Help ensure that justice is served – ethically, responsibly, and consistently.
The bachelor's degree in criminal justice at University of the Cumberlands provides a solid foundation in understanding the criminal justice system and the roles of society and law enforcement, their interactions, and appropriate responses to deviant behavior. Through a curriculum that emphasizes leadership, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, you will be well prepared to become an ethical and effective professional in the field of criminal justice. Whether you're interested in law enforcement, corrections, or other related areas, our program equips you with the necessary tools for success.
By the Numbers
Programs & Requirements
* The credit hours listed on this page only reference the specific program requirements and is not reflective of the total hours necessary to receive your criminal justice degree. Cumberlands requires all students obtain a minimum of 60 hours for an criminal justice associate’s degree and a total of 120 hours for a criminal justice bachelor’s degree. Transfer and prior learning credits may be counted toward those totals.
To learn more about our General Education Requirements, please visit the page referenced below or explore our Academic Catalog.
Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice
There’s more to law enforcement than just catching the bad guy. If your interests lie in the fields of corrections and justice, you may want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice to explore all your law enforcement career options. The expert faculty in University of the Cumberlands' criminal justice degree program will guide you on an educational path toward professional success. This criminal justice bachelor’s degree will teach you what you need to make sure that justice is served – ethically, responsibly, and consistently.
Criminal Justice Transfer Credits:
Officers who have successfully completed the Kentucky Department of Criminal Justice’s Basic Training course (DOCJT) or similar programs from other states are able to receive up to 15 credit hours as Transfer Credit toward completing a Criminal Justice Degree at UC. The academy graduate must currently be employed by a law enforcement agency and be in good standing with their agency. The Officer must first enroll and be accepted as a student in the UC Criminal Justice Degree Program. The Officer must be able to present documentation from the DOCJT verifying graduation and must submit a copy of their Peace Officers Professional Standards Certification. The officer must submit a letter of recommendation from a supervisor within the officer’s department. With appropriate documentation, transfer credits will replace the following courses:
Course Requirements
Complete 9 credit hours from the list of options:
- CRJS 235 - Police Patrol
- CRJS 236 - Probation and Parole
- CRJS 336 - Criminal Investigation
- CRJS 337 - White Collar Crime
- CRJS 401 - Child Abuse Investigation
- CRJS 432 - Criminal Victimization
- CRJS 433 - Juvenile Justice
- CRJS 435 - Death Investigation
- CRJS 439 - Internship and Seminar
- CRJS 490 - Special Topics in Criminal Justice
*With permission of the Department Chair, CRJS 439 and CRJS 490 may be taken twice
Law Enforcement Management
Criminal Profiling
Forensics
A Bachelor of Arts requires all the same courses as a Bachelor of Science with the addition of four classes (12 hours) in a foreign language.
Choose one foreign language sequence:
- FREN 131 Elementary French I
- FREN 132 Elementary French II
- FREN 231 Intermediate French I
- FREN 232 Intermediate French II
- SPAN 131 Elementary Spanish I
- SPAN 132 Elementary Spanish II
- SPAN 231 Intermediate Spanish I
- SPAN 232 Intermediate Spanish II
Associate of Science in Criminal Justice
Similar to an Associate of Applied Science degree program, our criminal justice associate degree prepares you for immediate work within the criminal justice field. Learn the basics you need, finish your degree quickly, and step into a career in criminal justice, ready for whatever comes.
Minor in Criminal Justice
You don’t have to major in criminal justice to help make sure justice is served in the world. Learn the basics of the criminal justice system through a minor at University of the Cumberlands. Understanding more about corrections and justice will come in handy in many ways throughout your life, and it may benefit the lives of those around you as well.
Course Requirements
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Mission & Goals
The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice at Cumberlands is to provide an understanding of the roles of society and law enforcement, their interactions, and how to respond appropriately to deviant behavior.
Criminal Justice Careers & Outcomes
All stats from U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics
Police & Detectives: $66,020
Police & Detectives: $66,020
Law enforcement officers protect lives and property. Detectives and criminal investigators gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes.
Lawyer: $127,990
Lawyer: $127,990
Lawyers advise and represent clients on legal proceedings or transactions.
Private Investigator: $59,380
Private Investigator: $59,380
Private detectives and investigators search for information about legal, financial, and personal matters.
Forensic Science Technician: $61,930
Forensic Science Technician: $61,930
Forensic science technicians aid criminal investigations by collecting and analyzing evidence.
Paralegal: $56,230
Paralegal: $56,230
Paralegals and legal assistants perform a variety of tasks to support lawyers.
Mediator: $49,410
Mediator: $49,410
Arbitrators, mediators, and conciliators facilitate negotiation and dialogue between disputing parties to help resolve conflicts outside of the court system.
Common Questions
A criminal justice degree from the University of the Cumberlands provides a comprehensive foundation in the U.S. criminal justice system, exploring its impact on society, the role of law enforcement, and the appropriate responses to deviant behavior. This program emphasizes leadership, research, writing, and critical thinking skills, preparing you to become an ethical and effective professional in the field.
At the University of the Cumberlands, a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice typically requires 120 credit hours, which includes general education requirements, and usually takes about four years to complete. The associate degree requires a minimum of 60 credit hours and can be completed in two years.
Yes, the University of the Cumberlands offers the criminal justice degree both on-campus and online, providing flexibility for students who need to balance their studies with other commitments.
A criminal justice degree from the University of the Cumberlands is a valuable investment. It prepares you for a variety of careers in law enforcement, corrections, and other related fields. With a focus on ethical practices and critical thinking, graduates are well-equipped to serve society responsibly and effectively.
Graduates with a criminal justice degree from the University of the Cumberlands can pursue careers as police officers, detectives, lawyers, private investigators, forensic science technicians, paralegals, and mediators. The program’s curriculum ensures you are well-prepared for diverse roles within the criminal justice field.
To obtain a criminal justice degree from the University of the Cumberlands, you need to complete 120 credit hours for a bachelor's degree or 60 credit hours for an associate degree. The program is available both on-campus and online, and you can apply transfer and prior learning credits towards these totals.
Yes, criminal justice is considered a social science because it involves the study of societal responses to crime, the functioning of criminal justice institutions, and the impact of laws and policies on society.
The difficulty of a criminal justice degree can vary depending on your strengths and interests. The program at the University of the Cumberlands requires strong critical thinking, research, and writing skills, as well as an understanding of complex social and legal issues.
Criminal justice focuses on the systems and processes involved in the enforcement of laws, including law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. Criminology, on the other hand, is the study of the causes, consequences, and prevention of criminal behavior. At the University of the Cumberlands, the criminal justice degree covers both aspects, providing a well-rounded education in the field.
Faculty Experts in Criminal Justice
You don't have to be a detective to learn more about our criminal justice professors. Discover more about them right here!

Dr. Shareeda Tyaire

Melissa Bundy

Dr. Harry Webster
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