Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Program Overview

The Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Criminology & Criminal Justice is a new degree pathway at Portland State University specifically designed for transfer students who have earned an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree at a regionally accredited community college. This pathway allows students with vocational backgrounds to seamlessly transition into a bachelor's program without losing momentum or starting over. By honoring the intensive vocational training you have already completed, the B.A.S. program creates an efficient route to career advancement.

Who Should Apply?

This program is ideal for individuals currently working in the field—such as paralegals, correctional officers, or law enforcement officers—who hold a terminal A.A.S. degree and need a bachelor's degree to unlock career advancement and leadership opportunities. 

We accept terminal A.A.S. degrees in:

• Criminology
• Criminal Justice
• Corrections
• Law Enforcement
• Juvenile Justice
• Paralegal and Paralegal Studies 

Note: If you hold an A.A.S. in a closely related field not listed above, our advising staff and department chair will review your application on a case-by-case basis for admission.

Why Choose the B.A.S. Pathway?

• Maximize Your Transfer Credits: Traditional B.A. and B.S. degrees only accept up to 12 vocational credits, leading to significant "wasted credit" for A.A.S. graduates. The B.A.S. pathway accepts up to 67 vocational credits from an approved A.A.S. degree.
• Save Time and Money: By accepting 55 more vocational credits than a traditional pathway, full-time students can save nearly two extra years of coursework (about 4.5 terms). Based on current in-state tuition and fees, this translates to saving approximately $21,877.
• Flexible Delivery: To accommodate working professionals, the program utilizes existing Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJ) courses offered both in-person on campus and fully online.
• No Compromise on Quality: The major requirements for the B.A.S. are absolutely identical to those of the B.A. and B.S. pathways. You will receive the exact same high-quality education, taught by the same diverse, interdisciplinary faculty.

Curriculum & Coursework

The CCJ major requires 61-64 total credit hours within the department (37-40 core credits and 24 elective credits), and all must be passed with a grade of "C-" or above. Core courses include:

• CCJ 200: Criminology and Criminal Justice
• CCJ 230: Policing in America
• CCJ 240: Punishment and Corrections
• CCJ 310: American Courts
• CCJ 317: Race, Crime, and Criminal Justice
• CCJ 320U: Theories of Crime & Justice
• CCJ 330U: Crime Prevention and Control
• CCJ 340: Crime Analysis
• CCJ 380: Evidence-Based Justice
• CCJ 420: Criminal Law

Career & Graduate School Outlook

Graduates of this program are fully equipped for a wide range of careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, human services, and crime prevention. There is a strong employment market for criminal justice careers, and bachelor's degree holders can earn up to 30% more than those with only an associate's degree. Furthermore, B.A.S. graduates face no disadvantages in the job market or when applying to graduate programs. A B.A.S. fully satisfies the baccalaureate degree requirements for admission into master's degree programs and law schools.

A Commitment to Diversity and Support

The CCJ department features the largest and most diverse undergraduate student population in the College of Urban and Public Affairs. Our faculty and staff are deeply committed to inclusive teaching practices and providing tailored advising  that acknowledges and values your prior applied learning experiences.