Herzing Redesigns Criminal Justice Programs with Forward-Looking Curriculum

What changed in Herzing University's Criminal Justice programs?

Herzing University has redesigned its Criminal Justice programs — the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJNM) and the Associate of Science/Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice (ASCJ/AASCJ) — to place greater emphasis on why crime occurs, how emerging technologies are reshaping the field and how restorative approaches are changing justice practice. Marketing launches May 2026; instructional launch is September 2026.

Quick Facts — AS/AAS in Criminal Justice

Quick Facts — BS in Criminal Justice

Who these programs are for

• Students entering or advancing in criminal justice careers beyond traditional law enforcement — including parole and probation services, private security, victim advocacy and legal support
• Learners who want a forward-looking curriculum addressing AI, data analytics and emerging crime prevention technologies
• Students interested in criminological theory, behavioral factors and social influences on offending — not just procedural training
• BS students looking for graduate-level dual credit options toward an MS in Health and Human Services Leadership or MSW

What you'll learn and what you can do

The redesigned programs move beyond procedural policing and corrections training to equip students with the conceptual and analytical skills the field increasingly demands.

AS-level focus areas

• Criminological theory and behavioral factors contributing to offending
• Victimology — the experiences, needs and perspectives of crime victims
• Predictive policing and crime technology, including ethical implications of AI and algorithmic decision-making (CJ 225)
• Juvenile justice, developmental factors and youth vulnerability (CJ 250)
• Foundational criminal justice structures and evidence-based practice

BS-level focus areas add

• Psychological traits and their relationship to criminal pathways (CJ 365)
• Globalization of crime, transnational criminal networks and international law (CJ 425)
• Group violence and extremist organizations — radicalization, propaganda and prevention (CJ 435)
• Transformative and restorative justice models
• Technology and AI as tools for crime prevention and systemic reform

Common career paths: Parole and Probation Officer, Victim Advocate, Private Security Professional, Court Support Specialist, Criminal Justice Policy Analyst and Juvenile Justice Specialist.

Frequently asked questions

What changed in these programs?

Both programs shift emphasis from procedural law enforcement training toward understanding why crime occurs and how the field is evolving. The redesign adds criminological theory, victimology, emerging technologies including AI and restorative justice frameworks.

How long do the programs take?

The AS takes 20 months (5 semesters). The BS takes 36 months (9 semesters).

Are these programs available online?

Yes. Both programs are delivered 100% online.

What are the admission requirements?

Both programs follow Herzing's general undergraduate admission criteria. No programmatic licensure is required.

What can I do with a Criminal Justice degree from Herzing?

Graduates are prepared for roles in parole and probation services, victim advocacy, private security, legal support and other criminal justice-adjacent fields. These programs do not provide law enforcement academy training, which is typically completed through individual agency academies.

The bottom line

Herzing's redesigned Criminal Justice programs are the right fit for students who want a modern, theory-grounded education that prepares them for the full range of roles in a changing criminal justice landscape — not just traditional policing or corrections paths.

Related Herzing programs and resources

- Criminal Justice programs at Herzing

- Public Safety programs at Herzing