p.m. - RSVP

Application and document deadlines

Fall 2023: July 19, 2023
Spring 2024: Oct. 4, 2023
Fall 2024: April 3, 2024

Program Details

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ADMISSION
How to Apply

Admission Requirements
- Completion of 60 or more transferable semester (90 transferable quarter) units
- Minimum 2.0 cumulative GPA in all transfer coursework
  - 2.5 GPA for students who have already completed a bachelors
Prerequisites
- Completion of CSU general education transfer requirements (for articulated classes, visit the Assist website)
- Completion of SOC 201 or its equivalent, this course must be completed by the third semester of the program
View Catalog Page

COSTS

Cost Breakdown
Semester	Units*	Subtotal**
Fall Semester 1	14	$6,286
Spring Semester 1	12	$5,388
Fall Semester 2	12	$5,388
Spring Semester 2	14	$6,286
Total	52	$23,348

*Unit rate for this program is $449

**University semester fees not included. View complete breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals based on sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

Funding and Financial Aid

This program is eligible for financial aid
Visit the Extended Learning funding page or call 760-750-4850 to learn more about your funding options
Federal VA educational benefits can be used for this program (not eligible for Cal Vet fee waiver)
Cal Grant can be used for this program
Active duty military, veterans and dependents should visit the military services page or call 760-750-8705

COURSE SEQUENCE

View course descriptions and specific program requirements on the Criminology and Justice Studies Catalog Page.

Please note: This program has a set schedule of courses that you are expected to follow as part of your cohort.

Sample Schedule for Fall Start

Example Semester - Fall Start
Semester	Course (units)
Fall Semester 1	SOC 105 (4) UDGE BB - TBD (3) UDGE CC/DEg - TBD (3) UDGE DD/DEu - TBD (3)
Spring Semester 1	Choose one: SOC 311 (4) SOC 313 (4) SOC 315 (4) SOC 325 (4) Sociology elective (4)
Fall Semester 2	SOC 360 (4) Sociology elective (4) Sociology elective (4)
Spring Semester 2	Choose one: SOC 494 (4) SOC 495 (4) SOC 442 (4) Sociology elective (4) SOC 490 (2) - optional

Sample Schedule for Spring Start

Example Semester - Spring Start
Semester	Course (units)
Spring Semester 1	Choose one: SOC 311 (4) SOC 313 (4) SOC 315 (4) SOC 325 (4) Sociology elective (4)
Summer Semester 1	UDGE BB - TBD (3) UDGE CC/DEg - TBD (3) UDGE DD/DEu - TBD (3)
Fall Semester 1	SOC 360 (4) Sociology elective (4) Sociology elective (4)
Spring Semester 2	Choose one: SOC 494 (4) SOC 495 (4) SOC 442 (4) Sociology elective (4) SOC 490 (2) - optional

Schedules are subject to change.

Non-Cohort Course Options

If you are not a member of the Criminology (CRIM) cohort, but wish to enroll in select CRIM courses, you can register for the courses listed below. Additional sections of classes may be offered based on student demand. Course offerings will vary each semester depending on space availability.

This option is for:

Students matriculated into the university but not part of the CRIM cohort
Students who are not matriculated into the university and are not able to participate in the CRIM cohort

Summer 2023 Non-Cohort Courses	Block	Registration
SPAN 102	1st Block	SPAN 102 Registration
SPAN 201	2nd Block	SPAN 201 Registration

FAQ

What is a cohort?

A cohort is a group of students who work through a curriculum together to achieve the same academic degree. Because they are accepted into the same program, take their classes together and graduate together, students in cohorts tend to form a strong support system and professional network that benefit them during their degree program and beyond.

What services do you offer to active military, veterans and dependents?

Please visit our military and veteran services page to learn how we can help.

Is there a senior culminating experience?

In the BA in Criminology and Justice Studies, you can choose between an internship or a capstone seminar in community service as a culminating senior experience. The internship requires 100 hours of supervised service in a government agency, community or grassroots organization, and attendance in a weekly seminar. In the capstone, you will be placed in a work-study position in an organization that provides service to the local community. You will also participate in a coordinating seminar and produce a written analysis of the organization that demonstrates mastery of learning objectives for the major.

What are the differences between CSUSM's Criminology and Sociology programs?

View the main differences between these two programs.

Cohort program

Benefit from immediate peer support, individualized attention, guaranteed placement in courses, guaranteed time to completion, small classes and more

Fully Online

This program is fully online, earn your degree with the flexibility of 100% online coursework

Choose your senior experience

You can choose between an internship or a capstone seminar in community service as a culminating senior experience

Range of topics

Program topics include inequality, race and ethnic studies, gender in society, analysis of the justice system and criminal law, morality and the law, family violence, race and identity, families in poverty and many more

“If you are focused on your degree and have a career goal in mind, this campus has an advantage because you are guaranteed seating in every class, the professors know you on a personal level and you become friends with your classmates because you are always together.”

– JOSEPH ARELLANO

Student

“We nurture our students to think: how can you improve the human condition? How do you uplift the community that needs hope, that needs a sense of identity, that needs a sense of solidarity? Our major is very powerful.”

– XUAN SANTOS, PHD

Associate Professor, Criminology and Justice Studies