Hero Image

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 Credit Hour

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.

Learn More


Loading…

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

Curriculum & Admission


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.

professional photo of jacob mobley

Jacob Mobley

Online Enrollment Advisor

859-622-2877
Jacob.Mobley@eku.edu

Student Stories & Features



Upcoming Events

March 2025
MoTuWeThFrSaSu
242526272812
3456789
10111213141516
17181920212223
24252627282930
31123456
Calendars
Venues
Days of the Week
Time of Day
List
Grid
Plain
Thu
13

2025 EKU Living with Animals Conference

March 13, 2025 at 8:00 am – March 15, 2025 at 5:00 pmcalendar-multiday
Thu
13

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at recurcalendar-day
Fri
14
Fri
14

Feel Better Fast! Weekly Drop-in Workshops to Improve Mood

at recurcalendar-day

News & Updates

Aviation Careers Beyond the Cockpit: EKU Graduates Soar in Aerospace Management

Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) isn’t just preparing students to pilot planes—it’s launching them into high-powered careers managing some of Kentucky’s most critical aviation hubs. From strategic innovation to airport operations, EKU aviation alumni are proving that aerospace management offers dynamic, impactful career paths. Hannah Meredith, ’15, leads innovation initiatives as the senior manager of strategic […]

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 executive vice president for Usher Transport, Inc. The Hindman, Kentucky, native chose to attend EKU to carry on his family’s Colonel legacy, as his late […]

Empowered by Community: EKU Graduate’s Journey from College to Career

Richmond, Kentucky native and now Eastern Kentucky University (EKU) graduate Jenna Riel shared the value of support, community and opportunities as she took the stage for spring commencement. “This sense of community and the network of support that EKU has granted us has been the foundation for our success,” she said.  Riel expressed gratitude for […]

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
4453 Kit Carson Drive
Richmond, KY 40475

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