2026-2027

Criminal Justice Administration 90-30, Bachelor of Science

NAU Yuma Academic Unit

Office of the Provost

The courses offered in the Criminal Justice Administration program are designed to provide students with a solid theoretical foundation from which they can address current issues facing the criminal justice field. The skills focused on in the different emphasis areas (Criminal Justice Administration or Intelligence Studies) have been purposefully selected to enable students to succeed as a criminal justice practitioner and leader, enhance employment and career opportunities, and for those in the Intelligence Studies emphasis, prepare students to work in the intelligence field.

  • To receive a bachelor's degree at Northern Arizona University, you must complete at least 120 units of credit that minimally includes a major, the general studies requirements, and university requirements as listed below.

    • All of Northern Arizona University's general studies, junior-level writing, and capstone requirements.
    • All requirements for your specific academic plan(s).
    • At least 30 units of upper-division courses, which may include transfer work.
    • At least 30 units of coursework taken through Northern Arizona University, of which at least 18 must be upper-division courses (300-level or above). This requirement is not met by credit-by-exam, retro-credits, transfer coursework, etc.
    • A cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0 on all work attempted at Northern Arizona University.

     

    The full policy can be viewed here.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.

  • 30 units of Criminal Justice Administration requirements.

  • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.

  • Elective courses, if needed, to reach an overall total of at least 120 units.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

Minimum Units for Completion 120
Major GPA 2.0
Highest Mathematics Required MAT 114
University Honors Program Optional
Progression Plan Link View Progression Plan

Purpose Statement

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration 90-30 provides online and distance-learning students with a contemporary, professionally focused education to prepare graduates for the evolving demands of the criminal justice field. Students complete a core set of criminal justice courses and then customize their degree plan through elective coursework aligned with their individual interests and professional goals.

This degree completion pathway is ideal for students who have previously earned up to 90 college-level credits at a community college or university and seek an efficient route to degree completion. The accelerated course format and year-round course offerings allow students to progress toward graduation in a timely and flexible manner.

All of the Criminal Justice Administration faculty hold advanced degrees and bring extensive professional experience from across the criminal justice system. Faculty members actively support student success through high-quality instruction and individualized career mentorship.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Demonstrate the ability to communicate effectively by identifying scholarly and credible research and using this information to present logical arguments in favor of or in opposition to specific policies.
  • Apply critical thinking to interpret criminal justice theories and practices, evaluate evidence, and develop ethical, legally sound responses to complex criminal justice problems.
  • Describe the ethical issues impacting the criminal justice field, and offer logical, well-supported solutions for addressing such issues.
  • Demonstrate an understanding of the current issues impacting the criminal justice field and critically analyze such issues in consideration of the current social and political issues, and, when needed, propose evidence-based solutions to address such issues.
  • Demonstrate career readiness by applying professional competencies, ethical decision-making, an understanding of cultural awareness, effective communication, and leadership skills required for employment and advancement in criminal justice organizations.
     

Transfer Block
    • Students may transfer up to 90 units of community college and/or university credit from regionally accredited institutions of higher education.
General Studies Requirement
    • Up to 9 units of major prefix courses may be used to satisfy General Studies Requirements; these same courses may also be used to satisfy major requirements.
    • Students who have completed the Arizona General Education Curriculum (AGEC) from an Arizona public or tribal community college, or the Cal-GETC from a California college or university are considered to have satisfied NAU's General Studies and Foundation requirements.
Major Requirements

  • This major requires 30 units distributed as follows:

    • Criminal Justice Administration Requirements: 21 units
    • Additional Criminal Justice Administration Courses: 9 units

     

    Take the following 30 units:

    The following coursework must be completed with a Grade of "C" or better.

General Electives

  • Additional coursework is required if, after you have met the previously described requirements, you have not yet completed a total of 120 units of credit.

    You may take these remaining courses from any of the academic areas, using these courses to pursue your specific interests and goals. You may also use prerequisites or transfer credits as electives if they weren't used to meet major, minor, or General Studies Requirements.

    We encourage you to consult with your advisor to select the courses that will be most advantageous to you.

Additional Information

  • Some courses may have prerequisites. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.