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B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership

The world will be a better, safer place. Because of you.

The world of criminal justice has changed dramatically — from peacekeeping, law enforcement, public safety, and private security to corrections, probation, the court system, and policy. Saint Mary’s B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership program prepares you to step into leadership and step up to new challenges facing our communities.

In as few as two years, learn how to:

  • Communicate and collaborate professionally.
  • Consider the entire system when problem-solving.
  • Make short- and long-term decisions that benefit the greater good.
  • Gain a diverse skill set to become an ethical leader, learning to lead by example for your community and beyond.

 

The accelerated degree program in criminal justice leadership is designed for current or aspiring police officers* and those wanting to enter or advance their careers in the field of criminal justice.

Our faculty are current or recently retired criminal justice professionals who are experts in their fields and leaders in their agencies. Connect and learn with peers who are working professionals in the criminal justice field, building community and a diverse professional network.

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Program Highlights

The B.S. in Criminal Justice Leadership degree prepares you to make a difference from law enforcement to enacting policies that impact community safety. Learn from expert faculty, seeing firsthand how ethical leadership is built and brought to action in every situation. Accelerate your career and become a catalyst for change.

36

credits

Transfer in up to 84 credits for required degree elective credits

$430

per credit

Start Dates

Online – January, March, May, June/July, August/September, and October (6 total options based on terms)

Online

36

credits

Transfer in up to 84 credits for required degree elective credits

$430

per credit

Start Dates

Online – January, March, May, June/July, August/September, and October (6 total options based on terms)

Online

Program Features

What Makes it Special

  • Complete this program in as little as two years
  • Earn credit for Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) continuing education requirements, military training, and more

What You'll Learn

What You’ll Learn

  • How various facets of the criminal justice system influence each other
  • Decision-making processes and how they impact the criminal justice system
  • Principles of leadership and management to empower others
  • Ethical and professional behavior
  • Awareness, respect, adaptability, and inclusion for sociocultural diversity
  • Critical and creative thinking skills, self-evaluation, and resilience

Webinar Session

For more information on the Criminal Justice Leadership program, click the link below.

Where You’ve Been. It’s Just as Important as Where You’re Going.

Peace Officers Standards and Training (POST) continuing education hours, prior credits earned, past work experience, military service and training – they all count toward finishing your degree. All of them. Get maximum credit for what you already know, so you’re not starting over — you’re finishing stronger.

Course Catalog

Career Outlook

Accelerate your career as a police officer, sheriff deputy, crime prevention specialist, or probation officer.* Or maximize your critical thinking skills and prepare for careers with government agencies such as Homeland Security. Over a quarter of a million new jobs in protective services are expected to be added between 2020 to 2030.1

Probation Officer

$60,250 per year*

Private Investigator

$59,380 per year*

Correctional Treatment Officer

$60,250 per year*

* Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook, Protective Service Occupations at https://www.bls.gov/ooh/protective-service/home.htm (visited April 11, 2022).

**This program is not designed or intended to meet educational requirements for law enforcement officer licensure in any jurisdiction. For more information about Saint Mary’s programs and peace officer certification in Minnesota, visit our Professional Licensure page