Is an Online Degree Right For You?

Take The Free Quiz

Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice

Discover Your Purpose

Want to Advance Your Career? Hi. Welcome to Hilbert.

At Hilbert College Global, our BS in Criminal Justice online program is widely considered one of the best college programs of its kind in the state of New York because of our hands-on approach, strong community connections and industry-leading expert faculty. With our fully online courses, you can enroll in and benefit from this top program no matter where you live.

Our online Criminal Justice Bachelor's program equips students with the critical thinking, communication, research, analysis and problem-solving skills to be forward-thinking leaders who prioritize equity and justice. No matter your field of interest—from social services and juvenile justice to law enforcement and lawmaking—Hilbert College Global can help you reach your career goals in a flexible, 100% online environment.

Are you ready to learn to lead through service to others? Join us at Hilbert.

Is an Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Right for You?

Take the Hilbert College Global “Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Readiness Quiz”

This fun, online quiz takes 3 minutes to complete and you’ll get a personalized report. Identify your strengths and social style plus the training and positions you’re best suited for.

Get Your Online Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice Readiness Score Now >>

Where Career Transformation Happens

Earning a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice can prepare you for a meaningful career that leads to both personal and professional growth. During your time in the Criminal Justice online program, you’ll develop a firm understanding of:

  • Criminology
  • Research methods
  • Ethics and corrections
  • Scientific and social issues
  • Topics surrounding diversity

A person taking notes in front of a laptop

Find Your Career Path

The field of criminal justice offers a variety of impactful, well-paying career paths that encompass much more than just police work. Criminal justice professionals work in contexts such as the courts, corrections, forensics, private security and more. Some of the career paths that our graduates take include*:

Fraud Investigator

Median Annual Salary: $64,710

Security Consultant

Median Annual Salary: $86,000

Military Intelligence Officer

Median Annual Salary: $75,300

Police Officer

Median Annual Salary: $66,020

Correctional Officer

Median Annual Salary: $47,920

*Salary information provided by the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

A businessperson gestures to a colleague
Curriculum & Courses

Required Courses in Major (11 Courses, 33 Credits)

  • CJ 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJ 200 Introduction to Corrections (3 credits)
  • CJ 202 Introduction to Law and Justice (3 credits)
  • CJ 204 Crime and Society (3 credits)
  • CJ 305 Research Methods in Social Sciences (3 credits)
  • CJ 330 Ethics in the Criminal Justice System (3 credits)
  • CJ 335/SO 306 Diversity Issues in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • CJ 402 Advanced Criminological Theory (3 credits)
  • CJ 404 Criminal Investigations/Criminalistics (3 credits)
  • CJ 405 Seminar in Criminal Justice (3 credits)
  • FS 320 Interview and Interrogation Techniques (3 credits)

Major Electives (3 Courses, 9 Credits)

  • Criminal Justice Elective, Upper Level (3 credits)
  • Criminal Justice Elective, Upper Level (3 credits)
  • Criminal Justice Elective, Any Level (3 credits)

General Requirements in Major (3 Courses, 9 Credits)

  • MA 200 Topics in Statistics (3 credits)
  • SO 101 Introduction to Sociology (3 credits)
  • SO 201 Social Problems (3 credits)

General Education Requirements (7 Courses, 21 Credit Hours)

  • COM 151 Public Speaking (3 credits)
  • EN 101 College Writing (3 credits)
  • EN 102 Writing in the Humanities (3 credits)
  • GS 101 Foundations Seminar (3 credits)
  • GS 201 Service Learning and Civic Engagement (3 credits)
  • PS 402 Junior Symposium (3 credits)
  • RS 206 Franciscanism (3 credits)

Specific General Education Core Modules (5 Courses, 15 Credit Hours)

  • American History/Western Civilization Elective (3 credits)
  • Humanities Elective (3 credits)
  • Art Elective (3 credits)
  • Foreign Culture and Language Elective (3 credits)
  • Natural Science Elective (3 credits)

General Electives (6 Courses, 18 Credit Hours)

  • Liberal Arts Elective (3 credits)
  • All College Electives (4 courses, 3 credits each)

Electives, Upper Level (5 Courses, 15 Credit Hours)

  • Liberal Arts Electives, Upper Level (3 courses, 3 credits each)
  • All College Electives, Upper Level (2 courses, 3 credits each)
Faculty

You’ll work with professors to conduct research through Hilbert’s Institute for Law and Justice, a nationally renowned resource for a wide range of law and justice-related issues.

