Quick Facts
Next Start Date: August 24, 2026
- Delivery: 100% Online
- Total Credits: 60
If you’re a criminal justice employee—or interested in becoming one—Ball State’s associate degree in criminal justice and criminology will put you on track for an entry- or mid-level professional position.
Whether you are working in the criminal justice field or employed in another area, you may be juggling job, family commitments, and community obligations. That’s why the associate degree in criminal justice and criminology is offered 100 percent online.
You can enter the program with your eye on one of our criminal justice specializations, whether it’s policing, courts, victimology, corrections, or special populations. The associate degree puts you two years closer to earning Ball State’s bachelor of science in criminal justice and criminology.
Major Requirements
During your first year in the program, you’ll pursue core criminal justice and criminology course work. Your second year will encompass 35 credits in more advanced criminal justice and criminology courses, plus electives.
Total Credits
60
Courses
A sampling of the courses you will take include:
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Introduction to Criminology
- Race, Gender, and Crime
- Decision Making and Ethics
- Criminal Law
For a complete list of all the courses you will take and their descriptions, please see our Course Catalog.
Grants for College
Good news for Indiana adult students! The Indiana Commission for Higher Education is offering college grants for adults returning to college, or even beginning their educational journey. The Adult Student Grant awards up to $2,000 to help pay for your college expenses and is renewable. This grant is available to Indiana residents, aged 25 and older, who are enrolled or will be enrolled in an undergraduate program.* Review the requirements below and learn if you qualify for the Adult Student Grant.
Learn More about the Adult Student Grant
*Additional requirements are listed on the Indiana Commission for Higher Education Adult Student Grant website.
Affordable Online College in Kentucky and Ohio
If you live in Kentucky or Ohio and will be a first-time undergraduate student at Ball State University, you may qualify for Indiana in-state tuition for your online program. You may save up to $6,500 in tuition per year for your online program.
Current or previously enrolled students are not eligible for this reduced tuition. For more information, visit the Ball State Regional Tuition Savings page.
More about Online Learning
Ball State is authorized by the U.S. Department of Education to accept online students from all U.S. states. However, if you are considering a program that leads to professional licensure, some states may have additional regulations. Review our state authorization website if you live outside of Indiana and contact us if you have questions.
Applications
Admission to Ball State is selective, and we carefully evaluate all application on an individual basis. Applying for admission is easy. Use our convenient, comprehensive, and secure online application.
GET STARTED
Want to Learn More
Do you have questions about this program or online learning? We're here to help! You may request more information using our online form, or feel free to reach out directly to one of our staff.
REQUEST INFO CONTACT US