Bachelor of Professional Arts Major in Criminal Justice

At a glance

  • Credential: degree
  • Credits: 120
  • Next start: monthly

Criminal justice systems are complex and require an understanding of crime as well as the institutions and professionals that operate within these systems. Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Criminal Justice Major will teach you to think critically about criminal justice policies and practices.

  • 34

    Average age

  • 100%

    Employment rate

  • $61k

    Median income

  • 100%

    Student satisfaction

Source: 2023 AU institutional data and 2022 Graduate Outcomes Survey (GOS)

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About Bachelor of Professional Arts Major in Criminal Justice

Pursuing Athabasca University's Bachelor of Professional Arts, Criminal Justice Major, equips you with a comprehensive understanding of the complexities of criminal justice systems, from policies to practices. The program covers diverse areas like community policing, youth justice, and managing family violence, providing you both foundational and specialized knowledge. Whether you're fresh out of school or an experienced professional, this degree will not only enhance your career but also offer you the broader context needed for graduate-level education.

AU's Bachelor of Professional Arts program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.

Admission requirements

The BPA is designed for students who have completed an approved 2-year diploma or equivalent from an accredited college or institute of technology. You can also apply to the program with a combination of post-secondary education and related work experience.

You will be considered a pre-program student until your admission requirements are confirmed. You can still take courses during this time.

In addition, applicants must also complete AU's English Language Assessment (ELA) prior to being enrolled in the program.

Program details

Overview

Whether you've just earned your diploma or have several years of experience in the criminal justice field, this program is for you. You will get advanced education in areas such as:

  • community policing
  • youth justice
  • cross-cultural awareness
  • organized crime
  • victims of crime
  • managing family violence
  • law and policing

You will also learn more about:

  • the adult and youth justice systems
  • criminal justice policies, procedures, and programs
  • the roles of criminal justice professionals (such as law enforcement) and other stakeholders (such as victims and offenders)

Taking this degree-completion program can support career advancement and continued education at the graduate level.

Why take the Bachelor of Professional Arts?

AU's Bachelor of Professional Arts program lets you turn your diploma into a degree while still being able to work and meet personal commitments. You bring your knowledge and professional experience, and we bring you the wider context, including relevant theories and issues.

Completion times

Finish this program in as little as 2 years of full-time study or work at your own pace and take as long as you need. There is no time limit for completion. The program may be completed faster if transfer credit is applied toward your degree.

How to apply

You can apply to AU online, anytime. Once you’ve completed the online application form and paid the one-time general application fee (and transfer credit evaluation fee, if applicable), you’re officially an AU student and can start registering in courses.

How to enrol in an undergraduate program

Transfer and advanced credit

If you have previous post-secondary education or significant life and work experience that relates to this program, you may be eligible for transfer credit or Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR). This could mean fewer courses to get your AU degree.

If you transfer credit, you must complete a minimum of 30 credits at AU.

Learn about transfer and advanced credit at AU

Request and send your transcripts if you want us to consider your previous post-secondary education for transfer credit.

Learn more about MyCreds

Resources and links

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