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School of Security & Global Studies

Criminal Justice

Online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BS)

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About This Online Criminal Justice Bachelor's Degree Program

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at American Military University (AMU) offers an in-depth examination of crime and criminal behavior with particular focus on digital forensic science.
 
AMU’s online bachelor’s in criminal justice fundamentally studies the application of digital forensic science and data analysis used to support the law.

Among the topics this bachelor’s degree in criminal justice explores:

  • Crime scene and investigative techniques
  • The nature and scope of forensic science
  • The adjudication process
  • Digital evidence
  • Legal and ethical issues associated with digital forensics

The program also prepares you for today’s criminal justice profession by exercising your analytical and communication skills.

NOTE: This degree program is not designed to meet the educational requirements for professional licensure or certification in any country, state, province or other jurisdiction. This program has not been approved by any state professional licensing body and does not lead to any state-issued professional licensure.

What You Will Do

  1. Recognize and explain the major international, U.S., and localized law enforcement systems and organization
  2. Describe and analyze the political and public administrative aspects of law enforcement organizations
  3. Communicate and apply the major theories and concepts of crime, criminal justice, and criminology
  4. Conduct research associated with criminal justice and criminology theories

View Program Outcome Assessment Results

Degree at a Glance

Number of Credits
120
Transfer up to 90 credits1
Cost Per Credit
$350 | $250*
$315**
*with Preferred Military Rate
**with Veteran Grant or APUS Opportunity Grant
Courses Start Monthly
Online
and vary from 8 to 16 weeks

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Program Requirements Printable Catalog Version

Students must choose a concentration for this degree program:

Objectives:

Choose 27 credit hours from this section.

Course ID: 4671

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This course offers a framework for learning the latest developments and trends in ad-hoc wireless and mobile communications. The course provides a complete coverage of the wireless ad-hoc networks: principles, protocols and applications. The course will look at the characteristics and operations of contemporary ad-hoc wireless network technologies. Students will study the impact of wireless transmission and user mobility with an emphasis on the design and management of ad-hoc wireless mobile systems. Students must have access to MS Visio software. Course software requirements with the appropriate versions are listed under the course materials site. This course meets the topical requirements of the DoD Directive 8570.1M Information Assurance Management (IAM) Technical I category.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4006

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The explosion in the use of the Internet and the ensuing growth in cybercrime have given rise to the field of computer forensics (also called digital forensics). Digital forensics is used to assemble digital evidence to prosecute cybercrime, analyze intrusions, mitigate risk, and for data recovery. This course examines the theory, best practices, and methodologies to conduct computer forensics investigations; it includes the ethical issues, data presentation, and chain-of-evidence procedures. It also appraises current tools and technologies to analyze, acquire, and organize digital evidence. This course maps to the general objectives of the International Association of Computer Investigative Specialists (IACIS) certification. Requires CITRIX CLIENT SOFTWARE INSTALLATION FOR ONLINE VIRTUAL LABS accessibility.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4009

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The rapid change in technology and the exponential growth in the use of the Internet have resulted in an increase in the number of computer and technology related crimes. This course is designed to provide students with the foundational knowledge and technologies needed to detect, investigate, and prevent computer related crimes. Topics to be covered include: cybercrime classification (hacking, denial of service attacks, cyberstalking, cyberbullying, virus dissemination, identity theft, electronic funds transfers, phishing, spoofing, Internet fraud, access device fraud and salami attacks), vulnerability of computer systems and computer applications, computer intrusions and attacks, the impact of cybercrime (social, economic, and legal), investigation of digital evidence, computer forensics, and the prevention of cybercrime.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4411

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This course is an introduction to Computer Forensics Investigation Procedures and Response. It provides a basic understanding of the importance of computer forensics, how to set up a secure lab, the process for forensic investigation including first responder responsibilities, how to handle various incidents and information on the various reports used by computer forensic investigators.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4412

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The growth of wireless networking technologies has given rise to many security issues. Wireless technology has become popular because of its convenience and low cost. This course pertains to the study of Computer Forensics Students will be introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. An overview of cybercrime and security will be addressed by explaining the basic security procedures and will include discussions of the various security threats that today’s users face. This course will prepare students to gather all necessary information and evidence to support prosecution in a court of law. This course will examine wireless networks and devices and will discuss how to investigate wireless attacks, as well as PDA, iPod®, iPhone®, iPad®, and BlackBerry® forensics. Current literature will be examined on such topics. iPod®, iPhone® and iPad® are registered trademarks of Apple, Inc. BlackBerry® is a registered trademark of BlackBerry Limited.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4413

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The increase in the use of the Internet and ensuing growth in cybercrime have given rise to the field of digital forensics. Students will be introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. This course examines computer related crime and abuse cases in order to gather all necessary information and evidence to support prosecution in a court of law. Collection of evidence, investigating information hiding, and intrusion response techniques will be explored. This course will examine network intrusions, network traffic, web attacks, DoS attacks and corporate espionage. Current literature will be examined on such topics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4414

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This course is designed to expose the student to the process of detecting attacks and collecting evidence in a forensically sound manner with the intent to report crime and prevent future attacks. Learners are introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. The course provides a basic understanding of steganography, data acquisition and duplication. It examines how to recover deleted files and partitions and image file forensics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4415

