You’re committed to protecting and meeting the needs of others, preventing the wide-reaching effects of crime, and bringing justice, healing, and restoration to your community — from within neighborhoods to prisons to schools.

A Restorative Approach

PLNU's program focuses on community relations and restorative justice in addition to traditional criminal justice practices. Restorative justice seeks to not only protect the community from crime and hold offenders accountable, but also to heal those wounded by its effects for the purposes of fostering lasting peace and equity in our society. Restorative justice practices center on respecting and serving all involved in the justice system — victims, offenders, and the surrounding community. 

Effective online learning for rising professionals

Through this flexible online program, you can learn at your own pace while becoming an influential and responsible leader. Classes are taught by experienced criminal justice faculty and industry leaders.

Learn to foster justice in your ideal learning environment

This online program gives you the flexibility to learn when and where you want. You can complete coursework in the comfort of your home, favorite coffee shop, or local library while choosing a study schedule that works best for you. 

Online learning is perfect for those who learn in ways that aren’t often found in traditional classrooms — watching instructional videos, listening to audio lectures at your preferred speed, or dedicating extra study time to tricky topics. You can always connect with professors to help find the best ways to absorb and apply your learning.

Save time for your personal and professional commitments

Learning shouldn’t prevent you from doing what you love. Coursework is designed to be flexible to your needs and help you balance your other life commitments. 

While completing this program, you’ll still be able to continue spending time with family, thriving at your full- or part-time workplace, or leisure time. 

Engage in community without commuting

Commuting can be stressful and time-consuming — especially in San Diego. Thankfully, you can learn online while still benefiting from PLNU’s strong focus on community. In this program, you’ll meaningfully connect with other students online as you learn and grow in your leadership expertise.

You’ll also have access to top-tier mentorship from professors and advisors. They’ll help you to leverage your strengths to expand your connections and career opportunities. You’ll be able to access resources tailored to you and your career goals. 

A seamless transition from your previous experience

A counselor and coordinator will work with you through every step of your journey to complete your bachelor’s, from helping you transfer previously-earned credit to working alongside you with care and encouragement as you earn your degree. You won’t feel like you’re starting a brand-new program — rather, it will be a natural continuation of your previous education experience.

Students applying for this program can also start with as few as zero college credits completed. PLNU offers all general education, elective, and prerequisite courses needed for completion of the criminal justice program. With entry points every 8 weeks, you can start whenever you're ready!

Which program is right for me?

You might be wondering whether the online or hybrid criminal justice program is best for you. Here’s a quick overview to help you connect with your ideal learning environment:

“The criminal justice system provides a unique arena to ensure justice and facilitate restoration. At PLNU, we intend to train our students to see opportunities for transformation in every situation, becoming agents of hope in communities they serve.”

Kevin Modesto, Ph.D.
Chair, Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Family Sciences

Enhance your degree by adding a Minor

Adding a minor to your Accelerated undergraduate program can be a great opportunity to broaden your knowledge, increase career opportunities, and foster personal growth. Explore subjects like Marketing, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Communication, Management, Creative Digital Media, and Child Development. Choosing to add a minor can make your degree more versatile, well-rounded, and appealing to future employers. PLNU Counselors are ready to help you integrate a minor into your academic plan. Discover the benefits of a minor at PLNU today!

Are you ready to take the next step and apply?

We’re here to make the entire process a simple one. We’ll walk you through the application process, answer your questions, and get you one step closer to earning your degree.

Online program start dates: 

• Fall 2024 Quad II — October 28, 2024
• Spring 2025 Quad I — January 13, 2025
• Spring 2025 Quad II — March 17, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad I — May 12, 2025
• Summer 2025 Quad II — July 7, 2025

Start Application

Note: The application is completed entirely online with the exception of transcripts, which can be submitted electronically or directly to PLNU, and test scores, which should be submitted electronically.

1. Submit online application for admission. 
2. Submit official transcripts from each institution attended.
   
   Official transcripts must be sent to:
   Point Loma Nazarene University|
   Office of Graduate Admissions
   3900 Lomaland Dr.
   San Diego, CA 92106
   
   Official electronic transcripts must be emailed to:
   gradprocessing@pointloma.edu

Start Application

Note: All students are expected to have some proficiency with computer technology (email, Internet, word processing, etc.).

