Walden University

What you'll study

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Corrections combines general education, core criminal justice coursework and specialised study of correctional systems, offender rehabilitation and community supervision. Typical modules cover:

• Foundations of Criminal Justice — history and structure of policing, courts and corrections.
• Corrections and Rehabilitation — institutional corrections, community corrections, re‑entry planning and evidence‑based rehabilitation strategies.
• Criminal Law and Procedure — substantive and procedural law that governs arrest, prosecution and sentencing.
• Juvenile Justice — legal and policy frameworks for youth offenders and diversionary approaches.
• Ethics and Professional Responsibility — ethical decision making, cultural competence and issues of bias in criminal justice practice.
• Research Methods and Statistics — quantitative and qualitative methods for evaluating programmes and policies.
• Policing and Community Relations — interactions between law enforcement and communities, restorative justice approaches.
• Capstone or Integrative Project — a culminating project that applies theory and research to a real‑world corrections issue; some students may complete practicum or internship placements where available and appropriate.

Courses emphasise applied skills such as case management, assessment and program evaluation, report writing, and strategies for working with diverse and at‑risk populations. The programme is delivered primarily online, enabling flexible study alongside work and other commitments.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet Walden University's undergraduate admission criteria. Typical requirements include a high school diploma or recognised equivalent. The university considers prior college credit and transfer students; official transcripts are required. Mature applicants with relevant work experience may also be eligible under adult admission pathways.

Additional materials that may be requested include a completed application form and academic transcripts. Specific programme start requirements and any background or clearance information related to practicum placements will be explained during the admissions process. Meeting minimum admission criteria does not guarantee placement in practicum sites, which are subject to availability and local regulations.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for a range of roles within corrections and the broader criminal justice system, including:

• Correctional officer and facility staff
• Probation and parole officer
• Community corrections case manager and re‑entry coordinator
• Juvenile justice practitioner and youth services worker
• Victim services and offender rehabilitation programme staff
• Positions in policy, research or advocacy related to criminal justice reform

Many graduates also use the bachelor’s degree as a foundation for graduate study in criminal justice, social work, public policy or law. The programme emphasises transferable skills—critical thinking, report writing, data interpretation and ethical decision making—that are valued across public safety, non‑profit and government sectors.

Why study at Walden University

Walden offers a flexible, primarily online delivery model designed for working adults and those balancing study with other responsibilities. The university is regionally accredited, and the criminal justice curriculum is taught by faculty with professional experience in corrections, law enforcement and criminal justice research.

Students benefit from dedicated academic advising, career services and options to transfer prior college credits, which can shorten time to degree completion. The programme’s applied focus and emphasis on social change and evidence‑based practice aim to equip graduates to contribute to safer communities and meaningful reform in correctional settings.