FAQ: Criminal Justice Studies

  • Classes have a cohort format. Students move from course to course with the same classmates.
  • All courses are in order, with an integrated curriculum.
  • Automatic enrollment by our enrollment services team and student record review performed each session provides students with support to focus on studies.
  • Flexibility: You can continue working as you earn your bachelor’s degree.
  • Credit for Prior Learning: Earn credit for your law enforcement or military experience.
  • Quality Instruction: All classes are taught by members of SF State’s faculty.
  • One-on-one assistance: Exceptional support services are provided, including a dedicated support team and online success coach.
  • Students in online programs have the same access to resources as on-campus students.
  • All online classes are asynchronous with class materials, recorded lectures and discussions available to review any time of day at your convenience.

Yes, the degree you earn will be granted by San Francisco State University, accredited by the Western Association of Schools and Colleges (WASC). Your degree will be the same as the classroom version of the bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Studies at SF State.

Students in this program may be eligible for financial aid. See the financial aid page for more information.

Students should expect to spend around 15 - 20 hours a week per class on readings, assignments and online discussions.

Admission decisions are typically made four to six weeks after the final application deadline. Applications will only be reviewed once the complete admissions packet is submitted, including all transcripts and supplemental documents.

While you won’t replace a specific course name, this may be possible. For example, if you have taken Introduction to Administration of Justice or Concepts of Criminal Law at a community college, these will count as 3-unit electives, and would reduce the number of electives you would need to take. If you have taken upper-division criminal justice courses at a four-year university (including SF State), these may also count as electives.

Students need to apply to the program to have their transcripts reviewed, so transcripts cannot be pre-reviewed.

Document Readers are required to view documents.