Criminal Justice Degree | Study Criminal Justice Online or In-Person

Hours

120 Credit Hours

Format

Campus or Online

Careers

Great Career Options

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For Public Safety by Public Safety

Advance Your Career. Complete Your Mission.

The Criminal Justice program at Midway University is built on the belief that effective law enforcement requires expert knowledge and ethical leadership. Our B.S. program is taught by former and current public safety leaders—professionals who speak your language and are committed to your success. We deliver a focused, practical education that prepares you for high-demand roles in a complex and evolving system.

On-Campus Program: Hands-On Experience, Expert Mentorship (For New Undergraduates)

For traditional students starting your academic journey, our on-campus program is an immersive, high-impact path to a career in public safety.

Hands-On Training: Put theory into practice with crime scene simulations and practical application exercises.
Eagle Connects: Learn directly from the source. Our exclusive "Eagle Connects" series brings current law enforcement officers, investigators, and agency leaders into your classroom to discuss career paths, case studies, and industry trends.
Direct Mentorship: Benefit from hands-on instruction and direct mentoring from faculty who have spent their careers in the field.

The Bachelor of Science Criminal Justice degree introduces students to the major disciplines in the field. Students will be introduced to law enforcement, courts, corrections, and contemporary challenges in criminal justice with discussion of the ethical standards expected of professionals in this field of study.

crime scene scenario

Midway Online: Accelerate Your Advancement (For Working Professionals)

We Value Your Service. We Value Your Experience.

This accelerated program is specifically designed for public safety employees, degree-completers, and working adults who need a flexible path to the next rank. Finish your degree without sacrificing your service.

Designed to Fit Your Life

Accelerated Online Format: Complete your coursework in 8-week modules, managing your studies around your shift schedule.

Cohort Enrollment: Join an online cohort to build a powerful professional network, connecting with peers from across the country in the public safety field.

Your Experience Counts: Degree Completion Pathways

We believe your on-the-job expertise should directly count toward your degree, accelerating your path to graduation:

Credit for Prior Learning (CPL): Your experience is valuable. Earn university credit for professional training, police academy certifications, or verifiable job knowledge, significantly reducing the time and cost to graduate.

Interdisciplinary Studies (IDS) Pathway: Already have many credits in different subject areas? The Interdisciplinary Studies major can be customized with a strong Criminal Justice focus, allowing you to merge your existing coursework with key areas like Psychology, Data Analytics, or Business Administration to create a unique, job-ready degree.

Ready to advance your rank? Contact an admissions counselor today to discuss your degree completion plan.

Program Highlights

Students can select a major or minor in the Criminal Justice program.

Criminal Justice Major

The Criminal Justice curriculum focuses on broad topics in law enforcement, courts, and corrections. From investigations to ethics to psychology, the coursework allows students to earn a degree that can quick start their career in this growing field.

View Criminal Justice Course Catalog

Criminal Justice Minor

A minor in Criminal Justice can be earned by completing 18 credit hours of coursework, which is selected by the student and their advisor so they may focus on their specific area of interest.

View Criminal Justice Minor Course Catalog

Internships In Criminal Justice

Many students in this program complete an internship to gain practical experience applying the knowledge they have gained in the classroom. Students work with their advisor or the Career Services Office to find the appropriate internship and can earn credit towards their degree.

Learn About Criminal Justice Internships

What Can I Do With Criminal Justice Degree?

question marks over grad cap

According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 4 percent through 2033. The continued desire for public safety is expected to lead to new openings for officers, although demand may vary by location. The median annual wage for police and detectives was $74,910 in May 2023.

There are many opportunities for criminal justice majors in government, private organizations, higher education, and even non-profits. Some careers include:

Corrections Officer
Criminal Investigator
Detective
Forensic Investigator
Faculty/Instructor at College or University
Lawyer
Police Officer

Explore Your Options

Degree Combinations
Core Combination	Career Outcome	Why This Matters
Criminal Justice + Chemistry (Minor)	Forensic Chemist, Crime Lab Analyst	Combine knowledge of legal procedures and evidence handling with laboratory skills to analyze chemical and biological evidence in a forensic setting.
Criminal Justice + Computer Science	Cybersecurity Analyst, Digital Forensics	Blend legal procedure and investigation with technical skills to combat sophisticated cybercrime and secure digital evidence.
Criminal Justice + Psychology	Victim Advocate, Forensic Specialist	Integrate legal systems with an understanding of human behavior to support vulnerable populations and analyze criminal motivations.

Frequently Asked Questions

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We offer a simple online application process. Create your account, submit all materials and track your application status conveniently online. Admissions Counselors are available to assist you with the application process and answer any questions you may have about Midway University and our programs. Give them a call at 1.800.952.4122 or email admissions@midway.edu.

Students are eligible as “full-time and “part-time” students for Federal loans and may be eligible for Federal and/or State grants. (A full-time student is a student taking 12 credit hours or more per term; a part-time student is a student taking 6-12 credit hours.)

Visit Financial Aid page for more details.

An admission decision can only be made with official documents. Transcripts are considered official when they are either mailed directly to Midway University from the issuing institution in a sealed envelope or sent electronically by a secured third party such at National Student Clearinghouse or Parchment.

Midway University works hard to provide quality degree programs at an affordable price for our students. Students can view our Tuition and Fees Schedule online.

Make sure you get the whole picture before making your decision. First, complete your FAFSA so you can see what financial aid you are eligible to receive and complete your application. Once you are admitted to Midway University, you can meet with our Financial Aid Office to discuss all the eligible aid (federal, state and institutional) that you have access to and apply for scholarships. This is the only way to figure out the true cost and if you will have any out-of-pocket expenses to cover.

Midway University accepts transfer credits from regionally accredited institutions that are 100-level or higher with a grade of “C” or better. At the time of admission, our Admissions Counselors will provide an unofficial evaluation of your transfer credit. An official evaluation will be completed by the Registrar’s Office after acceptance.

Depending on your student type, there are different steps needed to get you ready to begin classes. Visit our Next Steps page to find your path, or contact admissions at admissions@midway.edu.

Traditional students may declare a major that is only offered online following the guidelines of the online major policy in the academic catalog.

Student Testimonial

"All of my professors and the other faculty at Midway have been so helpful and understanding throughout my 4 years here. I have felt that my professors have actually cared about me and wanted to see me succeed. The support I received from all of the faculty and staff has helped me achieve my goals."

Erin Byassee '21