App State Online: Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) Flight Path Program

Finish Your Degree and Advance Your Career

Learn more about Flight Path programs at App State Online.

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Strong reputation among employers in North Carolina and the region

Transfer-friendly program

$386 per credit hour tuition* + tech and textbook fees

*$464 for out-of-state students; tuition subject to change

Learn more about Flight Path programs at App State Online.

Fill out the form below, and an admissions counselor will reach out to you via email or phone with more information.

Thank you for requesting information.

One of our Admissions Advisors will be contacting you. If you’re ready to apply, you can start your application here: https://mynclearning.my.site.com/AppStateApplicants/s/

Elevate Your Criminal Justice Career Skills

Complex societal issues call for law enforcement, corrections and legal professionals who can lead with integrity and apply critical thinking to improve the criminal justice system. You have the potential to become that leader — you just need the right degree to help get you there.

The BSCJ program at App State Online prepares you to advance your career in criminal justice by expanding your awareness of social issues, perspectives and policies. The online BSCJ teaches next-level leadership skills that agencies value, including interpersonal and written communication, problem-solving and decision-making.

To best serve our degree-completing students, this program requires at least 24 semester credit hours of transfer credit with a minimum GPA of 2.25.

It’s time to finish what you started. Elevate your criminal justice career at App State Online.

Take Your Criminal Justice Career to the Next Level

By earning your criminal justice degree in an App State Online: Flight Path Program, you’ll develop a well-rounded skill set applicable to public and private sector roles at all levels of government.

During your time in the program, you’ll learn:

Fundamental concepts of criminal justice, including the roles of law enforcement, courts and corrections
The impact of social, political and economic factors on crime, criminal behavior and policy responses
Critical thinking and problem-solving skills to address criminal justice issues and make ethical decisions
Skills in research methods and data analysis relevant to the criminal justice field

Potential Careers With a Criminal Justice Degree

The BSCJ program empowers you to go further in your field, whether you want to work in law enforcement, court systems, public safety, community corrections or other positions within criminal and social justice organizations.

Take a look at some possible careers available to you with a criminal justice bachelor’s degree:¹

Detective/Criminal Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $93,850

Claims Adjusters, Appraisers, Examiners, and Investigators

Median Annual Salary: $76,790

Probation Officer and Correctional Treatment Specialist

Median Annual Salary: $64,520

Paralegal

Median Annual Salary: $61,101

Kendall Hughes Testimonial — Kendall Hughes,

Tuition & Aid

$386 per credit hour tuition* + tech and textbook fees
*$464 for out-of-state students; tuition subject to change

120 credits

Financial aid and scholarships available

App State Online: Flight Path Programs are proud to provide top-quality criminal justice education at an accessible price. U.S. News & World Report ranks Appalachian State University as:

Top 2 in Top Public Schools (South)
Top 2 in Best Colleges for Veterans (South)
Top 3 in Best Regional Universities (South)
Top 16% nationwide in Best Online Bachelor’s Programs

This ensures a sound return on your investment, as we’re nationally recognized for valuable education.

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Flexible

Multiple eight-week term starts are available with flexible scheduling allowing you to work at the time and pace that makes sense for you.

Outstanding Reputation

With over 30 years of experience in criminal justice education, App State is recognized for preparing top-quality graduates.

Transfer Friendly

Transfer-friendly policies allow you to save money and time completing your degree.

Expert Faculty

Our online criminal justice courses are taught by experienced professionals in the field, including attorneys, probation officers and former federal judges.

Preparation for Graduate Studies

The academic rigor of the BSCJ program supports the transition to graduate studies, which can lead to future raises and promotions.

Professional Development

You’ll learn applicable professional skills, such as delivering presentations and writing police reports, all while honing your abilities in critical thinking and decision-making.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does it take to get a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice online?

Like most bachelor’s degrees, the BSCJ at App State Online requires 120 total credits for degree completion. However, the program requires a minimum of 24 transfer credits to enroll, allowing you to complete the degree in less than four years. Any additional transfer credits you have can significantly reduce your required credit hours and expedite your time to graduation.

Is a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice worth it?

Earning a bachelor’s degree is a reliable investment in your career, with 87% of bachelor’s degree holders reporting financial well-being, according to the Association of Public & Land-Grant Universities (APLU). The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS) also projects strong job growth in criminal justice over the next decade, with an estimated 63,000 annual openings for police and detectives, 7,400 for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists and 3,600 for private detectives and investigators.

What can you do with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice?

Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice doesn’t just prepare you for roles in law enforcement. This degree also opens doors to careers in forensics, courts, social work, corrections and legal services. For those working in law enforcement, police departments often offer financial incentives such as tuition stipends for officers pursuing a bachelor’s degree.

What kinds of roles can I pursue within law enforcement, corrections or the legal system?

While law enforcement, corrections and the legal system are all directions you can pursue with a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, the roles vary for each. Roles in law enforcement include police officers, detectives and federal agents, requiring skills such as investigation, crisis response and community engagement. Roles in corrections include probation officers, correctional treatment specialists and correctional officers, emphasizing skills such as counseling, case management and rehabilitation planning. Roles in law include paralegals and lawyers (with additional education), requiring skills such as research, analytical reasoning and legal knowledge.

Can you get an accredited criminal justice degree online?

Yes, it’s possible to earn an online degree from an accredited institution. App State Online’s BSCJ is accredited by Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges (SACSCOC) to award bachelor’s, master’s, educational specialist and doctorate degrees.

Meet the Associate Dean

Cathy Marcum, PhD

Interim Associate Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences
Professor of Criminal Justice

parksav@appstate.edu

(828) 262-3075

Dr. Marcum joined the Department of Government and Justice Studies in 2012 and served as department chair from 2022 to 2025. She was appointed interim associate dean of the College of Arts and Sciences in June 2025. She earned a PhD in Criminology from Indiana University of Pennsylvania. Her areas of teaching and research focus on correctional issues, cybercrime and victimization, and very much enjoys working with students on research. She is editor of the Journal of Criminal Justice Education, a journal of Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, and is Immediate Past Chair of the Division of Cybercrime for the American Society of Criminology.

Meet the Rest of the Team

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Online Learning Made Personal

Online learning with App State Online: Flight Path Programs is all about connection — connecting with your peers, faculty and career aspirations. You’ll be welcomed into a dynamic community that truly cares about your success.

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What You Need for Admission

The minimum requirements for admission are as follows:

24 or more hours of transferable credit.
Applicants must have a cumulative GPA of at least a 2.25 across all coursework.
Applicants must have earned a C (2.0) or better in coursework for it to be considered transferable. Other requirements may apply.

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About App State Online: Flight Path Programs

As a premier public institution, Appalachian State University prepares students to lead purposeful lives as global citizens who understand and engage their responsibilities in creating a sustainable future for all. App State Online: Flight Path Programs allow you to connect to a top-tier campus, from wherever you are. Get a high-quality education that adapts to — and enriches — your lifestyle. With flexible, interactive bachelor’s and graduate programs accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges and courses designed, developed and taught by the same faculty who teach on campus, App State Online: Flight Path Programs allow you to create your own success and transform your life.

¹General labor market and salary data are sourced from the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics. Salary and employment outcomes vary by geographic area, previous work experience and education. App State does not guarantee employment placement, salary level or career advancement. Additional training and experience may be necessary for leadership positions.