UofL Online Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Advance Your Career in Criminal Justice Online

By Heather Henley | August 6, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Whether you’re a seasoned law enforcement officer or working in corrections or social services, advancing your career starts with expanding your expertise. The University of Louisville’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) is built to help working professionals step into leadership roles and influence positive change in their communities.

A Top-Ranked Program with National Recognition

UofL’s MSCJ program is consistently ranked among the best online criminal justice graduate programs in the country. Delivered by faculty with extensive backgrounds in criminology, public policy and criminal justice reform, the program gives you the academic foundation to lead with confidence in an evolving justice system.

From ethical decision-making to applied data analysis, the curriculum is designed to help you understand crime and justice through a broader lens—and to use that knowledge to make a measurable impact.

Flexible Format, Immediate Value

The fully online structure gives you the freedom to study from anywhere and on your own time. That flexibility makes it possible to balance coursework with full-time work and family responsibilities—without compromising academic quality or engagement.

Courses are interactive and taught by faculty who are responsive and invested in your success. You’ll learn alongside peers from across the country, building a network of criminal justice professionals while completing your degree.

Tips for Succeeding as an Online Student

Success in a graduate-level online program starts with structure. Here are a few tips from our faculty and alumni:

Treat your study time like a shift. Block out dedicated hours each week for reading, discussion posts and assignments.

Engage early and often. Online doesn’t mean isolated—use discussion boards and office hours to connect with instructors and classmates.

Apply what you learn. The MSCJ curriculum is designed to be relevant to your current role. Take advantage by integrating insights directly into your work.

Set clear goals. Whether you’re pursuing promotion, policy work or doctoral study, keep your long-term goal in sight to stay motivated.

Apply by Sept. 1 to Start This Fall

The online MSCJ at UofL is more than a degree. It’s a pathway to influence, leadership and real change in your field.

Apply by Sept. 1 to join a nationally respected program that understands your goals—and helps you reach them. Learn more and apply.

Turn your experience into college credit to save time and money on your degree!

By Heather Henley | March 25, 2025 | Comments 0 Comment

Did you complete some college classes, but never finished your degree? If you’ve built up some professional experience and want a faster and more affordable degree, UofL online is your answer. Turn your experience into tuition-free college credit with the Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) or Credit for Prior Learning (CPL), available for several of our online undergraduate programs!

What is PLA/CPL?

In short, PLA and CPL can supercharge your education. Several of UofL’s 100% online undergraduate programs that offer PLA let you earn college credit for previous education, work experience or military training.

This means less time in school and lower tuition costs to complete your degree. Credit can be awarded through:

Professional portfolio review

Professional certifications

Military or work-based training

…and more!

Each program has specific requirements. Connect with an Enrollment Counselor to find out how much credit you may be eligible to earn!

Online Programs with PLA or CPL

UofL has several online degree programs that offer PLA or CPL credit. You can find the program that matches your career goals and save time and money doing it.

UofL’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice prepares you with working knowledge of the criminal justice system (adult and juvenile) and the issues surrounding each portion of the process. You will learn to be an agile professional in this ever-evolving field by developing your knowledge of current criminology theories, ethical and moral considerations, emerging policies as well as effective communications strategies. You can earn up to 30 credit hours (10 courses) – up to $16,200 in tuition savings with the PLA in this degree program.

The online Bachelor of Science in General Studies is a student-focused, degree-completion program, with six interdisciplinary tracks available. Our degree is structured so you can customize your learning experience to gain additional skills, and the education required for advancement in today’s competitive workforce. Earn up to 27 credit hours (9 courses) – up to $14,580 in tuition savings with the PLA offer in this degree program.

The online Bachelor of Science in Organizational Leadership and Learning from UofL is a skills-driven degree completion program. The program is designed to equip you with the knowledge required for career advancement or a possible career change in today’s competitive and evolving workforce. Choose from 9 specialized tracks to fit your career goals and become an even more valuable member of any company or organization. You can earn up to 48 credit hours (16 courses) – up to $25,920 in tuition savings with the PLA toward this degree.

