South University
At South University, we'll help you make the most of your potential — starting with a quality education that's backed by more than 100 years of dedication to excellence and personalized attention.
Making the most of your potential is also about earning your degree in a way that works with your lifestyle. To meet your needs and make you feel comfortable with your decision, South University offers you the choice of campus or online learning.
Excellence in education. Online convenience.
As an online student at South University, you have access to the many benefits of South University — including excellence in education and personalized attention — while enjoying the convenience of earning your bachelor's degree entirely online.
Attending South University classes online means no more driving to class. No more adjusting your schedule to accommodate scheduled class times. We give you the freedom to attend class anytime, day or night — from anywhere you can connect to the Internet.
As an online student at South University you'll discover that quality and convenience mean:
- Long-standing tradition
- Accelerated learning
- Career-oriented programs
- Powerful learning environment
- Intimate and interactive classes
- Skilled instructors
Online Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
The need for well-trained law enforcement and security professionals is growing. If you're someone who feels a deep responsibility to help others—and to give back to your community—consider beginning your career by pursuing a degree in Criminal Justice.
The Associate of Science (AS) in Criminal Justice program online at South University can help you to pursue your educational and professional goals – enabling you to combine your professional opportunities with the chance to make the world a safer place. If you want to begin or further develop your career in law enforcement, security or corrections, we may have the degree for you.
At every level, the courses in South University's online AS in Criminal Justice program have been developed by professionals in the field to bring you real-world insight into police, corrections, court and security operations – and more! Whether you are already working in law enforcement or just beginning to enter the field, our AS in Criminal Justice online provides students with a strong academic foundation for transfer into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program.
Online Associate of Science in Paralegal Studies
The Associate of Science degree in Paralegal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), provides an excellent foundation for those who are seeking entry-level employment in the growing profession of paralegals and legal assistants. Paralegals assist attorneys with the preparation of criminal and civil cases by interviewing clients, investigating facts, drafting legal documents, researching law and assisting the attorney at trial. The paralegal studies program at South University gives you the opportunity to become part of this fast-growing field.
Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The influence of technology and the shifting faces of crime have magnified the need for criminal justice specialists. Through the South University Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice program, you can help meet this need.
As a student in this online program, you'll focus on the criminal justice field that most interests you by selecting one of five areas of emphasis:
Cyber Crime
Become familiar with one of the fastest-growing areas of criminal justice, focusing on the recovery of digital information that has been used to commit crimes ranging from identity theft and embezzlement to cyber stalking and homicide.
Crime Scene Investigation
Learn about one of the cornerstones of solving crime, focusing on collecting and preserving physical evidence at a crime scene, understanding the functions of a crime laboratory and reconstructing crime scenes.
Law Enforcement
Prepare to protect the public and serve on the front lines of homeland security by learning about law enforcement operations, criminal law and investigation, and terrorism and homeland security.
Juvenile Justice
Learn the triggers to juvenile justice problems while you focus on juvenile protection, rehabilitation and incarceration.
Corrections
Study the correctional systems designed to protect the public from convicted offenders, as well as ways to rehabilitate and integrate these people back into society.
In addition, you will:
- Develop an appreciation for contemporary approaches to solving crime, critical insight into the causes of crime, as well as an overall understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system.
- Gain a broad understanding of law enforcement, criminology, the judicial process, juvenile justice, corrections and criminal law.
- Collaborate with others using online communication and research tools that are fast becoming the standard for this industry.
- Build hands-on experience through a student-arranged internship in local, state or federal criminal justice agencies.
When you graduate from this comprehensive online degree program, you'll be prepared for entry-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, homeland security, private investigation or private security.
As you gain experience, you could grow into positions such as supervisory special agent, deputy warden, protective services supervisor, field investigator or detective. The South University Bachelor of Science degree in Criminal Justice online program also provides a good pre-law education, if you're interested in going on to law school to eventually become a prosecutor or public defender.
Online Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies
The Bachelor of Science degree in Legal Studies program, which is approved by the American Bar Association (ABA), provides an excellent foundation for those who are seeking employment and advancement in the growing profession of paralegals and legal assistants. Paralegals assist attorneys with the preparation of criminal and civil cases by interviewing clients, investigating facts, drafting legal documents, researching law and assisting the attorney at trial.
Online Master of Public Administration - Criminal Justice
The Master of Public Administration degree program is designed to address the needs of students for applied coursework in areas of critical importance to local, state and national governmental and non-profit organizations. The program is organized around core, specialization, elective and capstone courses that cover a broad range of governmental and non-profit topics to help develop each student's knowledge, skills and abilities. Students seeking a broad knowledge and understanding may elect the core Master of Public Administration program. Students who prefer a more focused approach can select from specializations in Non-Profit Management, Public Policy, Criminal Justice and Information Technology. In addition, students have the opportunity, with approval, of creating their own focus of study. Students in this program will have an opportunity to develop a solid foundation in management in the public and non-profit sectors.
Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice
The influence of technology and the changing face of crime have magnified the need for criminal justice specialists. South University's online Master of Science in Criminal Justice program offers you an accelerated curriculum designed to meet the growing need for professionals in this high-demand field. Become a part of a learning community of criminal justice experts who will use knowledge to advance the law enforcement, correctional, political and legal arenas. Learn the same concepts taught at our campus locations while enjoying the convenience of attending class online any time – day or night. At South University, you are in control of your education.
The Master of Science Degree in Criminal Justice prepares students for management, administrative, research and teaching positions. It is primarily designed to foster a learning community of criminal justice professionals who will use their knowledge within law enforcement, correctional, political and legal arenas. Program graduates will also be prepared for admission to doctoral programs in criminal justice, criminology and other related fields as well as for promotions within existing law enforcement, correctional, local and state government, and legal institutions.
The following specializations are offered:
Corrections
The Specialization in Corrections allows for a seamless education path from the undergraduate program in criminal justice to a master's level. The master's level specialization complements the undergraduate coursework in corrections and expands the knowledge base to a more in-depth analysis of community-based programs, penology and capital punishment.
Cyber Crime
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice specialization in Cyber Crime provides more in-depth knowledge, skills and applications relating to the recovery of digital information related to criminal activities
Homeland Security
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice specialization in Homeland Security will enhance graduates' response and effectiveness in the event of terrorism and natural disaster.
Public Administration
Building on the graduate study of criminal justice, the specialization in Public Administration is aimed at those professionals seeking to expand their knowledge of key aspects of the public sector with particular attention to the unique character of public sector organizations as well as budgeting, intergovernmental relations, grant writing/contact administration and public policy analysis.
This program consists of accelerated 5 ½ week courses. Students can earn an MSCJ in less than one year.
Academic Requirements
The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed for prospective students who have:
- A bachelor's degree with a cumulative GPA of 2.7 or better OR
- A bachelor's degree with a minimum combined GMAT score within the 50th percentile OR
- A bachelor's degree with required minimum scores on two out of the three subsections of the GRE OR
- A bachelor's degree and score at or above the 50th percentile on any one of the Graduate Subject Tests OR
- A bachelor's degree and achieve a minimum raw score of 44 on the Miller's Analogies Test (MAT)