Why Choose LAPU for Your Online Criminal Justice Degree

The Value of an Online Criminal Justice Degree

Growing Demand for Criminal Justice Professionals

The demand for skilled professionals in the criminal justice field is rising across the United States. From law enforcement officers and detectives to experts in crime analysis and cybercrime, society depends on trained individuals to uphold the principles of justice, reduce crime, and serve communities with integrity. An online criminal justice degree gives students the knowledge and flexibility to enter or advance in this vital profession.

Flexible Education for a Changing Workforce

At Los Angeles Pacific University (LAPU), our online degree program is built for today’s learners. Whether you’re balancing work, family, or other responsibilities, LAPU’s flexible format lets you complete your bachelor’s degree on your own schedule. With access to lectures, assignments, and professor feedback via the internet, students experience an education designed for real life—without sacrificing quality.

Opportunities Beyond Law Enforcement

A criminal justice major opens the door to diverse career paths beyond the typical police or court setting. Graduates pursue work as coroner investigators, detectives, juvenile probation, and courthouse work. Others focus on substance abuse counseling, juvenile delinquency prevention, or criminology research. With so many applications in society, this degree program equips students for meaningful work with lasting impact.

What Sets LAPU’s Program Apart

100% Online, Flexible Format Designed for Working Adults

LAPU’s criminal justice program is offered fully online, enabling students to learn from anywhere at any time. Ideal for law enforcement officers, professionals in transition, or first-time college students, this format supports those who need flexibility without compromising on the academic rigor expected from a top-tier criminal justice administration curriculum.

Affordable Tuition with Financial Aid Options

Earning your online criminal justice degree shouldn’t break the bank. LAPU offers affordable tuition, payment plans, and financial aid options to reduce out-of-pocket costs. The undergraduate degree path is designed to be cost-effective while still offering a strong return on investment in the form of expanded employment opportunities and increased salary potential.

Supportive, Student-Centered Learning Environment

LAPU’s commitment to students shines through in its student-centered approach. From personalized advising to academic year planning and credit transfer support, every element is tailored to your success. Instructors bring real-world experience to the virtual classroom, offering insight from careers in law enforcement, criminal investigation, administration of justice, and victimology. You'll find a community that encourages critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and purposeful leadership.

Curriculum Highlights of LAPU’s Criminal Justice Degree

Core Courses and Learning Outcomes

The criminal justice major at LAPU features a robust set of core courses in criminology, criminal law, ethics, and justice studies. Students also study social science, humanities, and sociology to better understand the broader social dynamics that influence behavior, deviance, and violence. Courses in criminal procedure, forensic science, criminal investigation, and technology ensure you develop a deep, actionable knowledge base that applies to real-world scenarios.

Focus on Ethics, Justice, and Community Engagement

Ethics are at the heart of LAPU’s criminal justice program. Through coursework in philosophy, criminological theory, and social justice, students learn to evaluate policy decisions and develop fair, informed approaches to complex challenges. The program prepares you to serve not just as an employee in the justice system, but as a thoughtful advocate for equitable treatment of all communities.

Preparation for Real-World Careers in Justice Systems

From case studies to faculty with extensive field experience, LAPU’s program is designed to prepare students for careers that make a difference. Whether you're interested in crime prevention, juvenile justice, parole, or working with criminal justice organizations, you'll graduate ready to tackle the complexities of modern justice systems with confidence and clarity.

Career Paths with a Criminal Justice Degree from LAPU

Law Enforcement and Public Safety

Some of the most popular criminal justice careers are in law enforcement. With an online criminal justice degree from LAPU, students are prepared to serve as police officers, detectives, or law enforcement officers in local, state, or federal agencies. The program helps build essential skills in criminal procedure, policy, and problem solving—all critical for maintaining public safety and order.

Corrections and Rehabilitation

For those interested in working with individuals involved in the justice system, careers in corrections, probation, and parole offer rewarding paths. LAPU’s curriculum emphasizes ethics, leadership, and behavioral insight, preparing graduates to work in prison systems, rehabilitation programs, or substance abuse support roles. These positions play a vital part in reducing recidivism and promoting societal reintegration.

