Residential classes

Jan
08

next start date

16

week semester

5

year locked-in tuition

Online & night classes

Jan
08

next start date

8

week sessions

$375

undergraduate tuition

Available program formats: Online: BA, BS In class: BA, BS

Columbia College Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Administration

Prepare to help protect and secure people and property with a Bachelor's in Criminal Justice Administration degree from Columbia College.

Prepare for a criminal justice career at Columbia College

Public safety is an important consideration for every community. Balancing the nuances of law, ethics and morality with the complexities of the justice system requires a solid foundation in policing, cultural diversity, crime investigation, judicial process, corrections, law, agency management and more.

At Columbia College, you will develop a comprehensive understanding of criminal justice and the vital role it plays in society. You will also explore key topics in greater depth—including cybercrime, crisis intervention, private security, juvenile justice and constitutional criminal procedures. The program supports your specific career goals while integrating a broader understanding of criminal justice, law and other relevant fields.

Some possible paths include:

  • Law enforcement officer
  • Corrections officer
  • Probation and parole officer
  • Juvenile officer
  • Investigator
  • Paralegal
  • Security manager
  • Attorney

Prepare for a variety of careers in the criminal-justice field

The Criminal Justice curriculum at Columbia College provides students with the opportunity to acquire knowledge of the roles of policing, courts, laws, and corrections as they contribute to social order. Students will learn how to integrate knowledge and practice in criminal justice, as they develop their ability to achieve the professional goals of criminal justice.

Furthermore, the curriculum provides students with an opportunity to develop the individual and group skills necessary to meet various role expectations. Graduates leave with an appreciation for the complexity and dilemmas associated with the criminal justice profession.

Through both classroom and out of class experiences, this program prepares graduates for work in law enforcement, security, investigation, juvenile services, or corrections. You will be well versed in the procedures and processes used in day-to-day field work, as well as skills like communications, and critical thinking that are crucial for long-term success. The program also provides an excellent foundation for graduate study and law school.

Law enforcement and corrections professionals can transfer work training toward their degree requirements.

Opportunities to study:

  • Policing
  • Corrections
  • Ethics
  • Investigation
  • Juvenile justice
  • Management of criminal justice agencies
  • Criminal law and procedure

Columbia College Global offers traditional classroom instruction for many courses at nationwide locations. Students at nationwide locations are expected to engage with multiple learning methods, including online and virtual while completing their degree. Columbia College offers on-campus programs with traditional classroom instruction at the Residential Campus in Columbia, Missouri.

Cutout portrait of Barry Langford teaching Criminal Justice at Columbia College.

Barry Langford

"[Students will] know how to write and express themselves verbally. They’ll know how to think critically about issues. They’ll be aware of what’s going on currently in the field."

Read about Barry
View more faculty profiles

Find your path

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Questions about admissions? Call the main line.

Main line: (573) 875-8700


Want to know more about our programs? Contact the department.

Department phone: 573-875-7484
Office: STC 207
Email: HASS@CCIS.edu

Your degree starts here Take these courses

Available program formats

  • Core requirements 48 credit hours
  • Total degree requirements 120 credit hours

Some courses you may take