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Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice

Why Earn Your Criminal Justice Degree at Saint Leo University?

Create safer communities, and improve the lives of people everywhere. While pursuing your bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice, you’ll develop the highly specialized knowledge and leadership skills to decode and correct criminals, work with law enforcement agencies, and investigate crimes in Florida, the United States and the world.

This program is offered:
Campus Education Center Online

This program is a 39-hour major based on the input of a diverse criminal justice advisory board that is designed to prepare students for careers and rapid advancement in the criminal justice system and related fields. This program of study will enhance the effectiveness of working professionals, provide a foundation for advancement to administrative levels, and prepare students for graduate study in criminal justice administration and related fields.

Est. Time to Complete:
4 years
Credit Hours:
120 hours
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Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice - Program Details

Where else are you going to learn the latest techniques from faculty members who've served more than 25 years as crime scene investigators, local and federal agents, chief deputies, detectives and FBI advisors? Saint Leo professors are leading experts on all the skills you need to get your foot in the door: interrogation, non-verbal communication, hostage negotiation, and international sex and organ trafficking. And Saint Leo is an approved educational partner by the FBI National Academy Associates.

Flexible Learning, Focused on Your Success

Learn your way at Saint Leo University with flexible options—online, campus, or at an education center. Each program has its own modality to fit your needs. Whichever option you choose, Saint Leo University is committed to your success. View the details below to see how this degree program is offered.

Campus
Campus
Online
Education Center

Immersive Campus Experience, A Community That Feels Like Home 

Saint Leo University's campus in Saint Leo, Florida, offers a transformative educational experience amidst scenic landscapes, including Lake Jovita and rolling green spaces. Home to over 2,000 students from all 50 states and more than 100 countries, the university fosters a tight-knit, inclusive community. 

Campus students benefit from comfortable residence and dining halls, advanced learning facilities, and a vibrant student life with numerous clubs and organizations. The proximity to Tampa Bay provides additional cultural and recreational opportunities, enriching the overall student experience.

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Convenient Online Learning, Empowering Your Future

Saint Leo University provides flexible and convenient online programs designed for busy students. Courses are taught by experienced faculty with real-world expertise. Students can access coursework anytime while balancing personal and professional commitments. Support services, career resources, and virtual engagement opportunities ensure a well-rounded online learning experience.

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Flexible Education Centers, Learning Close to Home

Saint Leo University operates Education Centers in two states, offering flexible, hybrid learning options tailored to diverse student lifestyles. These centers provide eight-week academic terms starting six times per year, with evening and weekend classes to accommodate busy schedules. Students can choose from a variety of undergraduate and graduate programs, benefiting from a 25:1 faculty-student ratio that fosters personalized attention and support. Each center maintains the university's commitment to academic excellence, ensuring the same quality education as the main campus.

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Specialization Options

Saint Leo University offers specialization options for criminal justice students. You can customize your degree to match your passions by choosing one of the following concentrations.

A criminalistics degree will provide you the knowledge and training you need to solve the crime. Saint Leo's Criminal Justice - Criminalistics Specialization trains you in crime scene investigation and forensic science. Crime scene analysts process evidence—like DNA, fingerprints and bullets—in a forensics lab to help identify suspects and reconstruct the events of a crime.

View Program Webpage

Become an expert on international and domestic terrorism, weapons of mass destruction, law enforcement ethics and law, and Middle Eastern political, religious and economic forces. Saint Leo is an approved educational partner by the FBI National Academy Associates, and our faculty members have served as local and federal agents, chief deputies, detectives and FBI advisors.

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Career Outlook

No matter which learning experience you choose, you will receive plenty of professional development opportunities, industry knowledge from expert professors, and support from the Saint Leo community. All this together means that you will be ready for a successful career or continued studies upon graduation.

  • Saint Leo University students in Psychology classroom
  • How will you gain real experience?

    Field placement

    Earn your police standard certificate with training at the Pasco-Hernando Police Academy. Intern with agencies such as the U.S. Secret Service, U.S. Customs, Drug Enforcement Administration, U.S. District Court and Florida Department of Law Enforcement.

    Hands-on learning

    Testify and sit on a jury for a courtroom role-playing assignment. Stand in the death chamber of the Florida state prison. Examine fingerprints in a forensics lab.

    Co-curricular activities

    Become an active member of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society.

What can you do with an undergraduate criminal justice degree?

Graduates rapidly advance in the criminal justice system and pursue graduate study in criminal justice administration and related fields.

What are the top criminal justice degree jobs?

Career Growth Salary
Crime Scene Investigator 19% $60,590 per year
Juvenile Probation Officer 4% $55,690 per year
Police Officer 7% $67,290 per year

From the Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2020.

Where are Saint Leo criminal justice graduates now? 

  • Secret Service
  • FBI
  • Tampa Police Department
  • Atlanta Police Department