Laura M. Dannebohm, JD, MA Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Chair, Criminal Justice Department, Pre-Law Advisor

Laura M. Dannebohm, JD, MA

Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice Chair, Criminal Justice Department, Pre-Law Advisor

716-926-8821

ldannebohm@hilbert.edu
John P. Culhane Jr., JD Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

John P. Culhane Jr., JD

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice

716-649-7900, ext. 316

jculhane@hilbert.edu
Yvonne Downes, PhD Professor of Criminal Justice

Yvonne Downes, PhD

Professor of Criminal Justice

716-926-8844

ydownes@hilbert.edu
Erik Johanson, MS Adjunct Instructor

Erik Johanson, MS

Adjunct Instructor

erikjohanson@hilbert.edu
Kristen Connolly, Ph.D. Assistant Professor

Kristen Connolly, Ph.D.

Assistant Professor

716-926-8885

kconnolly2@hilbert.edu
Martin Floss, Ph.D. Professor of Criminal Justice

Martin Floss, Ph.D.

Professor of Criminal Justice

716-926-8906

mfloss@hilbert.edu
Anthony San Giacomo, MPA Adjunct Instructor

Anthony San Giacomo, MPA

Adjunct Instructor

sgiacomo@hilbert.edu
Richard Qualey Adjunct Instructor

Richard Qualey

Adjunct Instructor

rqualey@hilbert.edu
John Manth Adjunct Instructor

John Manth

Adjunct Instructor

rqualey@hilbert.edu
Charlene Mahony Adjunct Instructor

Charlene Mahony

Adjunct Instructor

cmahony@hilbert.edu
Paul Jackson, MBA Adjunct Instructor

Paul Jackson, MBA

Adjunct Instructor

pauljackson@hilbert.edu
Quote Icon

“Everyone at Hilbert that I have been involved with has been amazing; everyone is so informative, understanding, compassionate—driven to help other students and me succeed.”

Jennifer Graber,

Criminal Justice Transfer Student

Financing Your Degree

560 per credit Icon

$560 per credit

Average time to complete Icon

Average time to complete: 4 years

120 credits Icon

120 credits

At Hilbert College Global, we’re committed to making your education affordable and accessible. For a full-time student on a four-year track, the cost of tuition will be $16,800 per year. You will also be responsible for the following fees:

Course Resource Fee: $351 per course
Registration Fee: $50 per semester
Orientation Fee: $220 (one-time charge)
Graduation Fee: $300 (one-time charge, assessed in the last semester)

Our transfer-friendly policies and financial aid may significantly reduce the cost of your degree.

Financial aid is available for those who qualify.

Inclusive Community Icon

Inclusive Community

Our cultural foundation in inclusivity and support creates a welcoming learning community that guides students to become servant leaders.

High ROI Icon

High ROI

Hilbert was ranked in the top 25% in the nation for return on investment by Georgetown University’s Center on Education and the Workforce.

Attentive faculty Icon

Attentive Faculty

Thanks to a 12:1 student-to-instructor ratio, you’ll develop strong relationships with our industry-leading faculty members, who are committed to your success.

Real World Curriculum Icon

Real-World Curriculum

Our hands-on curriculum and immersive internship opportunities give you real-world insights to become a servant leader in the workforce.

Flexible focus Icon

Flexibility

All courses are asynchronous and last eight weeks, with six convenient start dates throughout the year.

Meaningful Courses Icon

Meaningful Courses

Courses in diversity and ethics help you to stand out to potential employers who are prioritizing DEI initiatives.

