2026 - 2027 Catalog

Criminal Justice Leadership and Management

Bachelor of Science Degree

Fully online program

Knowledge Credit Self-Directed Assessment Available

Objective

Graduates of this program know the theory and practice of criminal justice law, procedures, research methods, and leadership. They understand concepts of criminal behavior, crime prevention, and diversity in the justice system. Graduates can apply, analyze, synthesize, and evaluate facts and theories pertaining to criminal justice; locate, evaluate, and integrate appropriate primary and secondary sources; effectively communicate ideas through speaking and writing; recognize and address complex ethical situations; and operate effectively within a continually changing environment. Graduates value communication, critical thinking and problem solving, scientific and information literacy, financial literacy, diversity awareness, and knowledge-creation skills and the need to incorporate them in meaningful ways.

Typical Career Paths

  • Crime Victims Advocate
  • Security Manager
  • Corporate Security Supervisor
  • Corrections / Law Enforcement careers in some jurisdictions

Additional training and other requirements may apply to careers in this field. Please read the Careers Disclosure.

Careers Disclosure: Each federal, state, or local agency determines its own requirements for licensure of law enforcement careers and may change these requirements at any time. Licensed law enforcement careers include police officer, corrections officer, parole officer, crime scene investigator, and other positions. Minimum educational standards for licensure in these careers range from a high school diploma to a university degree and can vary widely (even within the same state). Some agencies require graduation from an agency-approved academic program or training academy. This program is NOT a training academy or approved program with any federal, state, or local agency. Other non-academic requirements are also required for licensure, which may include additional training, experience, graduation from an academy, physical fitness standards, background checks (certain results are often disqualifying), and other requirements. Before enrolling, it is important to understand whether licensure is required for a desired career by consulting the appropriate federal, state, or local agency requirements.

Additional Information

This program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any state. For example, this program does not meet the standards established by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Board for persons who seek employment as a peace officer in Minnesota. For further information on professional licensing requirements, please contact the appropriate board or agency in your state of residence. Additional education, training, experience, and/or other eligibility criteria may apply.

A student enrolled in an associate degree program through Rasmussen University Online may dual enroll in this Bachelor’s degree program when enrolled in the final 12 credits needed to complete their enrolled associate’s degree program, and all program acceptance requirements are met. The student may be scheduled to complete Associate program course requirements before taking Bachelor-level courses. The student will graduate from their enrolled associate degree program only when all course requirements specific to that program have been completed. Students who choose this option to dual enroll cannot complete the final 12 credits in the associate degree as self-directed assessments (SDA). Students enrolled in a Rasmussen University Certificate or Diploma program are not eligible to dual enroll in this Bachelor’s degree program. Students enrolled in a residential program through a campus are not eligible to dual enroll in this program.