Criminal Justice Studies Online Bachelor's Degree Completion

• All majors are welcome
  You don’t need to be a Criminal Justice Studies major to apply. This program is open to anyone with at least 60 transferable college credits.
• 100% online and asynchronous
  Take classes on your schedule. All courses are fully online so you can balance school with work and other responsibilities.
• Same degree as on campus
  You’ll learn from the same faculty and follow the same curriculum as students on campus. Your diploma will be the same SFSU degree.
• Financial aid is available
  If you're enrolled in this online degree completion program, you may qualify for federal financial aid.

• Analyze how systemic inequality both shapes and is shaped by crime, law and justice systems
• Examine how people and communities influence, challenge and reshape legal institutions and ideas
• Understand the history and politics behind criminological knowledge
• Critique and assess claims, data and research related to crime, law and justice
• Complete a senior capstone project that shows strong writing, ethical reasoning and critical thinking skills

Cost
$24,900 total ($415 per unit)
Gator Pass: Receive a free transit pass while enrolled. (Fall and spring only. $130 value per term.)

Length
2 years. This is a cohort-based program. You’ll take 2 online courses every 8 weeks and finish your degree in 2 years.

When to Apply

• Fall: Oct. 1 to April 1
• Spring: May 1 to Oct. 1

Veteran VA Benefits
The Criminal Justice Studies program is eligible for veterans to use their VA benefits. See Veterans Services for more information.

Financial Aid and CalJOBS
The Criminal Justice Studies degree completion program is approved for financial aid and CalJOBS. CalJOBS connects dislocated workers with employment training opportunities. SFSU is an eligible training provider.

Financial Aid and CalJOBS

Payment Plan
This program gives you an option to split the cost for one semester into smaller payments.

Payment Options

The bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies explores how crime, law and justice systems are created, implemented and challenged. You’ll learn to think critically about how these systems connect with social and political issues, especially those related to race, class, gender, sexuality and age in the U.S.

This program helps you build skills in ethical reasoning and critical analysis. You’ll learn to question assumptions, assess policies and explore new ways to address the causes and effects of crime and delinquency.

SFSU’s College of Professional & Global Education offers this fully online degree completion program in partnership with the Department of Criminal Justice Studies and the College of Health and Social Sciences.

Department of Criminal Justice Studies

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Online Course Support

What makes this program different?

• Cohort format: You’ll take classes in sequence with the same group of classmates
• Structured curriculum: Courses are taken in a set order for a smooth learning path
• Built-in support: Our team handles your enrollment and reviews your records each session
• Flexibility: Keep working while you earn your degree
• Credit for Prior Learning: Get credit for law enforcement or military experience
• SFSU faculty: All courses are taught by University instructors
• Personalized help: You’ll have access to a dedicated support team and online success coach
• Full access: You’ll get the same University resources as on-campus students
• Asynchronous classes: Learn on your schedule with recorded lectures, discussions and materials available any time

Will my degree be granted by SFSU?

Yes. Your degree will be granted by San Francisco State University, which is accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). It’s the same degree as the on-campus bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies. You’re also welcome to walk in SFSU Commencement in May.

How does the program work?

You’ll take two courses during each eight-week session, finishing in about two years. You’ll move through the program with your cohort, following the same course sequence. There are two sessions in fall and spring, and one in summer.

Is financial aid available?

Yes. You may be eligible for financial aid. Visit the financial aid page for details.

Financial Aid

How many hours a week should I plan to dedicate to classes?

Plan to spend about 15 to 20 hours per week on each class, including readings, assignments and online discussions.

If I’ve already taken a similar course, can I transfer it into the program?

Maybe. While your course won’t replace one by name, it may count as an elective. For example, if you took Introduction to Administration of Justice or Concepts of Criminal Law at a community college, those can count as three-unit electives. That would reduce the number of electives you need. Upper-division criminal justice courses from a four-year university (including SFSU) may also count.

I'm in law enforcement or a related field. Can I get credit for my experience?

Yes. If you’ve completed relevant training, you may be eligible for six units of upper-division credit that can replace two courses in the program. If you also have significant work experience, you may qualify for additional Credit for Prior Learning. These general units don’t replace specific courses but do count toward the 120 units required to graduate.

Credit for Prior Learning

Who are the instructors?

You’ll learn from faculty in the Department of Criminal Justice Studies at SFSU. Instructors include lecturers with field experience as well as assistant, associate and full professors. They bring a wide range of backgrounds, research interests and teaching styles.

Is there any in-person component?

No. The program is fully online and designed for students who need flexibility. All classes are asynchronous, so you can complete work on your own schedule.

Am I eligible for the online degree completion program?

You may be eligible if you’ve completed at least 60 transferable semester units (or 90 quarter units) and meet other requirements. See How to Apply > Eligibility for full details.

How to Apply

Can I get a pre-review of my transcripts to see if I qualify?

No. Transcripts are only reviewed after you apply to the program. Pre-reviews are not available.

After I submit my application, how soon will I be notified?

Admission decisions are usually made four to six weeks after the final deadline. Your application will be reviewed once all transcripts and required documents are received.

How do I apply to graduate?

Once you’ve completed 90 units as an undergraduate, you can apply to graduate. Use your Degree Progress Report (DPR) and the guide below to help you through the process.

Apply for Graduation