Criminal Justice
School of Adult & Graduate Studies
Classes start January 6, 2025
Earn Your Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree Online.
Get your Criminal Justice degree from Montreat College and prepare for a rewarding career in service to your community at the local, state and federal levels. Our program is flexible and competitively priced, and it prepares you for a wide range of careers in law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
- Explore and learn a broad range of criminal justice topics through online instruction from faculty with experience in the field.
- Develop the skills in critical-thinking, problem-solving and conflict resolution needed to enter directly into a career in criminal justice or advance your current career in criminal justice.
- Montreat College’s Criminal Justice program offers a broad range of courses to provide you with a comprehensive foundation for entering or advancing in the criminal justice field.
- Enjoy the benefits of online learning. Study when it is convenient in the comfort of your personal environment, while learning from supportive professors who care about your success.
Whether you are an experienced criminal justice professional or just starting out on your criminal justice journey, get your degree and take your education and career to the next level at Montreat College.
Online Criminal Justice Degree Program Highlights
- Courses focus on law enforcement, courts, corrections and various aspects of crime and criminal behavior.
- Accredited – Learn at an accredited online university.
- Convenient & Flexible – Online criminal justice programs let you balance work, life, family, and school.
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Frequently Asked Questions
When are the start dates for the Criminal Justice degree program?
Please see the admissions page for specific enrollment and start dates.
How long does it take to complete the Criminal Justice degree?
A Bachelor’s Degree is 120 credit hours and can take one to four years to complete depending upon the amount of credits you transfer in.
How much does the Criminal Justice degree program cost?
Montreat College programs are competitively priced, and we offer multiple forms of financial aid to help you achieve your educational goals. Please see the current AGS Tuition and Fees page here. Also, please keep in mind that there are multiple college and government financial aid programs available to help mitigate the cost of your education. You can learn more about your financial aid options
What is the length of the online Criminal Justice Degree courses?
Starting Fall 2021, all courses will be eight-week sessions. There are 2 sessions in a semester. To be considered a full-time undergraduate student, a student must take 12 credit hours per semester. For the 12 credit hours, the student must take 2 courses (6 credit hours) the first eight-week session and 2 courses (6 credit hours) the second eight-week session. Semesters in this program are Spring, Summer, and Fall.
What are the admissions requirements?
Applicants must submit the following for admissions consideration:
- Montreat College Application for Admission
- Official, final transcripts of all college courses taken*
- Overall grade point average (GPA) of 2.0 on a 4.0 scale or higher in all previous college work attempted.
- Official, final high school transcript or its equivalent (if transferring less than 12 semester credits of college credit)*
- American Council on Education (ACE) verification demonstrating any eligible CLEP and DSST examinations, and non-collegiate military training.
*All final transcripts must include graduation information
Can I earn credits for what I already know?
If you have completed the NC Basic Law Enforcement Training (BLET) you will receive credit for the courses below. This is taking in consideration that 2 credits for PE are included in the BLET. If you have additional training hours, the hours will have to be audited and applied on an individual basis.
- CRIM 2210: Criminal Law
- CRIM 2310: Criminal Procedure
- CRIM 2420: Law Enforcement
- CRIM 2080: Special Topics in Criminal Justice
- CRIM 3420: Criminal Investigation
Why should you pursue a Criminal Justice degree?
For police officers:
- Enables the officer to better relate to the community
- More problem-solving and conflict-resolution oriented
- Helps officers identify best practices
- Improves communication skills and de-escalation practices
- Builds better leaders
Sources: How Education Impacts Police Performance by Mark Bond and Five reasons why police officers should be encouraged to pursue a college degree by Leana Bouffard and Gaylene Armstrong – The Conversation
For correctional officers:
- While most entry level positions in prisons and jails do not require a college degree, it is preferred for federal correctional officer positions and required for most positions as probation and parole officers.
- Having a bachelor’s degree can expand possibilities for future promotions within corrections and open possibilities for movement into other criminal justice professions.
Courses
CRIM 1111 Introduction to Criminal Justice
This course provides an overview of the criminal justice system and examines the basic facets and components of criminal justice at the local, state and federal levels. (3 credits)
CRIM 2111 Criminology
An overview of the primary criminological theories, as well as an examination of the social context within which each was developed. This course also examines how the theories aid in explaining causation of crime. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 2210 Criminal Law
A case study approach and examination of statutory criminal law, including analysis of criminal acts against persons and property, required elements of crimes, punishments and possible defenses to criminal conduct. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 2310 Criminal Procedure
The criminal justice process is studied with a concentration on the rules of criminal procedure, including rights of those accused of crimes, arrests, search and seizure, interrogation, confessions, right to counsel and the exclusionary rule. Prerequisite: CRIM 2210 (3 credits)
CRIM 2510 Corrections, Probation and Parole
An overview of the theory, history and current practices of corrections. This course examines types of correctional institutions, alternatives to incarceration, legal rights of inmates, reintegration into the community following release, parole/probation and major issues confronting correctional institutions. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 2220 Judicial Process
A study of the judicial process, including historical foundations, jurisdiction of state and federal courts, roles of individuals (i.e. judge, jury, and attorneys), standards of proof, and sufficiency of evidence. Techniques for giving credible and effective testimony in court are also covered. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 2410 Law Enforcement
This course explores the roles and responsibilities of members of law enforcement. Students will examine and the historical development of the profession, best practices in law enforcement, and the current role of law enforcement in the community. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 3420 Criminal Investigation
A study of the basic means and methods, procedures and techniques available to law enforcement for investigating crimes. Attention is also given to the foundational elements of the rules of evidence as applied to investigations. Prerequisite: CRIM 2210 and CRIM 2310 (3 credits)
CRIM 3320 Criminal Justice Administration
A study of leadership theory as it relates to the effective administration and management of a criminal justice agency. The course also examines decision-making, finance and budgeting, recruitment and selection of personnel, training, and policy development. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 3620 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
An examination of the juvenile offender within the juvenile justice system. Includes theories of juvenile delinquency, form and function of juvenile courts, social factors associated with juvenile criminal behavior and legal rights of juveniles. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 3630 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice
A study of the full range of individual differences across the spectrum of the criminal justice system. Includes discussions of diversity based on experience, age, race, gender, socio-economic class and disabilities, and how these variances impact everyone within the criminal justice system. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 3230 Constitutional Law (3)
The U.S. Constitution is the basis for our political system and is a fundamental cornerstone of the American criminal justice system. This course will provide a basic overview of our political system including the Constitution and how it is interpreted. In addition, this course will explore some of the key Supreme Court decisions that have interpreted and informed our current constitutional law. (3 credits)
CRIM 3640 Terrorism and National Security
A study of the impact that terrorism on individuals, society and government in our country. Included are discussions of the impact of terrorism on law enforcement, especially first responders, changes in Americans perspective on constitutional rights, and government responses to terrorism. Prerequisite: CRIM 1111 (3 credits)
CRIM 4061 Experiential Learning in Criminal Justice
This course allows students an opportunity to gain professional experience by working with a criminal justice agency or department. Students will have an opportunity to add important skills and workplace experience to their academic experience and grow their professional network. Students will also explore how their academic courses tie to their field of study and practice essential skills and competencies to prepare for future career opportunities. (3 credits)
CRIM 4091 Senior Seminar
A capstone experience for criminal justice students to apply the knowledge and experiences gained from the criminal justice curriculum through class discussions, presentations, and the completion of a major senior project. Prerequisite: Senior standing in criminal justice. (3 credits)
