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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Learn how to Promote Justice through Integrity

You know that justice lies at the intersection of public safety and the preservation of human rights. You can explore the principles behind criminal justice with Norwich University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online degree. Norwich helps you to understand the processes that enable police, courts and the corrections system to function efficiently and ethically.

Experience an education tailored to learners like you. Norwich's dedicated faculty of working experts provides insight into law enforcement, policy development and intelligence. With six start dates per year and the 100% online learning platform, you can continue to serve the community while completing coursework when it best fits your schedule.

It is your turn to advance in this challenging yet rewarding field. With your Norwich degree, you will conduct data analyses and research in social science and develop skills in writing, leadership and ethical problem solving. You may tailor your degree with specialization in intelligence and security management, or elective courses that best support your career objectives. 

You, at Norwich

Our approach to integrated curricula allows you to take courses in a wide range of subjects, as well as the opportunity to explore a specific topic of study in depth.

Transfer up to 90 semester credits and complete your degree in fewer than two years.

Several start dates per year offer you the ability to enroll when it fits your schedule.

Relevant electives, including Strategic Communications or Business and Professional Writing.

Accreditation & Recognition

NECHE Accredited

 Norwich University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (formerly the Commission on Institutions of Higher Education of the New England Association of Schools and Colleges, Inc.).

Program & Details

At a Glance

  • Transfer up to 90 credits
  • Multiple start dates per year

 

 

Contact Admissions

Monday - Friday: 8 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. EDT    
Extended hours available by appointment

Call: 1-866-684-7237    
learn@norwich.edu

Transfer Credits


You may receive the equivalent of up to 90 semester credits for training and prior learning that meet specific course requirements in the program.
Learn more »

International Admissions


Norwich University welcomes students from all countries who want to study through our online programs. You must complete all steps in the admissions process.
International Admissions »

Norwich Alumni Benefits


Reconnect with Norwich to complete your master's degree. As a part of our alumni community, you are eligible for a $2,500 scholarship and other benefits.
Connect with our advisors »

Non-Discrimination Statement

Norwich University, in compliance with Title IV of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendment of 1972, and Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, does not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, age, sex, or physical handicap in any of its policies, practices, or procedures.

Eligibility Requirements

  • Meet one of the following criteria:
    • Prior college courses, completed with a grade of C or better, from regionally or nationally accredited institutions of higher learning, or the equivalent from a foreign institution, as evaluated by a NACES approved agency.
    • ACE-reviewed military or professional training for which college credits are recommended.*
    • Other military or professional training reviewed by Norwich University for which college credit has been assessed, or is stipulated in a MOU.
    • Credit recommended based on scores on standardized tests such as CLEP.
    • High school diploma or equivalent GED.
  • If English is not your first language, proof of English language proficiency is required. This can be demonstrated in one of three ways:
    • TOEFL - a minimum score of 550 (paper-based test) or 80 (Internet-based test) on the TOEFL is required unless otherwise noted in specific articulation agreements.**
    • IELTS – a minimum composite score of 6.5 is required.**
    • Successful completion of an associate’s degree from an accredited U.S. higher education institution.

*Prospective students who have completed military or professional training that has not been ACE reviewed may petition to Chair of Continuing Studies to have their training reviewed and assessed for transfer credit.

Please Note: All eligibility requirements are expected to be met unless noted in specific articulation agreements or memoranda of understanding (MOUs).

SPECIAL NOTE TO NORWICH UNIVERSITY RESIDENTIAL STUDENTS:

  • If you are a residential undergraduate student at Norwich University, you may enroll in CGCS courses only with written permission of the Dean of the College of Graduate of Continuing Studies, your undergraduate advisor, and your major undergraduate department chair and/or dean via the petition to enroll at CGCS form on the registrar's webpage.

Admissions Process

To apply, you must submit the following no less than four weeks prior to your desired start date:

  • Application form
  • Resume is required if applying for transfer credit.
  • Official military training transcripts (Joint Services Transcript/CCAF), sent to the address below.
  • Official transcripts of all courses taken at regionally accredited colleges, sent to the address below.
  • If entering with no military or college credit, applicants must show proof of high school completion via diploma or GED.

Transcript Links

Mail transcripts to:
Norwich University
College of Graduate and Continuing Studies
P.O. Box 367
Northfield, VT 05663

For electronic delivery, we accept transcripts delivered from Parchment, National Clearing House, and other services if sent to cgcsamt@norwich.edu via password protection.