The online RN to Bachelor of Science in Nursing is designed for licensed nurses with an Associate Degree in Nursing (ADN) who want to earn their BSN to improve patient outcomes and excel as a leader in the field of nursing. Develop your expertise in nursing leadership, meet growing employer expectations and expand your ability to work with diverse global populations in a variety of settings—without any campus requirement or set class times. With PLA you can save time and money by earning up to 30 credit hours (10 courses), or up to $11,250 in tuition savings!

How to get started

Finishing your degree could be faster and more affordable than ever. With UofL’s online degree programs that offer a PLA or CPL you’ll be rewarded for your experience while building your future. Take the next step toward your goals and find out how much credit you can earn!

Connect with us to get started!

First Generation Student Success: Tiffany Rapier’s Success Story

By Conner Mackowiak | November 13, 2024 | Comments 0 Comment

Tiffany Rapier of Corbin, KY, is a mother of 7 and an online student. She is also a first-generation college student completing her education in what’s known as an Education Desert, or an area with limited access to colleges or universities.

First-generation college students often face unique challenges that can significantly impact their ability to pursue higher education, especially those living in education deserts. Many of these students lack the familial experience to navigate the complexities of higher education, such as understanding financial aid, selecting courses or managing academic expectations. For those in education deserts, the absence of nearby institutions compounds the problem, limiting their access to in-person support systems, networking opportunities and academic resources. However, the rise of online learning offers a crucial lifeline.

Online education allows these students to access quality degree programs without the need to relocate or commute long distances. Flexible schedules, diverse course offerings and the ability to balance work and study make it a viable option for those who might otherwise struggle to find the time or resources to attend a traditional campus-based program. Through online learning, first-generation students in remote areas can overcome geographic and logistical barriers, gaining the education and skills necessary to pursue their career goals.

Take a few moments to watch Tiffany’s powerful story below, and see how she was able to complete both her BS and MS in Criminal Justice through UofL’s online programs!

Click the links to learn more about our 100% online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Master of Science in Criminal Justice!

UofL’s Online Master’s in Criminal Justice Ranked in the Top Ten in the US

By admin | February 3, 2016

Outstanding faculty, student services, and high levels of student engagement are just a few of the reasons US News & World Report ranked UofL’s online Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) ninth in the nation in its listing of the 2016 Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs. More than 50 regionally accredited online criminal justice programs were evaluated for the 2016 report. The University of Louisville program improved its ranking from 13^th in the nation in 2015 to 9th in 2016.

The US News & World Report rankings are based on a survey of academics at peer institutions and each school’s score reflects its average rating on a scale from 1 (marginal) to 5 (outstanding). Programs are ranked based upon faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, student engagement, and admissions selectivity. The MSCJ online program received its highest scores in faculty credentials and training, student services and technology, and student engagement.

The online master’s in criminal justice is designed for law enforcement, investigation, security and corrections professionals who are interested in pursuing positions of leadership within the justice system. The program has developed educational partnerships, that provide additional financial support to qualifying students, with the National Sheriffs’ Association, Kentucky State Police, Kentucky Association of Chiefs of Police, Metro Louisville first responders and the Southern Police Institute.

The degree curriculum addresses the criminal justice system, theories of crime and delinquency, legal issues in criminal justice, advanced statistics and research methods as well as a number of specialized electives such as capital punishment, justice policy, and justice in the media. UofL’s MSCJ program can be completed in two years.

The value that faculty brings to the classroom goes beyond their expertise in the field, reputation in the industry and extensive networking opportunities they facilitate for their students. “The faculty at the University of Louisville are so completely dedicated to the success of their students,” said MSCJ Online graduate Virginia Braden. “They are remarkable in their personal attention to the students and though I had all online classes, I was able to develop and maintain relationships with them that have served me so well throughout the years – all without ever stepping foot in a brick and mortar classroom.”

Through faculty involvement in community service and professional organizations, the Criminal Justice Department at UofL has developed a strong network of organizations and entities including Metro Louisville Government, Family & Children First, American Correctional Association, National Consortium for White Collar Crime Research, and the American Bar Association, among many others.

To learn more about the online criminal justice graduate program, visit the MSCJ website.

Category: Criminal Justice