This program provides you with the knowledge and skills necessary to work in criminal justice fields. You’ll receive a mix of theory and practical applications of crime control, treatment, and corrections. Faculty members bring a wealth of field and academic experience to the classroom.
What is a BA in Criminal Justice degree?
Reduce tuition by up to $24k
Why earn a BA in Criminal Justice degree?
A BA in Criminal Justice provides you with a meaningful education and support through mentoring and professional relationships. You can work with inmates at a county jail, serve the community, and stand up for social justice.
Hands-on learning
Participate in the SAU Undergraduate Scholars Conference, where CJ students learn to present and defend research topics.
Path to graduate school
Major in a curriculum that prepares for advanced degrees in criminal justice, sociology, social work, psychology, and law.
Focus on mentorship
Faculty has terminal degrees and real-life work in law enforcement, corrections, or the courts, and they mentor one-on-one.
Industry connections
Faculty help you connect with peers, professionals, and social justice advocates, so you gain traction for your career.
Mock crime scene
Put your observation and investigation skills to the test in our mock crime scene room, a dedicated space for CJ majors.
What you’ll learn in your BA in Criminal Justice
You'll learn about various aspects of criminal justice work, including criminal law procedure, offender treatment, juvenile justice, evidence and investigation, forensics, crime theory, serial homicides, and race, gender and class. You'll learn both theory and hands-on, real-world experiences.
- The nature and causes of crime
- Justification and means of social control
- Administration of the justice system
- How to evaluate justice programs
Explore Criminal Justice courses
- This degree will require you to complete a total of 120 credits.
- You'll need to complete 42 gen ed credits, 43 specialization credits, and 35 elective credits, and 1 capstone.
- Maximum transfer credits allowed: 90
Sample courses
| CLASS CODE | CLASS TITLE | CREDITS |
|---|---|---|
| CRJU 303 | Police, Problems & Practices | 3 credits |
| CRJU 311 | Constitution and Criminal Justice | 3 credits |
| CRJU 313 | Offender Treatment and Theories | 3 credits |
| CRJU 231 | Contemporary Corrections | 3 credits |
| CRJU 314 | Probation, Parole, and Community Corrections | 3 credits |
How much does a BA in Criminal Justice cost?
The cost of your degree will depend on several factors, like scholarships, housing, meal plans, and transfer credits. New students also pay a $100 matriculation fee. You will also need to budget for books, supplies, materials, transportation, personal costs, loan fees, and other expenses. Explore the cost of attendance.
Full-time student living on campus
| Expense | By semester | By year |
|---|---|---|
| Full-time tuition (12-18 credits)* | $18,917 | $37,833 |
| Housing** | $4,140 | $8,280 |
| Food*** | $2,750 | $5,500 |
| Technology fee | $140 | $280 |
| Total direct charges (billable) | $25,947 | $51,893 |
*Based on 2025-2026 tuition and fees. Tuition and fees are subject to change each summer.
**This cost is estimated, actual housing cost will vary by student selections.
***Cost estimate based on 3 meals per day.
How much does campus housing cost?
When it comes to housing, St. Ambrose University offers diverse options to meet the needs of our students. From traditional dormitories to apartment-style living, there’s something for everyone. The cost of our housing will vary based on where you decide to live and the meal plan you choose.
St. Ambrose University is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission
Accreditation and recognitions provide the assurance we meet standards for quality of faculty, curriculum, learner services, and fiscal stability.
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How does SAU support Criminal Justice students?
St. Ambrose University’s Criminal Justice faculty is made up of instructors with expertise in law enforcement, corrections, and courts, and who were employed in the criminal justice field before coming to academia. Faculty are available during office hours and by appointment for all Criminal Justice students. The courses comprise both theoretical and practical application. Students will have access to meaningful mentorships and community connections, and the campus has a branch of the Alpha Phi Sigma–Criminal Justice Honor Society.