*Prospective students who meet the other criteria but do not have the required semester hours for entrance or are lacking in the core requirements will be advised how to correct any deficiency. An enrollment counselor will assist these students with the development of a written pre-admission educational plan, which may include bridge courses taken at PLNU. Only courses from an accredited institution where at least a grade of a “C” has been earned will be accepted by transfer. Prospective students who do not meet the minimum GPA requirement can be considered for admission under exception. Contact your enrollment counselor for details.

**General Education deficiencies may be completed after admittance, but at least 20 hours must be completed prior to starting the program cohort. Three hours of appropriate prior learning credit (see below) may be used to meet one of the general education areas — with the exception of English composition and math.

***The PLNU General Education Learning Outcomes (GELOs) will be addressed and measured within the PLNU degree program to ensure the outcomes we value are demonstrated.

State Authorization

In certain states outside California, PLNU is not authorized to enroll students in online courses and/or offer internships. If a student moves to another state after admission to a program or enrollment in an online course, continuation in the program/course will depend on whether PLNU is authorized within that state. Please refer to the State Authorization map to view which states allow online courses and/or internships.

Completing a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice from PLNU can help prepare you for careers that make a real difference in your community, such as:

• Police, Corrections, Parole, or Probation Officer
• Security Officer
• Social Worker or Victim Support Specialist
• Paralegal or Law Clerk
• Surveillance Officer
• Information Security Analyst
• Detective, Private Detective, or Investigator
• Emergency Management Director
• FBI, DEA, or Customs Agent
• Homeland Security Officer

A Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice will also prepare you for graduate-level study in criminal law, criminology, victimology, and other areas related to criminal justice.

Student Profile

Jessie Schmitte: Both Sides of the Coin

Jessie Schmitte, Criminal Justice, B.A. (20), shares how his experience at PLNU helped accelerate his career and led to his current position as a district representative for the California State Senate.

Read More

What can I do with a bachelor’s in criminal justice? 

A bachelor’s in criminal justice prepares you for an innumerable amount of job options. You could go into the field as an agent, or work in a lab or office. Whatever path you choose to take, a criminal justice degree can aid you in professional prospects as a degree that’s both fulfilling and appealing to potential employers.  

The following careers are some of the most popular jobs for those with a Criminal Justice, B.A.: 

Intelligence analyst
Average annual salary: $74,000

An intelligence analyst carefully researches and considers multiple sources to make analytical judgments and then passes on their findings through detailed reports, presentations, and other modes of communication to policymakers, either in the public or private sector. Their typical job responsibilities include organizing contacts who act as sources of information and monitoring online threads, forums, etc. where information is compiled.  

What it takes to be an intelligence analyst: 

• Problem-solving
• Communication
• Research and writing
• Decision making
• Flexibility

Forensic science technician
Average annual salary: $56,750

Forensic science technicians conduct crime scene investigations while gathering evidence and information, but they also analyze evidence, images, and other elements pertinent to the investigation. They then perform comprehensive scientific and technical analyses in order to obtain results and answers. The added responsibility and technical skills may also lead to a greater potential salary, so if you're interested in using science to discover the truth, you may want to further investigate this career option.

What it takes to be a forensic science technician: 

• Communication
• Problem-solving
• Critical thinking
• Attention to detail

Victim advocate
Average annual salary: $42,866

Victim advocates are trained to support victims of crime. Their typical responsibilities include offering emotional support, victims’ rights information, help in finding needed resources, and assistance in filling out crime victim-related forms. Victim advocates frequently accompany victims and their family members through the different aspects of criminal justice proceedings.

What it takes to be a victim advocate: 

• Communication skills
• Interpersonal skills
• Problem-solving skills
• Organizational skills

Using your criminal justice degree 

Whether in a lab, behind a computer, or in the field, a degree in criminal justice will help you find a career where you can serve others. Receiving a Criminal Justice, B.A. from PLNU will open up countless opportunities for potential jobs and career paths. 

Apply to PLNU today or get connected with one of our counselors for additional support and answers to any questions you may have.

For information about the courses required for the Criminal Justice, B.A. Online program, view the PLNU Catalog. 

Course Information