BS in Criminal Justice Part-Time Online Degree Completion
Complete your major online in 2 years or less
The plan of study for the BS in Criminal Justice is designed so part-time students can complete their major in two years by taking online courses during convenient eight-week AHEAD terms. Students who bring in transfer credits or choose to take winter or summer courses can complete their major in less than two years.
In addition to the AHEAD terms, degree completion students may take online courses offered during winter and summer terms.
Transfer Policy
A maximum of sixty-six (66) credits may be applied to a baccalaureate degree from a two-year college and a maximum of ninety (90) credits may be applied from a four-year college or university. The overall number of courses needed for a degree may exceed 120 credits.
If you’ve already earned 60 credits or more at another institution, Sacred Heart will waive our foundational core, with the exception of CIT 202 Seminar which is required of all students.
More Information
Contact the Part-Time Admissions Office to speak to a counselor, request information, schedule a visit or apply.
Year 1 - AHEAD 1
Provides an overview of the criminal justice system and its processes.
Reviews the fundamentals of criminal law. Topics include specific law distinctions between grades of offenses, criminal responsibility, search and seizure, use of force, search warrants and self-incrimination.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 1 - AHEAD 2
An interdisciplinary perspective to examine the causes, measurement, patterns and the effects of socioeconomic status on crime and criminal behavior.
Examines various human relations issues that affect policing and police management. Explores programs established by the police in community relations and community involvement in police policies.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 1 - AHEAD 3
Focus is on constitutional limitations pertaining to criminal proceedings, the arrest process, court procedures and sentencing. Attention is focused on the United State Supreme Court cases as well as the United States Constitution which protects individual rights.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Examines the application of probation, pardons, and parole methods for both juveniles and adults. Analyzes the most effective methods and techniques as they apply to these services
Year 1 - AHEAD 4
A general overview of the corrections system including the historical development of control of human behavior in society. Analysis of the major issues confronting corrections.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Examines the historical, theoretical and legal bases of security, including the purpose of security in modern society, ethics and security, standards, and goals for the security industry.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 2 - AHEAD 1
Includes an in-depth examination of the juvenile justice system, its history, and its practices. The course also examines the nature and causes of juvenile delinquency, sociological factors that influence such behavior, typologies of juvenile offenders, and current trends in the control of such behavior.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
A study of investigative techniques, sources of information, and an analysis of the relationships of investigative units with other law enforcement units and agencies.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 2 - AHEAD 2
Explores how organized crime is structured and how it can be controlled.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Examines the criminal courts as the fulcrum of the criminal justice system. Emphasis on the actual mechanics of the system and the decision-making of its functionaries.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 2 - AHEAD 3
CJ 381 is a required major supporting course that may also count as LAE Courses
Covers the basic structure and principles of the American legal system. The differences between federal and state courts, the civil and criminal judicial processes, the juvenile court process, and an understanding of the constitutional rights applicable to these areas.
Examines the methods of research and the types of data used to develop an understanding of criminal behavior and to create change in criminal justice policy.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Year 2 - AHEAD 4
CJ 391 is a required major supporting course that may also count as LAE Courses
Supervised placement in a criminal justice agency or site.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101
Discussion and analysis of contemporary issues and problems related to the criminal justice system.
Prerequisite: Take CJ-101 and senior standing (greater than 87 creditsýcompleted prior to bginning the course)
Core Curriculum
Students must also complete Sacred Heart University’s Core Curriculum. See the University’s Core Curriculum below.
| Term | Course |
|---|---|
| Year 1 - AHEAD 1 | CTL 125 [PTOL] (3 CR) HI 100/HI 102 (3 CR) |
| Year 1 - AHEAD 2 | FYWS 125 (3 CR) MA (3 CR) |
| Year 1 - AHEAD 3 | CIT 201 [PTOL] (3 CR) ENG 201 (3 CR) Foundational Core Social Sciences (3 CR) |
| Year 1 - AHEAD 4 | CIT 202 [PTOL] (3 CR) Foundational Core Science (3 CR) Foundational Core Art/Communication (3 CR) |
| Year 2 - AHEAD 1 | CIT 201 [PTOL] (3 CR) LAE (3 CR)* |
| Year 2 - AHEAD 2 | CIT 202 [PTOL] (3 CR) LAE (3 CR)* |
| Year 2 - AHEAD 3 | CIT 201 [PTOL] (3 CR) TRS (3 CR)* LAE (3 CR)* |
| Year 2 - AHEAD 4 | CIT 202 [PTOL] (3 CR) PH (3 CR)* |
*Required major supporting courses may also count as LAE courses
In addition to the AHEAD terms, degree completion students may take online courses offered during winter and summer terms.