Frequently Asked Questions

What does the online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Hilbert College Global cover?
The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Hilbert College Global provides a broad foundation in criminal justice studies for online learners. The 120-credit program provides comprehensive training in criminology, research methods, ethics and corrections, scientific and social issues, and diversity in the justice system. The program equips you with critical thinking, communication, research, analysis, and problem-solving skills to become a forward-thinking leader who prioritizes equity and justice across fields from social services and juvenile justice to law enforcement and lawmaking.
What career paths can I pursue with an online criminal justice degree from Hilbert College Global?
An online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice from Hilbert College Global prepares you for diverse career opportunities across law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation, parole, youth services, and security fields. Graduates may qualify for positions such as Police Officer, Detective, Correctional Treatment Specialist, Probation Officer, Forensic Science Technician, and various roles in social services. Some students choose to continue their studies in graduate programs such as criminal justice, law, counseling, or public administration. The curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning, strong community connections, and expert faculty guidance, equipping you with the practical skills to make a difference for people and communities in exciting, rewarding careers focused on promoting equity and justice.
How do I apply to the online criminal justice program at Hilbert College Global in Hamburg, NY?
Applying to Hilbert College Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice is fast, simple, and with no application fee. Create an account at the application portal and set your password. Provide the required materials, including a completed application and official transcripts from your high school and any collegiate institutions you’ve attended. Send transcripts to onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu or by mail to Online Admissions, Hilbert College Global, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York, 14075. Once your completed application and transcripts are received, an admissions counselor will follow up with you to guide you through the next steps in the enrollment process. For questions, contact the admissions team at (716) 320-7900.
What makes Hilbert College Global’s criminal justice program different from other online programs?
Hilbert College Global’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice offers a criminal justice curriculum designed for online learners with a hands-on approach, strong community connections, and industry-leading faculty. Students have the opportunity to engage with research and resources through Hilbert’s Institute for Law and Justice, which focuses on law and justice-related issues. The program emphasizes a balance of liberal arts and career preparation with integration of multiple disciplines. Faculty include professionals such as Assistant Professor Laura M. Dannebohm, JD, MA, who serves as Chair of the Criminal Justice Department. You’ll receive personalized attention within a supportive learning community.
Who should I contact about Hilbert College Global’s online criminal justice program in Hamburg, NY?
For questions about Hilbert College Global’s online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program, contact the Online Admissions office at (716) 320-7900 or by email at admissions@online.hilbert.edu. An assigned admissions counselor will connect with you to answer questions and guide you through the enrollment process. Hilbert College is located at 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York, 14075. The admissions team is available to discuss program details, application requirements, transfer credits, and help you determine if this program aligns with your career goals in law enforcement, social services, or other criminal justice fields.

The next class start date is approaching. Don’t wait to apply!

Get Your Degree While You Work

Flexible scheduling, affordable tuition and accelerated degree programs allow you to balance your personal and professional life while earning your degree.

APPLY NOW

A person shakes hands with another person
An image of some folks

Your Space to Belong

Applying to Hilbert College Global is fast, simple and completely free. We’re committed to serving transfer students by accepting AP, IB, CLEP and Dantes (DSST) credit. We’ll also waive general education requirements for students who have earned at least 60 credit hours through prior education.

To complete your application, take the following steps.

  • Create an account and set a password.
  • Provide the required materials in the application portal:
    • Completed application
    • Official transcripts from high school and any other collegiate institutions where you’ve attended
    • Send transcripts to onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu or by mail to: Online Admissions, Hilbert College Global, 5200 South Park Avenue, Hamburg, New York, 14075
  • Once we receive your completed application and transcripts, your assigned admissions counselor will connect with you personally to guide you through the remainder of the enrollment process. Have questions or concerns? We’re here to help. Contact us at (716) 926-8804 or by email at onlineadmissions@hilbert.edu.

About Hilbert College Global

Hilbert College is an independent institution of higher learning that embraces its Franciscan heritage and values. Students from diverse backgrounds learn through liberal arts and professional programs to become informed citizens committed to serving and strengthening their communities.

A person graduating