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This course is designed to expose the student to the process of detecting attacks and collecting evidence in a forensically sound manner with the intent to report crime and prevent future attacks. Learners are introduced to advanced techniques in computer investigation and analysis with interest in generating potential legal evidence. The course provides a basic understanding of file systems, hard disks and digital media devices. Boot processes, Windows and Linux Forensics and application of password crackers.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2537

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This is a procedural law course which includes an overview of the law of arrests, search, and seizure, the making of bail, adjudication, pre- and post-trial activities and the nature of plea bargaining. Substantial emphasis is given the constitutional protections afforded through the Bill of Rights. This course examines procedures used by American police, prosecutors, and courts to bring criminal cases to trial and explores some of the defendant’s rights at trial and on appeal. The course will consider the Common Law, constitutional, and statutory bases of procedural practices in American criminal law. The student will be exposed to a comprehensive overview of the processes involved in the use of criminal evidence including rules of evidence; arrests, searches, and seizures; interrogations, confessions, and non-testimonial evidence, impeachment and cross-examination of witnesses; opinion evidence; hearsay evidence; and articles and exhibits of evidence.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Select 2 course(s) from the following:

Course ID: 2895

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This course develops interpersonal, group, and presentational communication skills that are applicable in personal and professional cross-cultural relationships, and focuses on differences in values, message systems, and communication rules across cultural boundaries and in multicultural settings.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3694

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This course is a contemporary study of popular culture in America – its development and characteristics, its role in shaping our individual lives and key social institutions; and its broad effects on our globalizing world. The course is designed around the interdisciplinary nature of cultural studies, and students will learn how to use key concepts and theories to examine popular culture from a number of different fields including Sociology, Anthropology, Communications, History, Cultural Studies, English, Women’s Studies, Ethnic Studies, and American Studies. Students will develop the skills to analyze the reciprocal relationship between culture and key stratification factors such as gender, race, ethnicity, class, age, region and sexuality. The course will cover many facets of popular culture from all forms of media, to sports, fashion, and the influence of technology. Students will learn to situate popular culture within its social, historical, political, and economic contexts and their personal lives.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3725

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Microeconomics is an overview course that covers how households (consumers), firms (producers), and governments interact in competitive and other markets to set prices, and determine what and how much is produced. Key concepts introduced include the role of scarcity and choice, incentives and competition, and the law of supply and demand.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3726

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Introduction to Macroeconomics is a survey course that builds on the topics covered and skills developed in ECON101 (Microeconomics) in order to present a complete picture of the economy. Macroeconomics shows how consumers and markets fit into the overall or aggregated economy and provides a framework to assess government policies. Key topics covered will include economic cycles (growth and recession), economic indicators and measures, and interest rates and money supply.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3727

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This course is a basic overview of the geographer’s study of the location and distribution of features on the Earth’s surface. These features are both natural and man-made, both physically and culturally determined. The relationship of people and place is central to an understanding of human history, contemporary events, and possible global futures. As an introductory course it covers the whole globe and all its greatest geographic features and relationships. This dictates that the approach is broad and not too deep. However, knowledge of the geographer’s art will enable students to delve as deeply as their interest and energy will allow, into the dynamic spatial realities that surround them.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3729

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This is the first course in a two-course sequence in American Government. The course is designed to convey basic facts about the structure and functioning of the American political system. The philosophical foundation of the U.S. Constitution is explored and the federalist construct is examined. The functions of the three separate branches of government and their roles in policy making are a major focus.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3731

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An overview of the field of international and global politics. The nation state, factors of power, collective security, international trade, regional and international organization, sources of conflict and convergence are addressed.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3733

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Introduction to Sociology introduces students to the sociological investigation of human interaction and behavior in society. Students will become familiar with the sociological perspective and develop a ‘sociological imagination’ – the ability to see the general in the particular, the new in the familiar, and to observe the impact social forces have on our lives. The course explores environmental, historical, cultural, and organizational influences on our interpersonal relationships and life-patterns within the context of contemporary society. Students will learn how to use sociological concepts, theory and research to think critically about individuals, groups, institutions, and societies in any given situation.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3734

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The course introduces students to the art and science of Psychology. Course emphasis is on applying the "science of human behavior" to a variety of settings: vocational, personal, academic, and clinical. Course content introduces the history of psychology, major theories of personality and learning, current research and developmental issues. The course has a holistic approach and integrates the biological basis of behavior, social factors, learning and the unique coping styles of the individual to understand human behavior.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3735

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This course is a worldwide survey of prehistoric cultural adaptations from the first use of bone and stone tools to the ancient mysterious civilizations of Asia, Africa, the Americas, and Europe including recent archaeological discoveries. Emphasis is on the development of technologies, social groups and the patterns of cultural development. Archeological excavation methods and archeological artifacts are discussed in considerable detail. Archaeological concepts and skills will be explored through simulations as well as virtual field trips and activities.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 3737

