Criminal Justice Administration & Ethics
Bachelor of Science
Mid-America Christian University’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Ethics prepares students for impactful careers in law enforcement and related fields. The program emphasizes practical skills through courses in anti-terrorism, constitutional law, and criminal procedure, all taught by experienced professionals. Graduates are equipped for roles such as police officer, FBI agent, crime scene investigator, and fraud investigator.
Explore the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Administration and Ethics
MACU’s Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree program introduces students to the foundations of law enforcement, including how agencies operate and how investigations are conducted. Graduates of the program are prepared for numerous roles in criminal justice, including positions in management, community policing, investigations, law, corrections, and crime scene forensics.
The program is offered both online and on campus, providing flexibility for diverse learning preferences.
Criminal Justice Program Options
- Choose from a 16-week, traditional college experience or accelerated evening or online classes
- Add an optional concentration in Christian Ministries or Psychology.
- A Crime Scene Investigations certificate is also available
- Programs designated as on-ground may include online or hybrid course requirements as determined by curriculum and scheduling needs.
Skills Developed in the Criminal Justice Program
- Crime detection and investigative strategies
- Interview and interrogation techniques
- Crime scene evidence collection methods
- Strategic management in law enforcement
- Criminology research and crime analysis
Learn more about MACU’s flexible online and on-campus degree programs in the humanities and social sciences.
Career Outcomes for the Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Degree
A Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree program helps students prepare for a range of roles in law enforcement and criminal investigations. The skills students develop in the program can enable them to become a police officer, detective, investigator, or crime scene specialist.
At the federal level, BS in Criminal Justice graduates can pursue a career as an FBI agent, CIA agent, Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) agent, U.S. marshal, or fish and game warden. A criminal justice program can also help prepare individuals for a job as a computer forensics specialist, fraud investigator, or corporate security specialist.
The following are positions related to Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice degree programs, along with their median annual salaries.
| Police Officer $76,290* | Detective or Criminal Investigator $93,580* | FBI Agent $75,000** |
| Forensic Computer Analyst $92,500** | Private Investigator $52,370* | Forensic Science Technician $67,440* |
Sources: *U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (2024), **Payscale (2026)
Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Curriculum
Students enrolled in MACU’s undergraduate criminal justice program study criminal law and procedure, theories about the causes of crime, and investigation techniques. Students in the criminal justice degree program are required to complete 46 credit hours of university core coursework, 30 hours of major core coursework, and 44 hours of elective or concentration coursework, for a total of 120 required credit hours.
Students interested in crime scene investigations (CSI) may choose to complete a 21-credit CSI certificate program, which shares several courses with the Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice program.
University Core Course Subject Requirements
The 46 credit hours of university core courses cover topics in areas including:
- Bible/Theology
- Communication
- U.S. History and Government
- Science
- Mathematics
- Social Sciences
- Humanities
Criminal Justice Administration Major Course Requirements
The 30 credit hours of major core courses include the following:
- CRJS 3103 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJS 3503 Criminal Law I (3)
- CRJS 3513 Criminal Law II (3)
- CRJS 3703 Criminal Procedure (3)
- CRJS 3813 Community Relations (3)
- CRJS 4003 Cult Div: Color of Justice, Race, Ethn, & Crime in Amer. (3)
- CRJS 4113 Principles of Investigation (3)
- CRJS 4403 Police Administration (3)
- CRJS 4513 Interview and Interrogation (3)
- CRJS 4533 Anti-Terrorism and Homeland Security (3)
An optional concentration in Christian Ministries or Psychology may be added. Explore the Degree Plan and Academic Catalog for more information.
Crime Scene Investigations Certificate Course Requirements
Prerequisites:
- Sophomore Standing (25 or more successfully completed college-level credits)
- English Composition I and II
The 21 credit hours of required courses for the certificate include the following:
- CRJS 3103 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3)
- CRJS 3503 Criminal Law I (3)
- CRJS 3513 Criminal Law II (3)
- CRJS 3703 Criminal Procedure (3)
- CRJS 4103 Identification, Collection, and Preservation of Evidence (3)
- CRJS 4113 Principles of Investigation (3)
- CRJS 4513 Interview and Interrogation (3)
Tuition and Financial Aid
MACU offers affordable tuition rates, including a tuition discount for online learners. All students also may apply for financial aid.
Traditional
$864 per credit hour
Online/Evening Accelerated
$455 per credit hour (lower division courses)
$499 per credit hour (upper division courses)
Learn more about costs and fees and financial aid at MACU.
Admission Requirements
Applicants to MACU’s programs must submit the following materials:
- A completed application
- Any college transcripts
- High school transcripts (for those with fewer than 24 transfer credits)
- ACT or SAT scores (for those with fewer than 24 transfer credits)
MACU’s transfer-friendly policies and credits for prior learning may allow applicants to complete their bachelor’s degree in less time.
THE PLACE TO BE
Mid-America Christian University is more than a campus—it’s a community where purpose and passion collide. Nestled in Oklahoma City, MACU offers a Christ-centered education that goes beyond the classroom, empowering students to grow academically, spiritually, and professionally.
With small class sizes, personalized attention, and innovative degree programs designed for real-world impact, MACU is the place where dreams take root and thrive. Whether you’re engaging in vibrant campus life or pursuing a flexible online program, you’ll find a supportive environment dedicated to helping you discover your calling and make a difference in the world. At MACU, you’re not just earning a degree—you’re shaping your future.
FAQs About the Bachelor’s Degree
How long is the criminal justice program?
The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Ethics program takes around four years for full-time students to complete. Those with transfer or prior-learning credits may be able to complete the program in less time.
The traditional on-campus degree option is offered in 16-week semester terms. For adult students balancing schoolwork with professional and personal responsibilities, MACU’s accelerated online and hybrid learning options are delivered in five- to eight-week formats within a 10-week term. These courses are available fully online or in a hybrid format that combines online learning with in-person class meetings, typically one evening per week on campus.
MACU’s online degree programs allow working adults with two or more years of college credit to complete a bachelor’s degree in just over 18 months.
What are the start dates for the program?
MACU’s on-campus courses follow a semester calendar, while the online and hybrid courses are offered in an accelerated format with multiple start dates throughout the year. Learn more about start dates by visiting MACU’s academic calendar.
Is the criminal justice degree accredited?
Yes. Mid-America Christian University is regionally accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (HLC), which recognizes universities that meet high academic standards.
What can you do with a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice?
With a criminal justice degree, graduates can become a police officer, criminal investigator, or detective. Earning the degree also can lead to a career in federal law enforcement, including working for the FBI or CIA.
Why pursue a Bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at MACU?
The criminal justice administration and ethics program at MACU helps students develop practical law enforcement and criminal justice skills. In addition, MACU prioritizes supporting students throughout their educational journey while also offering them an affordable, accessible route to a bachelor’s degree.
Meet our criminal justice administration & ethics Faculty
Marvin Akers
Associate Professor
Ready to Get Started?
Ready to take the next step toward your future at MACU? Start your journey today by applying online or scheduling a campus visit to experience our welcoming community firsthand. Whether you’re exploring programs or ready to enroll, we’re here to help you every step of the way. Your path to purpose starts now!