Legal Studies and Advocacy Roles

Graduates may also pursue careers in legal studies, such as becoming a paralegal, victim advocate, or working in criminal justice administration. The degree lays a strong foundation in criminal law, evidence, and court operations—valuable knowledge for anyone seeking a career in advocacy, policy-making, or the judiciary. It also provides excellent preparation for those considering graduate-level programs or a master’s degree in criminal justice or public administration..

Federal Agencies and Homeland Security

LAPU graduates are well-prepared for roles in homeland security, federal agencies, and emergency management. These positions may focus on environmental crime, intelligence, crisis intervention, or cybercrime—all of which require a deep understanding of technology, law, and criminal investigation. With your online bachelor’s degree from LAPU, you'll be ready to meet national security and public service challenges head-on.

How LAPU Integrates Faith and Purpose in Criminal Justice

A Christian Perspective on Justice and Ethics

What makes LAPU truly unique is its faith-based approach to justice studies. Rooted in a Christian worldview, the program challenges students to view the criminal justice system through a lens of ethics, compassion, and social justice. This perspective encourages a deeper commitment to fairness, accountability, and service in all areas of public life.

Developing Servant Leaders in Public Service

At LAPU, students are encouraged to become servant leaders—professionals who prioritize humility, empathy, and integrity. Whether you're working in police, probation, or court systems, LAPU’s emphasis on character development ensures that your actions align with both policy and personal conviction. It’s a transformative education that prepares you for a life of meaningful impact in any criminal justice setting.

Student Support and Success at LAPU

Dedicated Academic and Career Advisors

From the moment you submit your undergraduate application, LAPU is there to support your journey. You’ll work with dedicated academic and career advisors who help you map out your path, select the right concentration, and explore career opportunities aligned with your goals. They’re also available to guide you through the online degree experience and keep you on track for graduation.

Transfer-Friendly Policies and Credit Evaluation

Already have an associate degree or previous college credits? LAPU’s transfer-friendly policies make it easy to bring those into your criminal justice major. With a thorough credit evaluation process and clear communication, LAPU helps you maximize your prior learning and move quickly.

Real-World Application Through Faculty Experience

The criminal justice professors at LAPU bring years of real-world experience into the online classroom. Their backgrounds span across police academy training, private investigation, criminal justice organizations, and analysis roles. This practical insight enriches your learning and helps connect academic theory with on-the-ground application in various criminal justice settings.

Conclusion

A degree from LAPU’s online criminal justice program provides graduates with the opportunity to make a difference. Whether your passion lies in law enforcement, corrections, legal advocacy, or homeland security, LAPU prepares you with the knowledge, skills, and abilities to lead with confidence. Our curriculum is designed to meet the needs of today's employers while staying true to values that matter.

Take the Next Step—Apply Today and Start Your Journey with LAPU’s Online Criminal Justice Degree Program

Your path to a meaningful criminal justice career begins here. At LAPU, you’ll join a community committed to excellence, service, and purpose. With flexible online learning, real-world faculty experience, and strong student support, your success is our priority.

Whether you're starting fresh or returning to finish your degree, LAPU’s criminal justice program is built to meet you where you are. Our flexible structure and transfer-friendly policies ensure you can move forward with confidence—on your timeline, with a clear path to graduation.

Don’t wait—request info, talk to an advisor, or start your undergraduate application today. Let LAPU help you become a force for good in your community and the world through our online criminal justice degree.

FAQs (Frequently Asked Questions)

Is LAPU’s criminal justice degree fully online?

Yes, LAPU’s criminal justice degree is delivered 100% online, offering flexibility and accessibility for students balancing work, family, or other obligations.

How long does it take to complete the program?

LAPU’s flexible term structure allows you to progress at your own pace. Most students complete the online bachelor’s program in four years or less, depending on transferred credits and course load.

Can I transfer previous college credits into LAPU’s program?

Absolutely. LAPU accepts eligible college or associate degree credits through a comprehensive transfer evaluation, helping you reduce time and tuition on your way to graduation.

What types of jobs can I get with this degree?

Graduates of criminal justice programs typically pursue careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation, advocacy, homeland security, forensic science, and many other related fields in public safety and criminal justice administration.

Does LAPU require any on-campus attendance for this degree?

No, LAPU’s criminal justice program is delivered entirely online, with no on-campus or in-person requirements. You can complete your degree from anywhere, on a schedule that works for you.