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This course is designed to acquaint the novice anthropology student with anthropology and its various sub-fields, examining cross-cultural, global, comparative, and critical perspectives on human behavior and culture, as well as the diversity of human cultures from hunter-gatherers to industrialized city dwellers. The implications of socio-cultural analysis of economic, social, symbolic, and religious systems are also considered.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3738

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This course introduces students to human nature and behavior from the broad, holistic perspective of contemporary U.S. American anthropology. The four primary sub-fields of anthropology, biological, cultural, linguistics, and archaeology, will be discussed in order to integrate various aspects of the human condition.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 3739

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This course is an overview of the biological, psychological, cultural, and behavioral aspects of human sexuality and family life. The overall theme of the course focuses on attitudes and responsible sexual behavior. Key topics include how culture, society, and history have impacted our understanding of human sexuality.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4328

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This course examines a diverse sample of social problems facing the United States today and identifies how these problems affect, and are affected by, our institutions and culture. The sociological perspective and key theories will be used to understand the beginnings of the civil society, how problems develop and are defined, and the role of social change (particularly contemporary technological innovation). Key social problems covered will include social stratification/inequality, crime, drug abuse, prostitution, aging, infectious disease, family violence, health care, racial/ethnic conflict, terrorism, etc. Sociological research on social problems will be explored, and social policies to remedy the negative consequences of these issues on society will be discussed
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4636

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This course explores the practical and theoretical social impacts of computer-mediated communication (CMC) systems, including many different types of technologies, such as social networking sites, email, forums, chat, and online games. Students will engage in the analysis of CMC practices, the social processes and structures that emerge when people use these applications, and the problems and barriers that emerge from use.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4949

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In a developed country, one can often take for granted the safety of the food supply. 1 in 6 Americans get sick from foodborne illness annually, with an estimated 128,000 requiring hospitalization and resulting in approximately 3,000 deaths annually. Practical knowledge in safe food sourcing, storage, preparation and serving is addressed along with providing tips for practical awareness of techniques for staying safe. In a global society, food safety is not just a local issue, and everyone should have a working knowledge of food safety and what to look for to remain free of foodborne illness. In this course, students will learn general techniques for preparing and consuming food that is free from harmful pathogens, incorporating the flow of food from purchasing through storage and preparation to serving. Students will explore contemporary and cross cultural issues surrounding food safety in a global society. Practical knowledge about preparing safe food and red flags to watch for when dining out will be explored. Students will learn where to find information on health inspection reports, foodborne illness outbreaks and recall alerts, and will know where to report any suspected foodborne illness or suspicious activity related to the food and water supply.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4961

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This course is based upon the Institute for Humane Education’s (IHE) definition of humane education, which is “a lens, body of knowledge, and set of tools and strategies for teaching about human rights, animal protection, environmental stewardship, and cultural issues as interconnected and integral dimensions of a just, healthy society” (Institute for Humane Education, n.d.). The course explores issues, resources, rationales, and approaches to humane education related to various considerations and disciplines, including: economics, politics, science, technology, education, the arts, philosophy, religion, and geography.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5170

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Introduction to Political Science explains foundational principles of the field. Students will learn the purpose of political science, common terms and concepts, and subfields. Among these are introductions to political philosophies and ideologies, comparative systems of government, and international relations. The course also examines the professional and academic fields to which a political science degree is relevant.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5176

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This course offers students with a unique approach into the societies and cultures that we could progress toward in the future via the review of the science fiction genre. This course will review many aspects of technological questions that society will face in the future. Does the rise of technological advancements in artificial intelligence and robotics eventually bring us to a point where we must decide what is life and the right to self-determination as the Star Trek: TNG series covered in “The Measure of a Man”, laying out the rights of Commander Data. This is just one of many aspects of society and culture that will be examined throughout the course as students are made to think critically about what will the future look like.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5245

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Literature has the ability to shape the way a nation thinks and behaves; it both responds to important issues in society and (re)shapes them. For far too long, the literature of cultures on the periphery of American society have been ignored because they do not fit comfortably into mainstream culture. Yet, from voices within the Native American population to Appalachian artists to LGBTQ groups, for example, cultures on the periphery have consistently helped shape the American literary identity and have continued to influence American society long after the publication of their works. This course lends credence to the legitimacy of the contributions of these underrepresented cultures and explores the role they have in shaping American literature—past, present, and future. (Pre-requisite: ENGL210 for English majors, or ENGL101 or ENGL110 for non-English majors)
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5278

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This course provides perspectives on death and dying. Students examine how death is beneficial and necessary for evolution. Participants explore the media's impact on mortality. Participants analyze how to communicate death to the living. Students assess the bereavement and burial process. Topics include: communicating death, the feeling of emptiness, the forgetfulness of life, living in the face of death, organ donation, burial, and the other side after death.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5279

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American society is a cauldron of various racial, political, ethnic, and religious formations. Amongst these, religious and racial formations provide strong modes of social organization. Both religion and race are also a major stimulus of cultural practices and belief systems. These two modes influence the ideals of democracy, equality, freedom, and even political identifications. The current agitations about Black Lives Matter are drawing attention to the racial divisions that are splitting the American society. At the same time, these movements are receiving the support of people from different religions. The Islam phobia and growth of right-wing militias are also similarly pitting Americans against one another based upon their religious beliefs. American writers, artists, activists, and even poets have drawn attention to these linkages and the pernicious impact it is having upon our society. Their contributions provide an alternate understanding of the strengths and limitations of American democracy. In this course, we will examine a variety of sources to understand how religion and race are shaping American democracy and society.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 5280

