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Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration – Arson Investigation

bachelor of science in criminal justice administration

Description

Commanding the Complexity: The Future of Criminal Justice Administration

In the modern era, the landscape of criminal justice is shifting beneath our feet. From the rapid evolution of forensic technology to the heightened need for constitutional transparency, the field demands more than just boots on the ground—it demands sharp, analytical minds capable of bridging the gap between theory and immediate action.

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY recognizes that the backbone of a safe society relies on the proficiency of those who serve within it. Our online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration is meticulously crafted to empower both the aspiring recruit and the battle-hardened veteran. Whether you are navigating the intricate corridors of the courtroom, managing the complexities of correctional facilities, or leading on the front lines of law enforcement, this program provides the intellectual framework necessary to elevate your career.

Specialized Expertise: The Arson Investigation Concentration

In the high-stakes world of criminal investigation, specialized knowledge is the difference between a closed case and a mystery. Our dedicated Arson Investigation concentration transforms standard criminal justice training into a precise technical discipline. Students dive deep into the science of combustion, the complexities of fire behavior, and the systematic rigor of fire scene analysis. By blending traditional administrative theory with the physical science of fire, graduates are equipped to provide informed, evidence-based responses to one of the most challenging offenses in the investigative field.

Core Competencies for the Modern Professional

Our curriculum is designed to move beyond the textbook, fostering a mindset of continued scholarship and public service. Upon completion, our graduates emerge as versatile professionals capable of:

  • Contextualizing Justice: Evaluating how complex sociocultural theories influence operations within a diverse society.
  • Navigating the System: Mastering the delicate interrelationship between the three pillars of justice: law enforcement, the judiciary, and corrections.
  • Defending the Foundation: Assessing the enduring impact of the U.S. Constitution and the Bill of Rights on modern legislation.
  • Policy Analysis: Dissecting how evolving laws shape, constrain, and empower the criminal justice system daily.

A Commitment to Excellence

An education at THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY is more than a degree; it is a commitment to professionalism. We prepare our students not just for current roles, but for the next big step—be it leadership positions within their agencies or entrance into advanced master’s degree programs in criminal justice and related disciplines.

In a world that demands accountability, ethics, and expertise, our graduates stand ready. They are not merely participants in the system; they are the architects of a more professional, fair, and informed future for their communities.

Are you ready to lead? Join us and turn your experience into a cornerstone of justice.

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Curriculum

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration offers a comprehensive academic foundation designed to empower both entry-level and experienced professionals with the theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical frameworks essential to the fields of law enforcement, courts, and corrections. By fostering critical thinking and analytical decision-making, the program equips students to navigate the complex, daily challenges inherent in justice operations while preparing them for advanced study in master’s-level programs or related disciplines. Ultimately, the curriculum is rooted in a commitment to lifelong scholarship and public service, cultivating graduates who are dedicated to upholding the highest standards of professionalism and fostering equity within diverse communities.

Major Requirements | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

Major Requirements

Total Required Semester Hours: 36

  • BCJ 2002 Theory and Practice of Corrections>
  • BCJ 3601 Criminal Law>
  • BCJ 4101 Police and Community Relations>
  • BCJ 4301 Management and Supervision in Criminal Justice>
  • BCJ 4701 Criminal Justice Organization and Administration>
  • BCJ 3950 Constitutional Law for Criminal Justice>
  • BCJ 3801 Criminal Evidence and Legal Issues>
  • BCJ 3701 Criminal Investigation>
  • BCJ 3301 Judicial Process>
  • BCJ 2001 Theory and Practices of Law Enforcement>
  • BCJ 2000 Introduction to Criminal Justice>

GENERAL EDUCATION | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

History

  • HY 1020 WESTERN CIVILIZATION II>
  • HY 1120 AMERICAN HISTORY II>

Humanities and Fine Arts

  • ART 1301 ART APPRECIATION I>
  • PHL 1010 CRITICAL THINKING>

English Composition

  • EH 1010: English Composition I>
  • EH 1020: English Composition II>

Mathematics

  • MAT 1301 LIBERAL ARTS MATH>

Natural Science

  • BIO 1100 – Non-Majors Biology>
  • BIO 1302 ECOLOGY AND THE ENVIRONMENT>

Social and Behavioral Science

  • PS 1010 AMERICAN GOVERNMENT>
  • PS 2010 AMERICAN STATE AND LOCAL POLITICS>
  • SOC 1010 INTRODUCTION TO SOCIOLOGY>

Electives | Total Required Semester Hours: 36

  • BCJ 2201 Juvenile Delinquency>
  • BCJ 3150 Probation and Parole>
  • BCJ 3452 Physical Security>
  • BCJ 4201 Race and Ethnic Relations>
  • FIR 4313: Terrorism Incident Management and Emergency Procedures>
  • PSY 2010 Abnormal Psychology>
  • HLS 2301 Introduction to Terrorism>
  • BCJ 4601 Criminal Justice Current Topics>
  • BCJ 4001 Procedures in the Justice System>
  • BBA 2026 ORGANIZATIONAL COMMUNICATION>
  • BBA 3602 Principles of Management>
  • BBA 3651 Leadership>
bachelor of science in criminal justice administration – arson investigation

Tuition Rates

Our goal is to provide the strongest online academic programs at an affordable rate. On average, our tuition is less than half the cost of our competitors.

Ways to Save

Paying for school is possible. At THE AU, there are many Ways to Save including scholarships, Learning Partnerships and more.
  • Transfer Credits Accepted
  • Textbooks Included
  • Payment Options
  • Learning Partners Discount
  • Scholarships

Flexible Online Learning Options

Giving our students the flexibility they need to fit education into their busy schedules is at the core of our mission. Our courses are designed to accommodate working professionals, moms, dads, and anyone else who is balancing school with other life commitments.

LifePace Learning®

Start anytime with LifePace Learning®. Progress through your course in as early as four weeks or as long as 10 weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • No Set Start Dates or Completion Dates
  • Complete Assignments at Your Own Pace
  • Enroll 365 Days a Year

Term Enrollment

Complete assignments at your own pace while working within set course start and end dates. A term lasts approximately nine weeks.

  • No Required Login Times
  • Weekly Assignments Keep You on Track
  • Choose From 11 Term Start Dates Per Year
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THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY OF HIGHER EDUCATION is an online university that strives to change and improve lives through higher education by enabling students to maximize their professional and personal potential.

THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY provides student-centered support services that are personal, responsive and geared toward assisting students in achieving their educational goals. Caring, highly-trained faculty and staff create innovative educational programs that incorporate the latest instructional technology with challenging curriculums. THE AMERICAN UNIVERSITY focuses on affordable, quality online instruction with a general education core that promotes lifelong learning and success.

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