There are a number of bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Kansas for students who are either looking to switch careers or enter the field for the first time. In addition to earning a bachelor’s degree from one of the following institutions, students also often have the opportunity to specialize in various aspects of criminal justice, tailoring their degrees to their specific interests and career goals.
Baker University
College of Arts and Sciences
Baker University is a premier private college with a tradition of student engagement and academic excellence in a values-based, inviting and respectful learning community. The faculty provides student-focused, creative learning experiences that challenge students to investigate topics with clarity and depth. Students connect with staff, faculty and peers in order to fully engage in their learning. Graduates are prepared to become competent, confident contributors to society.
Sociology Major With Criminal Justice Concentration
Students pursuing a sociology degree from Baker University have the option to focus specifically on criminal justice. Students in the criminal justice program explore every aspect of the justice system, the law and crime to become lawyers, police officers, probation officers and counselors. BU allows them to combine their interests to create individualized programs of study, and those who are interested in criminal justice are obligated to major in sociology and choose 12 credit hours in coursework for a criminal justice emphasis. Courses include the sociology of law, sociology of deviant behavior, criminal justice, youth and crime, criminology and computers, crime and deviance.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Contact
618 Eighth St.
Baldwin City, KS 66006
(785) 594-7868
kris.oehlert@bakerU.edu
Benedictine College
Department of Sociology and Criminology
The Department of Sociology and Criminology at Benedictine College helps students to develop knowledge of scientific sociology through experience in field study, methodology and theory construction. Graduates have the skills and knowledge necessary to seek careers in a number of areas, including public social services, social administration and applied social science. With an undergraduate degree, students may also choose to pursue graduate study as they will have developed a view toward public service, teaching and research.
Major in Sociology & Criminology
The criminology program provides students with a comprehensive introduction to the material and methods of contemporary criminological inquiry, including methods of data analysis and theory testing, contemporary and classical theories of criminality and crime and public policy issues as they relate to crime punishment, control and prevention. Students are prepared for professional and graduate school, and they will have the communication and critical-thinking skills necessary for post-bachelor’s training as practitioners in criminal justice. Although the criminology program follows a more liberal arts pathway, students may still benefit from experience and direct contact with criminal justice organizations through Benedictine College’s internship placements.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Contact
1020 North 2nd St.
Atchison, KS 66002
(800) 467-5340
kbryant@benedictine.edu
Bethany College
Department of Criminal Justice
Students pursuing a degree from Bethany College’s Department of Criminal Justice can benefit from small classes with high-quality instruction taught by professional faculty who have an interest in the success of their students. Internship opportunities are available with statewide, regional and local human services and criminal justice organizations, and the degrees offered within the Department are based on both real-life and theoretical situations. The courses are designed to help students either confirm or decide against their decision to pursue a career in criminal justice within the first year of their education.
Criminal Justice Degree
The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice from Bethany College is designed to introduce students to an interdisciplinary field of study that is focused on the practical, theoretical and philosophical applications of justice as well as conflict resolution within societies. Rather than train students for specific careers, the B.A. in Criminal Justice degree instead offers a liberal arts education that focuses on the cultivate of creative and analytical thought as well as communication. Students must complete 48 to 51 hours in criminal justice courses as well as meet the school’s general education requirements prior to graduating. After earning the B.A. in Criminal Justice, students are prepared for graduate school as well as careers as corrections and court services officers, mental health professionals, substance abuse counselors, prosecutors, attorneys, detectives and law enforcement officers.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Contact