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Difficult situations in life motivate us to think carefully about religion. The forms of religions are based on the well-being of human beings, and they have provided many different ways to follow paths that are good for our mental and physical health. This course will deal with essential questions; do religions offer ways and techniques to support that are good for our well-being? What paths have been provided to lead a good life? How our hope, contemplation, and resilience are rooted in popular religions? What are the methods advised by religions to help practitioners? The course will include traditions that are isolated to a specific culture. However, they have their historical, cultural, and social context, in which they have been beneficial to the practitioners of these cultures. On American soil, they are coming together as a melting pot, and this course will look into how their beneficial value can be used to manage current stresses. This course will look into beneficial teachings from different religions that are becoming mainstream and are practiced in a non-traditional way without converting to a specific religion. The course will cover Christian traditions, Sufi traditions, traditions from People of First Nation, Hindu, and Buddhist traditions. Ways to Stop and reflect and achieve tranquility. Not as a way of worship rather a way of living one’s life with equanimity and hope.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 5454

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This course introduces students to an attitude and approach for college success and relevant connections to their own inner motivations and external career options. Key elements in this course include values-goal alignment, an orientation to online learning, and strategies for successful learning. Other elements include planning a pathway from academic studies to a career path, career awareness, networking, engaging support resources, and collaborating with colleagues. Through the learning and activities in this course, students will gain the perspective needed for successful time management and prioritization, critical thinking, applied and collaborative learning, and civic/democratic and global learning. The content within the classroom includes open educational resources that are easily available online. This course fulfills one general education elective.   This course is recommended to be completed first in the student’s degree plan when possible.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Must take the following in this Section:

Course ID: 5037

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Information and Digital Literacy is designed to provide students with sustainable and usable skills essential to success in both academic and professional settings. Students will learn best practices to locate and evaluate sources, and effectively communicate using digital literacy to become proficient 21st century learners.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Course ID: 4951

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Martin Luther King, Jr, said, “If you can’t fly, then run. If you can’t run, then walk. If you can’t walk, then crawl. But whatever you do, you have to KEEP MOVING.” Making Writing Relevant is a composition course that will definitely keep you moving. It is not merely a required course; it is the type of course you will want to take because it moves you onto the path to success. Over eight-weeks, we will help you learn the most important components of a successful writer-communicator. We will teach you how to research properly, knowing you will need this skill in every course you take here at APUS and also in interactions in your professional and personal life. We will teach you the formatting style you will use in your field. We will provide a supportive community to strengthen and encourage you, and by the end of this nearly-all-you-need-to-know-about-writing course, you will be able to fly.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
01/27/25 - 07/04/25 07/07/25 - 08/31/25 Summer 2025 Session B 8 Week session

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 2533

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The course will provide the student with an overview of the American criminal justice system as an interdisciplinary social science involving aspects of criminology, sociology, law, and political science. This course will also examine the complexity of the American Criminal Justice System through its administrative process.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2535

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This course examines criminal behavior in relationship to various criminological theories and analyses these theories through a historical context. These theories include classical theories and current theories of crime as they relate to criminal involvement. Additionally this course will analyze society's response to criminal behavior through the assessment of legal approaches and the various aspects of the criminal justice system. Additionally types of criminal behavior and the systems reaction to these crimes will be distinguished. Research affecting social policy and public crime concerns are examined including social problems and social responsibility perspectives as well.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2538

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This course is an analytical examination of crime detection and solution, including such topics as crime scene procedures, physical evidence, interviews, field notes and reporting, follow-up investigation, interrogation, and rules of evidence. Specific detail is given to investigations involving homicide, sex-related offenses, and crimes against children, robbery, larceny, vehicle thefts, computer crime, environmental crime, arson, and drug abuse. There is an in depth analysis of investigation methodologies addressing inductive and deductive reasoning to assess the decision making process to solve crimes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2539

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This course concentrates on the major functions, structures and processes that underline ethical issues within the American Criminal Justice System. This course will explore the structure and nature of the various types of ethical debates within the American judicial system. There will be an assessment of the ethics in criminal justice, as it explores the issues of morality, virtue, honesty, and making ethical decisions in the United States criminal justice system. Assessments of various issues will be examined as they relate to decision making and ethics.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2553

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This course explores criminal behavior, its motivation, and the environmental influences and patterns of offending. Other topics examined are the approaches to profiling and how these investigative techniques are applied to helping solve crimes. This course will address aspects of behavior, taking into consideration the definition of criminal profiling as the inference of offender traits from physical and/or behavioral evidence. Evaluations will be made of the history, theories, and investigative techniques regarding profiling crime offenders, using a unique blend of both social science, as well as psychological and legal research. It includes legal case excerpts to demonstrate the role of the profiler (investigator). This provides the student a solid knowledge foundation of the integral relationship between the profiling techniques and theories of criminal behavior and the court system. It is recommended students take either CMRJ101 or CMRJ306 prior to enrolling in this course.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2556

