Criminal Justice

Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice examines every layer of the criminal justice system, from law enforcement training and criminal investigations to court processes, corrections, and community supervision. Core courses cover criminal law, criminal behavior, constitutional protections, ethics, and criminal evidence. Criminal justice electives allow students to explore areas like organized crime, terrorism, cybercrime, and white-collar offenses.
 
Students learn research methods, program evaluation, and policy analysis. They examine how justice systems balance public safety with individual rights, and how criminal justice professionals apply criminological theory to real situations. The program prepares graduates for law enforcement positions, correctional roles, investigative services, and positions within the judicial system.

Program Mission

The mission of Keiser University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program is to prepare students for placement and advancement as criminal justice professionals. The program equips students to be critical thinkers who possess soft skills and value ethical approaches to the practice of criminal justice.

Program Goals

Students completing this bachelor’s in criminal justice will:

1. Be proficient in researching, collecting and organizing complex data, solving problems, and working collaboratively.
2. Develop practical knowledge and communication skills necessary for employment and advancement in criminal justice related fields.
3. Be able to provide competent, ethical leadership skills required in the criminal justice field.
4. Be able to operate in a climate of tolerance and respect where opposing viewpoints can be openly shared.

Program Highlights

Small class sizes with field expert faculty
Flexible online bachelor’s degree and on-campus options
General education courses building cultural literacy and critical thinking skills
Real-world experience through internships and case studies
Access to financial aid options and military tuition assistance
Same degree whether completed online or on campus

Gain Job-Ready Skills for a Criminal Justice Career

• Critical thinking skills for evaluating evidence and policies
• Communication skills for reports, presentations, and public interaction
• Research methods for crime analysis and program evaluation
• Foundational knowledge of criminal law and constitutional procedures
• Understanding of criminal behavior and criminological theory
• Ethics and professionalism in justice settings
• Investigative procedures and evidence handling
• Leadership and management principles for criminal justice organizations

Keiser University offers career-focused degree programs designed to support working professionals, traditional students, and career changers. With on-campus, online, and hybrid learning options, experienced faculty, and comprehensive student support, Keiser helps learners achieve their personal and professional goals at all levels.

Applicants desiring to enter Keiser University must submit an application to the Admissions Office well in advance of the start date. This permits proper scheduling and assures availability of classroom space. Applications for winter, spring or fall semesters should be made as early as possible, as these entry dates are normally the time of greatest enrollment.

For students enrolling at Keiser University, credit for courses or degrees completed at another institution is subject to approval by the Dean of Academic Affairs. These courses or degrees must be similar in content and duration to those offered in the program for which an applicant has applied. The Dean of Academic Affairs makes the final decision of accepted transfer credits from the received transcript. However, only courses listed on official transcripts receive permanent official transfer credit. (To grant such credit, Keiser University must receive official transcripts--- those mailed directly to Keiser University by the previous institution---by the end of a student’s first semester.) Keiser University requires that, at a minimum, a student complete the final 25% of a program through the University. Active duty, reservists, and National Guard service members who are students can complete at a minimum 25% of a program at any time through the University and graduate. Transfer students are informed in writing of any credits accepted as transferable. Preliminary notification is presented, in most cases, prior to enrollment but in no case later than the end of a transfer student's first semester. Students are responsible for having official transcripts sent to Keiser University from their former institution(s). It may be necessary for students to forfeit some previously earned credit in the transfer process since college philosophies, objectives and programs may vary and change from year to year. Therefore, Keiser University makes no blanket statement or promise of acceptance of credits from any other institution.

Keiser University accepts transfer credits applicable to an applicant's program of study from other institutions recognized by the United States Department of Education (USDE). Keiser University accepts transfer of associate degrees that, upon evaluation, include the appropriate major course distribution without time limitations.

Transfer credits are granted only for courses in which a grade of "C" or higher was earned (2.0 on a 4.0 scale).

Keiser University students take one class at a time.

Keiser University publishes this program as approximately 40 months and 120 credit hours.

Keiser University lists this program as available on campus, Online, and Hybrid.

Tuition is charged per 16-week semester according to the credit hours scheduled.

Keiser University charges tuition per 16-week semester according to the number of credit hours scheduled, not per program. The rates below are the university’s published Flagship (Residential) campus Tuition and Fee Disclosure, effective Fall Semester 2026, and are subject to annual review.

Required fees

• Tuition deposit — $150.00, refundable before May 1 for fall and November 1 for spring
• Housing deposit — $250.00, refundable before July 1 for fall and December 1 for spring
• Education fee — $976.00 per semester, for programmatic participation and facilities resources
• Technology fee — $309.00 per semester
• Health insurance — $2,169.00 per academic year, or $1,370.00 for spring and summer only

Other fees are charged per occurrence: withdrawal $100.00, orientation $100.00, re-entry $150.00, car permit $50.00 ($15.00 for an additional permit), returned check $40.00, dorm key replacement $30.00, library late fee $10.00, student ID replacement $30.00, late payment $25.00 and transcript $10.00. Program supplies and kits vary by program; textbooks are estimated at up to $2,000.00 per semester.

Financial aid

Keiser University participates in federal Title IV financial aid. Students seeking aid complete the FAFSA using the university’s federal school code, 015159.

Estimated Student Costs

Required and Optional Fees for Programs: Fees are costs set by the university in addition to tuition (and room and board, if applicable). These fees may be required for your program or optional depending on the courses you take, and they support the costs associated with completing an approved program of study. Fees are defined in the school’s catalog or supplement and listed on the school’s billing statement or invoice. Fees that are optional will not be paid using GI Bill® benefits and will be the responsibility of the student choosing these additional options. For additional guidance, please see your Program Director or Admissions Counselor.

Criminal justice graduates from Keiser University prepare for careers across the criminal justice field. Career outcomes include entry-level and mid-level positions in law enforcement, corrections, probation officers, crime analysis, forensic investigations, and victim services. Graduates also pursue opportunities with federal agencies, local government, courts, and nonprofit organizations focused on public safety and social justice.

This bachelor’s program supports criminal justice professionals by building foundational knowledge in criminal justice systems, criminological theory, research methods, and legal frameworks. Graduates gain communication skills and critical thinking abilities that apply across protective service occupations and human services roles.

Career Outcomes in Criminal Justice

• Law Enforcement positions
• Crime analysts
• Federal agents
• Homeland security roles
• Victim advocates and victim services coordinators

• Juvenile justice specialists
• Private investigators
• Security managers
• Court services personnel

Placement Rate

Keiser University publishes the following in its 2025 Undergraduate Placement Rates report for BA Criminal Justice.

Keiser University’s notes on this placement report: “Does not include international campuses.” “Report as of April 2026, 16.43% has been verified through 3rd party.”

Although career services assistance is provided, Keiser University cannot promise or guarantee employment.

Keiser University’s bachelor’s degree in criminal justice prepares students for entry-level positions and career advancement across the criminal justice system. Whether you study online, on campus, or through a hybrid format, you gain the same comprehensive education taught by the same faculty. Our degree completion program accepts transfer credits, allowing you to earn credit for prior learning and finish your bachelor’s program at your own pace. From law enforcement training to understanding the judicial system, from criminal investigations to victim services, this program builds skills that matter in the criminal justice field.