BA in Criminal Justice faculty
Other support resources
Student Success Center
At St. Ambrose, we want you to thrive. Access free tutoring, study groups, and supplemental instruction through our Student Success Center. Explore academic support services.
Accessibility Resource Center
Whether you need classroom accommodations, alternative exam arrangements, or disability support strategies, our Accessibility Resource Center is here to help.
Career services
Our Academic and Career Planning Center is ready to help you polish your resume and land a job or internship to launch your career.
Are there scholarships available for BA in Criminal Justice?
At St. Ambrose University, we believe that education should be accessible to all. That's why we offer a variety of scholarships and financial aid options to help make college more affordable for our students. We are committed to providing our students with the resources they need to succeed academically and financially.
Ambrose Advantage Scholarship
Through the Ambrose Advantage Scholarship program, a tuition-free St. Ambrose University education is available to any Pell Grant-eligible Iowans. Learn more about the Ambrose Advantage.
Merit-based and institutional scholarships
St. Ambrose offers excellent scholarships and grants based on your strong academic performance, your talent in fine arts or athletics, or your community involvement. Explore SAU scholarships.
Transfer credits
At SAU, you may be able to transfer previous college credit toward your bachelor’s degree, saving you significant time and money. Learn how to transfer credits.
Your tuition. Made attainable.
"The Ambrose Advantage allowed me to come to college without much worry about debt in my future."
-Caleb Gillmore, Monticello, Iowa
What’s on campus for Criminal Justice students?
Criminal Justice students have the opportunity to become involved in several activities on campus. There are many student clubs covering a wide range of topics and interests to choose from as well as university events, such as free community presentations, town hall meetings, and conferences. Many of these events focus on social justice topics and can help expand your learning and professional connections. Learn about SAU events.
Developing work ethic and career skills
"The university fostered my passion for Criminal Justice and gave me an immersive experience. I learned that hard work and getting involved provides endless opportunities. Learning from knowledgeable and well-versed professors, creating professional contacts, and being involved in many projects gave me an experience I never dreamed I would have. The attention to detail and work ethic that SAU instilled in me is something I will be able to use for the rest of my life."
- Grant Miller '13, BA in Criminal Justice and Master of Criminal Justice
What are the admission requirements for a BA in Criminal Justice?
Start your management career at St. Ambrose. Here are the admissions requirements for our BA in Criminal Justice.
- You must have graduated from an accredited high school or earned a GED
- You must have a minimum cumulative, unweighted GPA of 2.5
- You must provide an official high school transcript
International student requirements
If you live outside of the U.S. there are different admissions requirements. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Official transcripts from secondary education
- A minimum 2.5 CGPA out of a 4.0 scale, or equivalent
- Proof of English language proficiency (minimum scores: TOEFL - 79, IELTS - 6.0)
- Copy of your passport and other documentation
What can I do with a Criminal Justice degree?
Your education and degree can help you reach your professional goals. St. Ambrose University can never promise a career or particular outcome upon graduating. We encourage you to explore potential jobs and employment settings. Here is a list of potential job titles, traits, and settings a graduate in our Criminal Justice program could achieve.
Potential job titles
- Police officer
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Residential officer
- Sheriff deputy
- Attorney
Potential employment settings
- Local, state, or federal law enforcement
- Local, state, or federal corrections facilities
- Mental health and other human service agencies
- Court system
- Crime laboratories
Traits of criminal justice professionals
- Strong ethical standards
- Communication skills
- Critical thinking and problem solving
- Attention to detail
- Empathy and compassion
- Resilient
Industry facts
- The median annual wage for Criminal Justice-police and detective positions was $69,160 in May 2022; for probation officers, $459,860.
- Employment of police, detectives and probation officers is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032;.
For more information on criminal justice employment and wages, visit the Bureau of Labor Statistics' Occupational Outlook Handbook.
News and events at SAU
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Become who you are meant to be
With more than 65 undergraduate and graduate programs, there’s something for everyone at St. Ambrose University! Explore our programs to find your place at SAU.
