# Criminal Justice

**Institution:** ECPI University

**College:** Business & Criminal Justice

**Sub-Program:** Criminal Justice

**Degree:** Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

**Canonical URL:** https://www.ecpi.edu/programs/criminal-justice-degree

**Last Updated:** 2026-08-25T18:25:22+00:00

## Criminal Justice Degree Overview

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, the judiciary, and related fields. Through a practice-oriented curriculum, students build a strong foundation in criminal law, criminology, and the justice system while developing critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills. This approach equips graduates to address complex challenges and gain a holistic understanding of the roles and interconnectedness of law enforcement, courts, and corrections.

The program emphasizes critical thinking, problem-solving, and ethical decision-making skills, preparing graduates to address complex challenges within the criminal justice system. By exploring the interconnectedness of law enforcement, the courts, and corrections, students gain a holistic understanding of the criminal justice process and its impact on society.

Through ECPI University’s year-round accelerated schedule, students can earn a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice in just 2.5 years.

- **121 Total Credits** — 2.5 Year Bachelor's Degree
- **Real-World Case Studies** — Practical Simulations
- **Up to 90 Credits** — Transfer Credits

### Knowledge and Skills

Graduates should grow in the following areas:

- **Criminal Justice Technology & Techniques:**
    Use modern technology and techniques to enhance criminal investigations and law enforcement.
- **Human Behavior & Crime Analysis:**
    Study psychological and sociological factors influencing crime and community interactions.
- **Criminal Justice System Functions:**
    Understand law enforcement, corrections, courts, and their roles in public safety and justice.
- **Crisis Management:**
    Apply skills to handle emergencies and ensure public safety.

## Program Structure and Learning Formats

### Flexible Learning Environments

- **Campus**: Our campuses provide an immersive classroom setting, interacting directly with professors and classmates in real-time. Benefit from face-to-face discussions, hands-on labs, and the immediate support of instructors.
- **Online**: Flexible and convenient, online learning allows you to study on your own time, from anywhere. Access lectures, lab simulations, and course materials online, collaborating with classmates through virtual forums and discussions.
- **Hybrid**: To enhance flexibility, many campus courses are delivered via synchronous hybrid format, where students engage in both online learning activities and real-time interactions with instructors and classmates.

### Locations

- [Raleigh, NC](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/raleigh-nc)
- [Virginia Beach, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/virginia-beach-va)
- [Newport News, VA](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/newport-news-va)
- [Online](https://www.ecpi.edu/locations/online)

## Criminal Justice Curriculum

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Criminal Justice concentration

### Featured Courses

- **Domestic Terrorism** — CJ416
    This course will provide an overview of domestic terrorism within the United States. Students will learn the history and motives of domestic terrorism/terrorist groups as well as techniques to combat domestic terrorism.
- **Organized Crime** — CJ340
    This course introduces concepts related to organized crime groups within the United States and abroad. Students will learn the history and operational strategies of organized crime groups.

### Program Requirements

To receive the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree, students must earn 121 semester credit hours. The program requires a minimum of 8 semesters, which is equivalent to 30 months or 120 weeks of instruction. The program requirements are as follows:

#### Core Courses
48 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CJ100](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ100 "View CJ100") | [Introduction to Criminal Justice](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ100 "View CJ100") | 3 |
| [CJ106](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ106 "View CJ106") | [Criminal Law](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ106 "View CJ106") | 3 |
| [CJ110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ110 "View CJ110") | [Law Enforcement Operations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ110 "View CJ110") | 3 |
| [CJ125](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ125 "View CJ125") | [Criminal Procedure](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ125 "View CJ125") | 3 |
| [CJ130](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ130 "View CJ130") | [Ethics in Criminal Justice](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ130 "View CJ130") | 3 |
| [CJ135](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ135 "View CJ135") | [Corrections](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ135 "View CJ135") | 3 |
| [CJ200](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ200 "View CJ200") | [Investigations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ200 "View CJ200") | 3 |
| [CJ225](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ225 "View CJ225") | [Crime Scene Management](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ225 "View CJ225") | 3 |
| [CJ229](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ229 "View CJ229") | [Cybercrime Investigations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ229 "View CJ229") | 3 |
| [CJ230](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ230 "View CJ230") | [Introduction to Terrorism](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ230 "View CJ230") | 3 |
| [CJ235](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ235 "View CJ235") | [Criminology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ235 "View CJ235") | 3 |
| [CJ325](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ325 "View CJ325") | [CJ Special Populations](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ325 "View CJ325") | 3 |
| [CJ350](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ350 "View CJ350") | [Criminal Justice Documentation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ350 "View CJ350") | 3 |
| [CJ380](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ380 "View CJ380") | [Private Security](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ380 "View CJ380") | 3 |
| [CJ410](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ410 "View CJ410") | [CJ Capstone Project](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ410 "View CJ410") | 3 |
| [CJ430](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ430 "View CJ430") | [Critical Incident Management](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ430 "View CJ430") | 3 |

#### Arts and Sciences Courses\*
31 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

*\*For allowable substitutions of arts and sciences courses, see the Arts & Sciences Department page.*