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This course will examine contemporary practices for analysis and measurement of crime including the use of geographical information systems (GIS) to map various aspects of crime. Modern crime analysis focuses on reducing crime and improving police efficiency by illustrating the impact of crime on the community and community impact on crime through the use of the SARA (scanning, analysis, response, & assessment) problem-solving model. Crime analysis facilitates informed decision making on criminal activity and prevention, thereby being instrumental in helping society learn the linkages between crime and other factors such as poverty or drug abuse. Additionally, there is a review of the crime analysis function within the law enforcement organization and a demonstration of how to develop, implement, and operate a crime analysis unit.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2557

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The purpose of this course is to educate students regarding the everyday operations of state and federal crime laboratories and the forensic services provided by these organizations. The course is scientifically oriented and will concentrate on the significance of forensic evidence and various testing procedures and instrumentation used to analyze biological, chemical, pattern, and trace items of evidence. Another focus will be the proper recognition, collection and preservation of physical evidence obtained from systematic searches of crime scenes.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session

Course ID: 2554

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This course is an introduction to Constitutional Law, the Supreme Court, and other aspects of the legal system using the case analysis approach. Its concentration is on the study and analysis of United States Constitution. It emphasizes an in-depth study of the Bill of Rights, specifically those rights pertaining to Civil Liberties. Topics include: the historical events that led to the development of the Constitution; principles governing the operation of the Constitution and the role of the U.S. Supreme Court and the Judiciary; characteristics and powers of the three branches of government; development of due process and individual protections to include right to speech, freedom of religion, right to bear arms, right to vote, and right to counsel.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 2555

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This course familiarizes the student with the basic law, procedures and rules that govern the criminal justice system in America. It is designed to produce students who can understand, appreciate and discuss the benefits and problems with the criminal justice system in America today. The students will become conversant with the Bill of Rights, basic criminal law terminology and procedures. The course emphasizes the principles of criminal liability and the acts, mental state, and attendant circumstances that are necessary ingredients in crimes against persons or property or in offenses involving theft, fraud, drugs, morality and decency, public peace, or public justice.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Course ID: 4890

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This course provides basic research methods skills for addressing problems and issues specific to the programs within the School of Security and Global Studies. The course covers four basic approaches to social research including experimentation, survey research, field research, and the use of available data. Students will gain foundational knowledge in research planning, design, methodology, data collection, and analysis. This course prepares students to carry out research at the undergraduate level.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
09/30/24 - 02/28/25 03/03/25 - 04/27/25 Winter 2025 Session D 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
11/28/24 - 05/02/25 05/05/25 - 06/29/25 Spring 2025 Session I 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session
Select any courses that have not been used to fulfill major requirements. Credits applied toward a minor or certificate in an unrelated field may be used to fulfill elective credit for the major.

Must take all courses for this section.

Course ID: 5113

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This course is designed to be the final class taken in the B.S. in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Digital Forensics program. The class will be an 8-week course during which students will be required to complete work which will demonstrate a mastery of their program. It is designed to be a meaningful culmination of their learning and to assess their level of mastery of the stated outcomes of their degree requirements. Topics covered during the capstone will allow students to review, analyze, and integrate the work the student has completed towards their degree. NOTE: All required, core, and major courses must be completed prior to enrollment in this course. SENIOR standing is required.
Registration Dates Course Dates Session Weeks
08/26/24 - 01/31/25 02/03/25 - 03/30/25 Winter 2025 Session I 8 Week session
10/28/24 - 04/04/25 04/07/25 - 06/01/25 Spring 2025 Session B 8 Week session
12/30/24 - 05/30/25 06/02/25 - 07/27/25 Spring 2025 Session D 8 Week session

Why Study Criminal Justice Online at AMU?

1. Acquire Specialized Knowledge of Digital Forensics

In forensic investigations, technicians collect and analyze evidence to piece together details of a suspected crime: how the crime was committed, the extent to which a criminal—or group of criminals—violated the law, and the identity (or identities) of said criminal or criminals. As the title suggests, a forensic digital investigator similarly carries out these duties by analyzing digital assets and data to investigate cybercrimes. 

Perhaps a consequence of the seemingly omnipresent computers, tablets, and smartphones that have permeated our modern society, cybercrime poses a constant threat to individuals, corporations, and government entities. Data can be accessed at the push of a button, and with this newfound accessibility comes the potential for malicious activity that may take the form of hacks, fraud, theft, espionage, blackmail, ransomware, and more. 

Cybercriminals grow increasingly sophisticated with each new advancement in technology. Public safety professionals, therefore, must stay apprised of the vulnerabilities, risks, and security threats we all face by simply living in the digital age.

AMU’s online program is designed to help prepare criminal justice students with the advanced critical thinking, communication, and analytical skills often essential for crime prevention, forensic investigations, and the ongoing fight for justice.