335 East Swensson St.
Lindsborg, KS 67456
(785) 227-3380
kinnairdba@bethanylb.edu
Central Christian College of Kansas
Online Programs
The Central Christian College of Kansas allows students to earn associate and bachelor’s degrees in a number of fields right from their own homes. Ranked as one of the 50 most affordable Christian colleges and universities from 2015 to 2016 by Christian Universities Online, the school offers flexible courses designed with the working student in mind. Undergraduate students may continue to meet their work and family obligations while pursuing the online degree, and CCC recognizes courses taken at other accredited universities and colleges.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
The criminal justice program is designed for busy law enforcement officers who are seeking a degree to either enter other areas of law enforcement or to move up in their careers. The degree can be completed fully online, and all courses are designed and delivered by criminal justice experts. CCC also partners with the Fellowship of Christian Police Officers to use biblical truths to develop a Christian mindset. Courses last approximately six weeks, and students can log in and complete a lesson whenever it is most convenient for them. The curriculum and benefits of the online degree are the same as the on-campus program.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission
Contact
1200 S. Main St.
P.O. Box 1403
McPherson, KS 67460
(877) 299-1531
admissions@centralchristian.edu
Emporia State University
College of Liberal Arts and Sciences
Emporia State University’s College of Liberal Arts and Sciences is designed to offer students the opportunity to discover themselves and their career goals. The school advocates the importance of liberal arts and sciences, maintaining that these two disciplines are the foundations of academic tradition. The College is committed to providing high-quality elective courses and general education class work for all undergraduate students. In addition, the school takes pride in its academically challenging programs of study for both graduate and undergraduate students through its offering of major and minor degrees.
Bachelor of Arts in Crime and Delinquency Studies
The B.A. in Crime and Delinquency Studies is intended for students who are seeking an advanced degree in the law, juvenile justice or crime and delinquency studies. Students pursuing this degree must finish 36 semester hours in anthropology, sociology, crime and delinquency studies. All students are also required to complete 12 hours in secondary courses and 24 hours in required core courses. Topics of study include research methods, sociology of corrections, criminology, law enforcement, juvenile delinquency, theories of crime and delinquency, statistics in sociology, research methods in sociology and a capstone course. In addition, under the B.A. degree, students must choose a minor, a major or have a second program of study.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission
Contact
1 Kellogg Circle.
Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 341-5465
go2esu@emporia.edu
Bachelor of Science in Crime and Delinquency Studies
The B.S. in Crime and Delinquency Studies is intended for students who are seeking careers in government agencies, law enforcement and juvenile justice as well as for those who are intending to pursue graduate study in this field. Students must finish 21 hours in secondary courses, 24 hours in required courses and 25 hours in required core courses. Topics of study include a senior capstone course, research methods and statistics in sociology, theories of crime and delinquency, research methods, juvenile delinquency, sociology of corrections, criminology, law enforcement and an introduction to criminal justice.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Contact
1 Kellogg Circle.
Emporia, KS 66801
(620) 341-5465
go2esu@emporia.edu
Fort Hays State University
College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences
Regardless of where a student’s passion lies, the College of Arts, Humanities and Social Sciences at Fort Hays State University offers a degree program to match. Students may benefit from a liberal arts education that allows them to develop the abilities and skills needed to work with others and succeed in their chosen fields. Through its hard-working faculty and forward-thinking curriculum, the College prepares students for personal growth, citizenship and the 21st century workplace.
On-Campus Undergraduate Programs in Criminal Justice
The Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degrees provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary for success in the field. The core curriculum introduces students to the main theories of criminal justice, and students may either create their own combination of electives courses or specialize in criminology, policing or victims and offenders. Depending on their goals and interests, students also have the option to supplement their studies with an internship or courses in independent study. Both degrees require 120 credit hours to graduate, and the core curriculum covers topics such as criminal justice research, comparative justice systems, criminal justice ethics, criminology, careers in criminal justice and administration of justice systems.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission
Contact
600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-5668
justicesecretary@fhsu.edu
Online Undergraduate Programs in Criminal Justice
Fort Hays State University offers a Bachelor of Arts and a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both degrees are available completely online. The curriculum focuses on the main theories of criminal justice. Students may complete their degree by choosing from a range of electives. Undergraduates may either create their own combination of courses or specialize in the law and the courts, corrections or law enforcement. Many graduates find employment working at the federal, state and local levels.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission
Contact
600 Park St.
Hays, KS 67601
(785) 628-5668
justicesecretary@fhsu.edu
Friends University
Social & Behavioral Sciences
The degrees offered within the Social & Behavioral Sciences at Friends University prepare students to study people and events so that they may teach others and affect positive change. The school provides degrees in criminal justice, history and political science, psychology and sociology. In addition, Friends University offers minors in criminal justice, psychology, sociology, international relations, political science and pre-law.