To contact an admissions advisor:

Call: 1-866-684-7237
Email: learn@norwich.edu

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program can be completed over the course of 18 to 24 months. For a Norwich bachelor's degree, you must earn at least 120 semester credits, including transfer credits.

Concentrations available:

  • General
  • Intelligence and Security Management

To view additional program details such as course offerings, requirements, and curriculum maps for the Criminal Justice program, visit the Norwich University Course Catalog using this link.

Major

2024-25 Tuition and Fees

Norwich University Online's Bachelor's programs are an investment in your future that we can help you manage from a financial perspective. There are many ways to get financial assistance and many strategies that can help you achieve your goals. Whatever your individual situation, we can guide you through the financial planning process.

Tuition at a Glance

  • Credit Hours: 30-120
  • Credits per Term: 3-12
  • Cost Per Credit Hour: $375; $250 (active military) 

Financial Aid Resources

2024-25 Tuition and Fee Schedule

Bachelor's Program

Rate Per Credit 2024-25Tuition Additional Expenses Total
$375; $250 (Military; Veteran; and Active Duty, Guard, and Reserve spouses) $750-$4,500 /term

Technology - $300/term
Library - $75/term
Graduation Application Fee - $150

$30,000 - $45,000

Quick Info

100%

Online

Courses completed entirely online

90

Credits

Transfer up to 90 credits

18

Months

Average time to program completion

Alumni Testimonials

Brad Hanson

I wholeheartedly feel that my Norwich education was one of the final deciding factors that led to my “dream job” with the Vermont State Police.

Brad Hanson

'18 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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Julie Scribner

One of the key things to me for having a Norwich education is the name that comes with it; there’s pride and tradition that comes with having a Norwich University diploma.

Julie Scribner

'15 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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Kelley Lawrence headshot

I have always dreamed about graduating from Norwich University. Going to college was always on my bucket list and this was my motivation.

Kelley Lawrence

'16 Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

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Steve Gonzalez headshot

From the very beginning of submitting my application to graduation day, the one-on-one interaction with the faculty and staff made me feel a part of the Norwich family.

Steve Gonzalez

'16 Bachelor of Science in Strategic Studies and Defense Analysis

Read Story
Thomas Sittmann

Because of my education at Norwich, I was very fortunate to learn topics that I was actually applying (to my job). I could take the concepts and the work from the labs we did in class and apply them to real-world scenarios.

Thomas Sittmann

'21 Bachelor of Science in Cybersecurity

Read Story
Brad Hanson

Brad Hanson

Julie Scribner

Julie Scribner

Kelley Lawrence headshot

Kelley Lawrence

Steve Gonzalez headshot

Steve Gonzalez

Thomas Sittmann

Thomas Sittmann

Faculty & Staff

Join professionals from around the globe and learn from experienced faculty as you complete your degree and open up new professional and personal possibilities for yourself.

Elizabeth Gurian headshot

Elizabeth Gurian

Position(s):

  • Director of the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
  • Associate Professor

Careers & Outcomes

In an uncertain world, justice lies at the intersection of public safety and the preservation of human rights. It is with this in mind that Norwich University has designed a criminal justice program that builds upon decades of innovation and our legacy of public service to address the current challenges facing law enforcement, the U.S. military, and organizations connected to the criminal justice system. Norwich’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice online program offers challenging, relevant courses that help prepare working adults to advance in the field of criminal justice, or begin rewarding new careers in public service.

Career Outcomes

Our online criminal justice degree program has its roots in Norwich’s near 200-year legacy of developing leaders in the military, government, and public and private sectors. Norwich graduates have enjoyed a wide variety of fulfilling career opportunities and have served with distinction and pride at the local, state, national and international level.

Examples of Career Paths

  • Chief of Police
  • Company Commander
  • Correctional Officer
  • Criminal Investigator
  • Criminal Justice Department Chair
  • Deputy U.S. Marshal
  • Director of Public Safety
  • Major, Field Force Commander
  • Patrol Officer
  • Police Captain
  • Security Officer
  • Senior Special Agent

Types of Employers

  • State and municipal law enforcement agencies
  • U.S. military
  • Private security firms
  • Technology companies
  • Education/training organizations
  • Federal government agencies

Where are Norwich Alumni Today?