Throughout your studies, you will have the opportunity to deepen your understanding of the complex ways in which digital crime and criminal law continue to evolve. The criminal justice process has been dramatically impacted by the rise of digital technology over the last several decades—and, subsequently, the number of cases concerning digital evidence. So, you will come to understand how the roles of today’s forensic science technician, detective, and investigator are constantly changing in order to keep up with the many nuances of modern-day crime.

You will gain a comprehensive overview of digital forensic investigation processes and procedures with courses that cover everything from digital evidence collection methods to data presentation, cybercrime prosecution, ethical issues that arise within forensic investigations, and the latest technologies being used to combat computer crimes.

2. Learn at an Accredited Institution 

When comparing undergraduate academic programs, it is imperative to select an accredited university. Accreditation sets the bar for standards of quality against which all schools are measured. 

Accreditation should therefore be important to you because it also determines a school’s eligibility for financial aid including federal student aid, military tuition assistance, and unique benefits for veterans. Accreditation may also influence admission to accredited graduate schools after completing this bachelor of science in criminal justice degree. 

American Military University is part of American Public University System, which is accredited by the Higher Learning Commission (hlcommission.org), an institutional accreditation agency recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

3. Classes Have No Set Login Times

As a military-friendly institution, AMU is committed to providing remote learning opportunities for those whose lifestyles and responsibilities may prevent them from attending weekly classes in person.

This online undergraduate program enables students to access coursework 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection. Classes start monthly and run mostly 8 weeks long, providing the flexibility and convenience to earn your bachelor’s degree—even if you’re employed full-time or serving on active duty. 

4. Affordable Tuition Puts Your Bachelor’s Degree Within Reach

One of the defining aspects of AMU’s BS in criminal justice is, in fact, the affordable cost per credit hour. AMU also offers emergency services professionals its Everyday Heroes Grant, a 10% tuition savings for any undergraduate or master’s-level program. Police officers, firefighters, EMS personnel, and their families are eligible. AMU students also may transfer up to 90 credits toward this 120-credit degree program.  Furthermore, the University provides $0 ebooks to all undergraduate students. 

5. Learn From Faculty Who’ve Served Within the Criminal Justice System

Many AMU faculty members’ teachings draw from their own criminal justice careers to help prepare students for the realities of this field. 

From federal agents to police officers, judges, and probation officers, every criminal justice professional impacts the public as a whole, contributing to quality of life within communities both near and far. 

The duties, responsibilities, and actions of those who serve within the criminal justice field are powerful enough to create a ripple effect that can be seen and felt well beyond our own lifetime. For this reason, criminal justice majors at AMU are encouraged to sharpen their leadership skills, use sound judgment, and, above all, learn how to remain calm and collected, even when dealing with high-stress situations.

My colleagues and I all have real-world experience working within the criminal justice system, many of whom, like me, held leadership positions. When our experience is coupled with our advanced degrees, we can challenge our students to think critically (outside the box) when it comes to the strengths and weaknesses, pros and cons … of our nation’s criminal justice system….When I was an undergraduate student, we focused primarily on the strengths of our nation’s criminal justice system, but we, at AMU, don’t shy away from tackling some of the more challenging issues warranting attention such as racial disparity in sentencing, the use of excessive and/or deadly force in policing, and the increased incarceration of mentally ill offenders.
Michael Pittaro, Ph.D.
Associate Professor, School of Security and Global Studies 
police officer

Curriculum Highlights for This Bachelor Degree in Criminal Justice (BS)

The criminal justice curriculum at AMU challenges students to step into the mind of a forensic investigator. In addition to general education courses, students will round out their studies with classes on the fundamentals of criminal justice and digital forensics.

Criminal justice major courses are led by highly credentialed faculty—many of whom have served in the military and have prior experience working as police chiefs, sheriffs, and homeland security leaders. Emphasizing practical knowledge, AMU’s criminal justice courses are carefully structured to bridge the gap between academic theories and real scenarios professionals encounter routinely in the criminal justice field. 

Degree concentration coursework covers forensic investigation best practices, as well as tools and technology used for identifying, preventing, and investigating computer crimes. 

Students must also complete a specified number of credit hours’ worth of elective courses. Electives may consist of any undergraduate courses—including liberal arts, social sciences, foreign language, or any other disciplines of interest—that have not already been completed to satisfy general education, degree concentration, or major-specific curriculum requirements for this criminal justice major.

Which Criminal Justice Online Program is Right For You?

Criminal justice is a discipline drawing not only from decades of scholarly research, but also from everyday happenings within American society. From petty crime and misdemeanors to felonies and matters of homeland security, both of AMU’s baccalaureate criminal justice programs educate students on the many forms of crime—and the widespread impacts of each.

All students pursuing a criminal justice online degree at AMU will learn about the ways in which criminal justice agencies work together to defend and protect public safety. Students will analyze the relationship between law enforcement and the U.S. court system, legal system, and correctional system.

Criminal justice majors are also introduced to criminology, a branch of social and behavioral sciences used to better understand criminal behavior. Issues pertaining to juvenile delinquency, juvenile justice, and psychological/environmental factors believed to influence deviant behavior are examined as well in these programs.

