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Bachelor of Science in Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies

School of Justice Studies

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Bachelor of Science in Corrections & Juvenile Justice Studies

School of Justice Studies

College of Justice, Safety & Military Science

Online

Program

120 Credit Hours

to Graduate

Online Tuition Rate

$443 Per Semester

Free Books

for All Students

One of the Few Degrees in the Nation Devoted to Adult Services and Juvenile Justice

As larger prison populations strain state budgets, the criminal justice system is shifting focus from containment to rehabilitation. These changes bring a variety of rewarding career opportunities in corrections and juvenile justice. While the demand for highly-qualified individuals to manage and supervise the nation’s prison population remains high, there is an increasing need for professionals focused on offender rehabilitation and treatment programs.

Eastern Kentucky University is a recognized leader in criminal justice programming and provides one of the few degrees in the nation devoted to adult corrections and juvenile justice. Whether you are starting a new career or want to advance in your current one, EKU’s online corrections and juvenile justice programs could be the first step to reaching your goals.

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Career Outlook


The criminal justice system employs nearly two million people across the nation and offers a variety of career opportunities. These opportunities include corrections, law enforcement, the court system, probation and parole.

– U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics

A degree in corrections and juvenile justice studies can help you start or advance your career in the field of criminal justice.

Job Titles Include:

  • Correctional officer
  • Corrections administrator
  • Detention officer
  • Probation officer
  • Parole officer
  • Treatment specialist

Careers in corrections and juvenile justice are challenging and rewarding.

Employers Include:

  • Cincinnati/Northern Kentucky International Airport Police Department
  • Department of Juvenile Justice
  • Lake Cumberland Youth Development Center

The Office of Academic and Career Services is a one-stop shop for all your career and professional development needs.

Services Include:

  • Creating/updating your resume and cover letter
  • Interviewing tips and coaching
  • Career documents review
  • Job search

Why EKU?

  • Free textbooks through EKU BookSmart
  • No application fee
  • Reduced tuition for active-duty military members and their spouses
  • Accelerated terms
  • No campus visits required
  • Free online tutoring and career services assistance
  • Courses begin 6 times per year
  • Generous credit transfer policy
  • Law enforcement officers that have completed Kentucky’s DOCJT training can receive 9 hours of college credit
  • Personal advisors stay with you from application to graduation
  • Dynamic, supportive learning environment

Minors & Certificates

Select from a wide range of minors, allowing you to explore interests or make use of prior credits. Suggested minors available for this program include:

You can also choose from numerous undergraduate certificates in specialty areas that complement and enhance your major as you work toward your degree. Suggested certificates for this program include:

View the full list of certificates available for completion as you earn your degree.

Curriculum & Enrollment


Focusing on rehabilitation and evidence-based practices, EKU blends academic and professional preparation through course topics such as rehabilitation strategies for adults and juvenile offenders, community corrections, the juvenile justice system, criminal justice, ethics, and perspectives on crime and delinquency.

A minimum of 120 credits are required to graduate.

View the degree requirements:

Please review the admissions requirements before applying for this or any program. If you have questions about the program or are planning to register for classes, please speak to the program advisor.

Students may transfer up to 90 hours of credit from accredited institutions. Please note that a minimum of 30 credit hours in this degree program must be completed at Eastern Kentucky University.

Previously earned credits must be reviewed upon admission to EKU for appropriate articulation.

All applicants must provide an application and evidence of appropriate scholastic achievement through prior educational experience.

Please note that certain degree programs have special admission requirements. Admission to the University does not mean automatic admission to all degree programs.

The completed application and all required supporting documentation must be received by the University no later than:

• August 1 for fall enrollment
• December 1 for spring enrollment
• May 1 for summer enrollment

To apply for undergraduate admission to Eastern Kentucky University (EKU), submit an application at apply.eku.edu and submit any required materials electronically or by mail to:

Office of Admissions
Eastern Kentucky University
Whitlock Bldg. 112, CPO 54
521 Lancaster Avenue
Richmond, KY 40475-3154.

Enrolling & Advising Information


EKU’s College of Justice, Safety, and Military Science is committed to delivering high-quality enrollment and academic advising for our students. We strive to create an atmosphere of mutual trust and meaningful engagement to help students reach their academic goals and have a rewarding educational experience.

Interested in enrolling? Reach out to our college enrollment advisor today.

Lou Martin

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-1150
Lou.Martin@eku.edu


Student Stories & Features

Amber Napier poses for a selfie.

Amber Napier

EKU Criminal Justice Student
By earning this degree it has opened the door to many different possibilities and I can not wait to explore them all. I found it surprising how much I did not really understand about our criminal justice system until I started this program. Now I can not wait to use my degree to help make a change in our system.
Outside and wearing sunglasses and a beard, Matt Agee pulls out his shirt to display the EKU Alumni logo

Matt Agee

EKU Criminal Justice Student
Earning this degree has expanded my mind tremendously on various issues throughout the criminal justice system. I plan on using this degree as a stepping stone that will make me more marketable, employable, and promotable with future employers. I would never have found the success of a 4.0 GPA without the aid of EKU’s online faculty. The professors truly want to see you succeed and your advisor will be there with you every step of the way.
photo of EKU criminal justice student Justin Robinson

Justin Robinson

EKU Criminal Justice Student
Balancing the active duty military life, working as a paramedic, a family, and being a college student definitely takes its toll. The criminal justice professors and advisors are the utmost supportive, understanding, and professional people I have had the pleasure of getting to learn and grow from.

Upcoming Events


News & Updates

The Right Fit

Beau Mosley, ’23, started his career as a police officer for the Kentucky State Police in 2009, then moved into transportation safety. Now Mosley is the chief risk officer and […]

Related Programs

A male student in an EKU shirt and a female student in a U.S. Army shirt sit on the front porch with their laptops open, discussing coursework.

B.S in Criminal Justice

Common Job Titles: court administrator, correctional officer, victims advocate

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: credit hour info here

Certificate in Juvenile Justice

Common Job Titles: correctional officer, victims advocate, treatment specialist

Modalities: online and on-campus

Credit Hours: 18


Contact Information

School of Justice Studies

Stratton Building
Room 467

859-622-1978
jus.dean@eku.edu