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Crime and Justice Studies Online
BA

Program introduction and alerts

Offered as:  Online Undergraduate

Complete your degree in Crime and Justice Studies

Flexibly designed with part-time learners in mind, the online bachelor's degree in Crime & Justice Studies (CJS) program brings together the fields of criminology, criminal justice, and justice studies.

By bridging the social sciences and humanities, the CJS program specializes in the study of the criminal justice system's history, policies, politics, and procedures.

Program curriculum and details

Transferring to UMassD

With our generous transfer policy, students with existing credits may transfer up to 90 credits from a regionally accredited institution.

Our multidisciplinary program meets the needs of undergraduate students interested in entering the fields of law enforcement, the courts, corrections, probation, parole, social services, youth services, public policy, research, non-profit, and non-governmental or community organizations.

Required courses

Students must complete the following required courses:

  • Introduction to Crime and Justice Studies
  • Justice and Society
  • Criminological Theory
  • Contemporary Topics in Justice

Additionally, students complete Crime and Justice Studies electives, upper-level electives from at least 2 different disciplines, and an internship.

Pre-Law Concentration

We offer a concentration within our major geared towards preparing you for law school. You'll focus on courses with an emphasis on law and the courts, in both the U.S. criminal justice system and international criminal justice systems.

For the concentration, you'll complete 39 credit hours, and 120 credit hours overall.

Sample course offerings

Examples of courses offered in the Crime and Justice Studies program include (course offerings subject to change):

  • Women, Crime and the Law
  • Racism, Crime & Justice
  • Abolitionism
  • Politics of Policing
  • The War on Drugs
  • Men & Masculinities
  • White Collar Crime

Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Student success

Career opportunities

Graduates have a solid foundation for pursuing a variety of careers or furthering their education in fields such as:

  • Public Service
  • Government
  • Law
  • Law Enforcement
  • Public Policy

Transfer Applicants

  • Submit official transcripts from all accredited colleges or universities for which you enrolled in courses

Students coming directly from high school and/or with 0-11 college credits will be required to: 

  • have high school transcript sent to UMass Dartmouth 
  • have official SAT or ACT scores sent to UMass Dartmouth (only required for those applicants with a high school GPA under 3.0 and graduated from high school less than four years ago)

Students who complete high school through the GED/HiSET program will be required to:

  • submit a copy of the GED/HiSET certificate from the state
  • submit a copy of your GED/HiSET test record
  • submit an official high school transcript

Customize your education and receive the help and guidance to finish as planned.

  • UMassD rated #4 in Massachusetts for online bachelor’s programs, #6 in New England, and #70 nationwide, by U.S. News & World Report
  • UMassD online bachelor’s degree program ranked #7 in the nation by College Choice for most affordable online colleges
  • Value and affordability of a UMass education
  • Generous transfer policy
  • One-on-one personal advising from enrollment through graduation
  • Military friendly, with leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience
  • Free online and in-person tutoring and writing center

Learning style: online

Online courses are taught by UMass Dartmouth faculty to provide high quality instruction and personal attention. Students have the flexibility to accommodate work and home responsibilities within the structure of defined assignment due dates. The majority of our online courses are taught asynchronously.

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Course descriptions, schedules and requirements

Accreditations and distinctions

UMass Dartmouth is Military Friendly

UMassD is a Military Friendly School, with leading practices in the recruitment and retention of students with military experience. Learn more about veteran services and benefits at UMassD.

Undergraduate experiences at UMass Dartmouth

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Honors College

Take advanced courses, pursue research, and be part of a community of scholars.

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Study Abroad

Earn academic credits and gain a global perspective on your field.

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Undergraduate Research

Faculty work with students on cutting-edge research projects.

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University Studies

Gain the benefit of a broad university education to enhance your knowledge and skills.

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