 

Bachelor of Science vs. Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice 

While AMU’s bachelor of arts in criminal justice program takes a humanities-focused approach to the discipline, the bachelor of science emphasizes the technology, research, and data that help guide criminal investigations. Furthermore, each online bachelor degree program in criminal justice includes a concentration to allow students to further focus their studies.

How to Apply Transfer Credits Toward This Bachelor’s Degree

Many students pursuing criminal justice degrees as adult learners are drawn to AMU’s programs because they’ve already begun their own professional criminal justice careers. It is not uncommon for criminal justice majors to have prior experience as correctional officers or in law enforcement, military operations, homeland security, or other public safety roles. 

If your professional or academic background includes any of the following, you may be eligible to apply transfer credits1 to your baccalaureate degree, based on transfer policies outlined on our University website:

  • Previously earned college credit (including an associate degree)
  • Military service, education, and/or training
  • Professional training and certification
  • Credit by examination
  • Government training
  • Public safety (i.e., police officer) training
  • Relevant prior learning
  • Community college agreements

There is a $0 transfer credit evaluation fee.

How to Pay For Your Criminal Justice Bachelor’s Degree at AMU

American Military University offers a number of ways students can finance their education, ranging from University-sponsored grants to guidance with seeking federal student aid.

Undergraduate and master’s-level students who are emergency services professionals such as law enforcement officers, firefighters, or emergency medical services (EMS) personnel may qualify for a 10% grant through the University’s Everyday Heroes Grant program. 

Parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents of public safety professionals are also eligible to use the grant.   
Military tuition assistance may be an option for some students. As a military-friendly university, AMU offers its Preferred Military Rate of $250/credit hour for all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, and Reservists enrolled in undergraduate and master’s-level programs. Military spouses and military families, including parents, legal partners, siblings, and dependents, are also eligible for AMU’s Preferred Military Rate. Learn more about military tuition assistance here.

NOTE: The Preferred Military Rate supersedes all university grants and special promotions and cannot be combined with other special pricing.

This criminal justice program is often of interest to those with a military background. If you are a veteran, you may have the option to apply GI Bill® benefits toward tuition expenses as well. Learn more veteran benefits here.

NOTE: Tuition grants cannot be combined with other special University rates, promotions, or grants. Only one tuition grant can be applied per course registration. 

GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). More information about education benefits offered by the VA is available at the official website: http://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill.

Whether paying “out of pocket” or using financial aid resources, there are a number of ways to pay for this criminal justice degree. For instance, students may qualify for federal loans and/or federal grants, which can help to reduce the upfront expense of attending the University. Private loans and scholarships are other fantastic resources for students who seek financial assistance, as are employer-provided educational benefits, which may be offered through your workplace to help cover college tuition fees.

AMU accepts the following “out-of-pocket” payment methods:

  • Automatic debit plan (with 8- and 16-week schedule options)
  • Credit cards
  • E-checks
  • Digital payments

Networking Opportunities For Online Criminal Justice Students

As a criminal justice major, you will be part of AMU’s School of Security and Global Studies. Within this School are several student communities dedicated to public safety, human services, and, overall, making meaningful contributions to society. 

Each group provides a unique opportunity to connect with your peers beyond the virtual classroom. As an active participant, you will be able to hone your skills in team-building, communication, project management, and critical thinking. AMU’s student organizations also empower members to take on leadership roles as club officers who are responsible for overseeing the operations and management of each group. 

Open to AMU students, alumni, and faculty, the following communities host regular meetings online and may be of particular interest to criminal justice majors:

Criminology Club

Discuss research, findings, and career opportunities in the criminology and criminal justice field. Members participate in forums about criminal behavior, the justice system itself, issues relating to juvenile justice and juvenile delinquency, defining aspects of qualified professionals within the field, and more.

Fire Science Club

Discuss critical fire science issues, such as fire protection and prevention, fire analysis and investigations, safety-related regulations and laws, modern fire test standards and codes, firefighter health and safety precautions, and the latest findings in—and applications for—fire research.

Homeland Security Network

Participate in forums with your peers and discuss topics such as homeland defense, intelligence, customs and border patrol, emergency management, and other ongoing efforts to protect and defend our nation. 

Additional Organizations, Clubs, and Networking Opportunities at AMU 

Whatever your passions or interests may be, AMU’s varied student organizations make it possible to connect with like-minded individuals who share your enthusiasm. Choose from clubs and communities dedicated to: 

  • Learning foreign languages
  • Career and pre-professional education
  • Social and political causes
  • Shared cultural backgrounds
  • Faith and spirituality
  • Volunteer work and community service
  • Academic and honor societies
  • Shared experiences of servicemembers, veterans, and military spouses at AMU

 

 

Frequently Asked Questions

In the U.S. military, computer forensics specialists play a major role in counterintelligence operations. Military forensic investigators analyze digital devices and digital media to identify and prevent cyber threats.

Throughout the U.S. military, forensics plays a role in countless operations. For instance, the Air Force Office of Special Investigations routinely conducts forensic examinations. The Air Force also established the Department of Defense Cyber Crime Center (DC3) in 1998, which actively works on matters of digital forensics and cybersecurity to this day. Additionally, the U.S. Navy’s own NCIS special agents apply forensic science to investigate felonies, combat terrorists, and protect confidential information. Still, it’s worth noting that the U.S. Army Criminal Investigation Laboratory is the DoD’s only full-service criminal forensic lab, according to the department of the Army Criminal Investigation Division.