Criminal Justice, Bachelor of Arts
The bachelor’s degree in criminal justice provides students with a strong foundational education across a number of criminal justice issues and topics. Specific concentration is given to organizational and management skills as well as to social concerns as they relate to correctional systems and law enforcement. The 37-hour degree program includes both coursework and a research project, which is an applied action project that is directly applied to a business or organization. Students will study community relations, management and leadership in criminal justice, contemporary issues in criminal law, the science of criminal investigation and forensics and explore the budget and planning process.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission (HLC)
Contact
2100 W. University Ave.
Wichita, KS 67213
(800) 794-6945
learn@friends.edu
Grantham University
College of Arts and Sciences
Grantham University offers broad-based online degree programs through its College of Arts and Sciences, giving students the flexibility to explore several career paths such as general studies, criminal justice, interdisciplinary studies and multidisciplinary studies. The online degree programs offer an ideal mix of quality instruction, support and affordability. Students are prepared to work in a number of careers through the use of online learning tools and a curriculum designed to meet the expectations of today’s rapidly changing employment markets. Graduates are able to successfully perform at many levels — intellectually, socially, technically and practically.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Students may earn the online B.A. in Criminal Justice in 38 months. The 121-credit-hour program is designed to prepare graduates to excel in the criminal justice workforce. Students may choose to pursue the generalized program track or specialize in one of two in-demand concentration areas such as computer science or homeland security. After completing the degree, graduates will be able to either advance in or pursue a career in juvenile justice, homeland defense, cyber security, investigations, corrections or law enforcement. Courses begin every month, so students may earn the online degree whenever it is convenient for them.
Accreditation
– Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC)
Contact
16025 W. 113th St.
Lenexa, KS 66219
(888) 947-2684
admissions@grantham.edu
Kansas Wesleyan University
Center for Public Policy and Safety
The Center for Public Policy and Safety (CPPS) is a center of service and learning that incorporates numerous departments and faculty for the public safety, emergency management and criminal justice majors as well as the political science minor. The CPPS offers certificates, minors, associate’s and bachelor’s degrees and provides many services to the community, campus and state, including workshops, undergraduate research and consulting in areas such as threat assessments, risk assessments and hazard mitigation, police chaplaincy programs, pandemic planning, emergency response planning and crisis communication plans.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
The B.A. in Criminal Justice prepares students to put what they’ve learned into practice. Undergraduates will learn how to navigate the U.S. criminal justice system, strong technology skills, clear communication, ethical decision-making and critical thinking. Graduates of the program have become police officers, investigators, practicing attorneys, city prosecutors and judges. Students can choose from on-campus, online or hybrid course schedules, and criminal justice concentrations include offender management endorsement, law enforcement endorsement and domestic violence endorsement. Students also have the opportunity to conduct independent studies, participate in internships and design and develop individual research projects.
Accreditation
– Higher Learning Commission
Contact
100 E. Claflin Ave.
Salina, KS 67401
(785) 827-5541
admissions@kwu.edu
Students who are seeking a criminal justice career can enjoy a solid job outlook, attractive pay and an ever-changing work environment. If you are looking for bachelor’s in criminal justice programs in Kansas, it is critical to choose a program that is accredited to ensure that both the school and its curriculum meets high standards for quality and excellence.
Continue here: Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice Programs in Kansas (L-Z)