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CAP480](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CAP480 "View CAP480") | [Arts and Sciences Capstone](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CAP480 "View CAP480") | 3 |
| [COM115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | [Principles of Communication](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COM115 "View COM115") | 3 |
| [ENG110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | [College Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG110 "View ENG110") | 3 |
| [ENG120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG120 "View ENG120") | [Advanced Composition](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ENG120 "View ENG120") | 3 |
| [HUM205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | [Culture, Thought, and the Human Experience](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/HUM205 "View HUM205") | 3 |
| [MTH131](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH131 "View MTH131") | [College Algebra](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH131 "View MTH131") | 3 |
| [MTH140](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH140 "View MTH140") | [Statistics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/MTH140 "View MTH140") | 3 |
| [PHY120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | [Physics](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120 "View PHY120") | 3 |
| [PHY120L](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | [Physics Lab](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PHY120L "View PHY120L") | 1 |
| [PSY225](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY225 "View PSY225") | [Industrial/Organizational Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY225 "View PSY225") | 3 |
| [PSY105](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | [Introduction to Psychology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/PSY105 "View PSY105") | 3 |

#### Self-Integration Courses
6 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CIS108](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CIS108 "View CIS108") | [Office Applications](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CIS108 "View CIS108") | 2 |
| [COR191](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | [Career Orientation](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/COR191 "View COR191") | 1 |
| [FOR110](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | [Essentials for Success](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/FOR110 "View FOR110") | 3 |

#### Criminal Justice Concentration Courses
18 semester credit hours

**Complete ALL of the following Courses:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [CJ115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ115 "View CJ115") | [Drugs and Crime](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ115 "View CJ115") | 3 |
| [CJ205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ205 "View CJ205") | [Juvenile Justice](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ205 "View CJ205") | 3 |
| [CJ370](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ370 "View CJ370") | [Rules of Evidence](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ370 "View CJ370") | 3 |
| [CJ435](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ435 "View CJ435") | [Emergency Planning](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ435 "View CJ435") | 3 |
| [CJ461](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ461 "View CJ461") | [Media Relations For Law Enforcement](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ461 "View CJ461") | 3 |
| [CJ480](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ480 "View CJ480") | [Community Corrections](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ480 "View CJ480") | 3 |

#### Elective Courses
18 semester credit hours

**Earn at least 18 credits from the following:**

| Course ID | Course Name | Credit Hours |
|---|---|---|
| [ACC160](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ACC160 "View ACC160") | [Principles of Accounting I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ACC160 "View ACC160") | 3 |
| [ACC161](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ACC161 "View ACC161") | [Principles of Accounting II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/ACC161 "View ACC161") | 3 |
| [BUS121](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS121 "View BUS121") | [Introduction to Business](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/BUS121 "View BUS121") | 3 |
| [CJ115](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ115 "View CJ115") | [Drugs and Crime](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ115 "View CJ115") | 3 |
| [CJ205](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ205 "View CJ205") | [Juvenile Justice](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ205 "View CJ205") | 3 |
| [CJ240](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ240 "View CJ240") | [Intelligence](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ240 "View CJ240") | 3 |
| [CJ245](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ245 "View CJ245") | [Multi-Cultural Communication for Law Enforcement](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ245 "View CJ245") | 3 |
| [CJ250](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ250 "View CJ250") | [Introduction to Geospatial Technologies](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ250 "View CJ250") | 3 |
| [CJ290](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ290 "View CJ290") | [Externship-CJ III](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ290 "View CJ290") | 3 |
| [CJ291](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ291 "View CJ291") | [Externship-CJ II](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ291 "View CJ291") | 2 |
| [CJ292](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ292 "View CJ292") | [Externship-CJ I-a](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ292 "View CJ292") | 1 |
| [CJ305](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ305 "View CJ305") | [Victimology](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ305 "View CJ305") | 3 |
| [CJ310](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ310 "View CJ310") | [Digital Forensic Analysis](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ310 "View CJ310") | 3 |
| [CJ320](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ320 "View CJ320") | [Human Trafficking and Domestic Violence](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ320 "View CJ320") | 3 |
| [CJ340](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ340 "View CJ340") | [Organized Crime](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ340 "View CJ340") | 3 |
| [CJ361](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ361 "View CJ361") | [Law Enforcement Management](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ361 "View CJ361") | 3 |
| [CJ370](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ370 "View CJ370") | [Rules of Evidence](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ370 "View CJ370") | 3 |
| [CJ390](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ390 "View CJ390") | [Crime Mapping](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ390 "View CJ390") | 3 |
| [CJ400](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ400 "View CJ400") | [Fraud Examination](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ400 "View CJ400") | 3 |
| [CJ416](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ416 "View CJ416") | [Domestic Terrorism](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ416 "View CJ416") | 3 |
| [CJ461](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ461 "View CJ461") | [Media Relations For Law Enforcement](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ461 "View CJ461") | 3 |
| [CJ480](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ480 "View CJ480") | [Community Corrections](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ480 "View CJ480") | 3 |
| [CJ485](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ485 "View CJ485") | [Homeland Security](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ485 "View CJ485") | 3 |
| [CJ490](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ490 "View CJ490") | [Externship-CJ Sr. III](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CJ490 "View CJ490") | 3 |
| [CST100](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST100 "View CST100") | [Introduction to Computing](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST100 "View CST100") | 3 |
| [CST120](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST120 "View CST120") | [Computer Configuration I](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST120 "View CST120") | 3 |
| [CST140](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST140 "View CST140") | [Introduction to Operating Systems](https://www.ecpi.edu/course/CST140 "View CST140") | 3 |

## Accreditation

ECPI University is accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award associate, baccalaureate, and master’s degrees.

Full accreditation details: [ECPI University Accreditation](https://www.ecpi.edu/accreditation).