B.S. Criminal Justice - Online (Western Carolina University)

WCU's Criminal Justice Online Program has been rated as a #1 Best Buy in the Get Educated rankings.

"Online learning allows consumers to choose among America's best colleges in terms of local brand reputation and affordability," says Vicky Phillips, founder of GetEducated.com. "Western Carolina University is an undisputed Best Buy for students searching for an online degree with a top affordability ranking."

Online students in North Carolina pay a low cost of $13,937 for this degree compared to average costs of $44,799 at other institutions or $63,000 at for-profit universities for the same degree.

WCU's Criminal Justice Online Program gives students the convenience and flexibility to pursue a B.S. or minor from their own location while preparing for a professional career or further graduate study.

All the online program's courses are accessed through the Blackboard course management system—all instructional activities such as lectures, group interactions, reading assignments, class projects, presentations, submission of assignments, e-mail exchange, test administration, and other course functions occur within the Blackboard environment.

Admission

Admission to the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program is not guaranteed. The admission process involves two discrete steps.

1. Students first apply to Western Carolina University by following the admissions process to the university.
2. The application and the student's credentials are then forwarded to the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice for consideration.

Admission to the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program is highly competitive. Admission requirements for undergraduate students can be found on the WCU Admission Requirements page.

For admission to the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program, visit the Distance, Online and Continuing Education Admissions website and follow the directions.

To be considered for the Fall semester, all application materials must be submitted by June 1st. To be considered for the Spring semester, all application materials must be submitted by December 1st. We do not accept applications for the Summer semester.

Transfer Students

Transfer students must meet the application requirements of the University (above) and:

• Have one year of documented work experience in the criminal justice field;
• Have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
• Have an Associate’s of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
• Have substantial progress toward the “44 General Core” courses that satisfy the General Education/Liberal Studies requirement for a North Carolina community college.

Eligibility Requirements

To be accepted into the Criminal Justice Online Program, a prospective student must meet the application requirements of the University and:

• Have one year of criminal justice experience, plus
• Have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
• Have an Associate’s of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or
• Have completed the “44 General Core” courses that satisfy the General Education/Liberal Studies requirement for a North Carolina community college.