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Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) – Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice BAS
Is a Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) right for me?
UCM’s BAS degree is designed for students who have completed an Associate of Applied Science (AAS) at the community college level. If you do not have an AAS degree but are interested in criminal justice and criminology, consider exploring UCM’s related programs.
Are you currently working in the criminal justice system or considering a career change? If you hold an AAS in police science, behavioral health, paralegal studies, human services, social sciences or a related field, the University of Central Missouri’s BAS in Criminal Justice is designed for you.
Delivered entirely through flexible online learning, this program allows you to transfer your technical credits so you can graduate faster. You’ll build your understanding of the criminal justice system while developing knowledge relevant to law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, casework and client care.
Bachelor of Applied Science (BAS) - Criminal Justice, BAS at a Glance
Degree Type: Bachelor of Applied Science (AAS Required) | Credit Hours: 120 Hours
Degree Can be Taken: Online
Admission Requirements: Completion of an Associate of Applied Science Degree
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Scott Chenault
Erica Spurgeon |
What you’ll learn in the Criminal Justice program
UCM’s BAS in Criminal Justice provides a strong foundation in the criminal justice system while allowing you to tailor part of your education to your professional goals. Our comprehensive online curriculum combines flexible coursework focused study of policies, institutions and justice-related professions.
Through our specialized courses, you will study:
- The Criminal Justice System: Examine the agencies, institutions and processes that make up the criminal justice system.
- Mental Health and Criminal Justice: Explore the history and current policies affecting people with mental illness and their interactions with the justice system.
- Leadership and Management: Develop knowledge relevant to leadership and management within law enforcement and other justice-related organizations.
- Justice Policies and Practices: Examine specialized topics involving courts, corrections, probation and parole, terrorism, juvenile justice and institutional operations.
Criminal Justice (BS07): 15 Semester Hours
Unique learning opportunities in Criminal Justice
- Customizable Coursework: Select an elective that aligns with your interests and professional goals from nearly 20 available options.
- Extensive Alumni Network: Connect with UCM Criminal Justice graduates and explore internship, job-shadowing and career opportunities.
- Experienced Online Program: Learn through a Criminal Justice program that has offered online education for more than 20 years.
- Full-Time Faculty: Take online courses from the same full-time faculty members who teach on UCM’s Warrensburg campus.
Fast facts about Criminal Justice, BAS
- 100% Online Flexibility: Balance your education with work and other responsibilities through asynchronous online coursework.
- Flexible Course Lengths: Complete required courses in eight- or 16-week formats.
- Predictable Course Availability: Required courses are offered online every semester and on a rotating basis during the summer.
- Nationally Recognized Transfer Support: Named to the Phi Theta Kappa Transfer Honor Roll, UCM makes it easy to apply your AAS technical credits toward a bachelor’s degree.
Talk to an Admissions Representative
Financial aid and scholarships for Criminal Justice, BAS
As a UCM student, you’ll have a financial aid counselor as part of your six-person student support team to help you find the best way to finance your college education. The University of Central Missouri offers general university awards, grants, loans and work-study opportunities.
You can also use UCM Scholarship Finder to search for additional awards for which you may qualify. UCM staff can help you explore financial aid options and potential employer tuition reimbursement programs.
The next steps to earning a BAS in Criminal Justice are yours:
① Request information about UCM’s BAS in Criminal Justice.
Career opportunities and outcomes for Criminal Justice, BAS
A BAS degree in Criminal Justice from UCM can help you prepare for justice-related careers or pursue advancement within your current organization. The program supports a range of professional interests, including investigation, casework, client care, law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole.
Graduates may pursue opportunities with law enforcement agencies, correctional institutions, courts, social service organizations and private employers.
Possible bachelor’s degree jobs and career paths include:
- Legal assistant or legal researcher
- Reentry coordinator
- Court or background investigator
- Corporate loss prevention specialist
- Federal law enforcement officer
Federal, state and local agency positions may require additional training, testing, background investigations, security clearances or other qualifications.
Apply to the Criminal Justice, BAS Program
The UCM Career and Life Design Center
The UCM Career and Life Design Center is here for undergraduate students, graduate students and alumni from all majors, identities and interests. We are a hub for career exploration and career readiness. We offer resources and support for:
- exploring career options
- life design (explore and build career and life journeys, designing next steps)
- job and internship searching
- document reviews (resumes, cover letters, personal statements, etc.)
- interviews (coaching and mock interviewing)
- Professional Clothing Studio
- preparation for graduate school (application materials, exploring programs)
- and more!
Related Options
Frequently Asked Questions
You will study the criminal justice system, including current policies involving mental health, law enforcement, courts, corrections, probation and parole. You can also select an elective that supports your professional interests.
The program is delivered entirely online through asynchronous coursework. Required courses are offered every semester in eight-or 16-week formats and on a rotating basis during the summer.