Military police serve as both soldiers and law enforcement officers, with a wide range of duties that include making arrests, investigating crimes, and even enforcing martial law. A military police officer may also serve as an advisor to the Army Reserve and the Army National Guard.

A military corrections officer is an active-duty servicemember tasked with presiding over, transporting, and maintaining records of prisoners. Responsibilities may include overseeing prisoner funds, preventing and controlling riots, monitoring prison security systems, and more.  

“We are essentially educating and training the next generation of criminal justice professionals, so we want to equip them with the knowledge of the challenges that continue to plague the criminal justice system and debate some of the proposed solutions to those challenges. When I was an undergraduate student, we focused almost entirely on criminal offenders, but rarely on criminal justice professionals. For example, one of my research interests and areas of expertise is in physical and mental wellness among first responders. For example, corrections officers have an average life expectancy of age 59, are more likely to die by suicide than in the line of duty, and often suffer from several debilitating physical ailments including cardiovascular disease. This is the reality of our profession. We have high rates of burnout, depression, anxiety, PTSD, suicide, alcoholism, and other physical/mental disorders, all of which can be controlled with proper training. There’s no denying that we definitely address the elephant in the room, and our students sincerely appreciate that because it shows that we care about their physical and mental well-being. I like to think that we’re not just preparing our students for a successful career, but we also want them to aspire to be the next generation of criminal justice leaders who will continue tackling the challenges discussed in our criminal justice courses.”—Michael Pittaro, Ph.D., Associate Professor, School of Security and Global Studies 

“Digital forensics” refers to the practice of analyzing and collecting evidence, drawing conclusions about the nature and perpetrator(s) of a crime based on that evidence, and, finally, presenting the same evidence in court in order to bring criminals to justice—whether said criminals are suspected of committing a cybercrime or digital evidence is used to solve a case extending beyond the realm of cyberspace. 

A typical criminal justice degree takes a liberal arts approach to the discipline, providing a vast overview of the field that encompasses law enforcement, U.S. courts, and correctional institutions. Students will usually gain a high-level understanding of the ecosystem in which police officers, federal agents, court officials, judges, corrections officers, and parole officers work together to mitigate crime. Additionally, students can expect to discuss influences of criminal behavior and the psychology behind those who commit crimes. 

Yes, both the bachelor of science and the bachelor of arts in criminal justice can be earned online at AMU. Criminal justice majors attend classes virtually and submit weekly assignments online while participating in discussion threads with classmates and faculty. Classes start monthly and there are no set login times. Students can access their coursework 24/7 from anywhere with an internet connection, making AMU a practical choice for those who may be employed full-time, raising a young family, or juggling other responsibilities while pursuing a degree. 

This online criminal justice degree program consists of 120 credits, and students may be eligible to transfer up to 90 credits toward AMU’s BS or BA degrees, based on transfer policies outlined on our University website.

A bachelor degree can typically be completed within four years if a student is enrolled full-time and receives satisfactory grades in all courses. The time to completion may be reduced to less than four years for full-time students transferring credits to their bachelor of science or bachelor of arts degree. Speed to completion depends upon transfer credits accepted and the number of courses taken each session.

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Admission Requirements

  • All AMU undergraduate programs require a minimum of a high school diploma or equivalent (i.e., GED).
  • Please read all undergraduate admission requirements before applying to this program and be prepared to submit the required documentation.
  • There is no fee to complete the AMU admission application for this program. View steps to apply.

Materials Cost

Additional Fees

Software and/or lab equipment required for some courses in this program must be purchased at the student’s expense, and are not included in the university book grant. Course materials for this program are approximately $230.

Need Help?

Selecting the right program to meet your educational goals is a key step in ensuring a successful outcome. If you are unsure of which program to choose, or need more information, please contact an AMU admissions coach at 877-755-2787 or [email protected].

Quality Education Should Be Affordable

So you can focus on the opportunities ahead, without the financial burden of more expensive schools who are not as invested in your success. Learn more about paying for school.

Consumer Information

Disclosures

Maryland Residents learn more about costs, completion rates, median debt, and more.

2Alumni Graduated with No APUS-incurred Student Loan Debt As of December 31, 2021

Includes alumni who graduated with an associate, bachelor's, or master's degree from APUS. Student loan debt is defined as student loans and private education loans used for tuition, fees, living expenses, and book costs associated with courses taken at APUS. Many APUS students receive military tuition assistance and veterans education benefits, which are not student loan debt.

1The University reserves the right to accept or deny credits according to policies outlined on our University website. Please see the University's transfer credit policy webpage for complete information.

*Cost Per Credit Hour

The Preferred Military Rate is $250 per credit hour for undergraduate and  master's-level courses. This rate is available to all U.S. active-duty servicemembers, National Guard members, Reservists, and military families, including parents, spouses, legal partners, siblings, and dependents.

See all military student benefits.

Cost of Attendance

Learn more about AMU’s cost components and full cost of attendance.