Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia

University Rank:#721

Temple University offers the Bachelor of Criminal Justice as a full-time degree delivered on campus at its main campus in Philadelphia, United States of America. Taught in English and completed over 4 years, the program equips students with the theoretical knowledge and practical skills required for criminal justice and related professional fields. The next available intake begins on August 28, 2027.

About Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Learn how the criminal justice system works with the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice in the College of Liberal Arts at Temple University. You'll form a deep understanding of its complex history, policies and societal implications.

The 123-credit Criminal Justice BA undergraduate program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking so you gain an understanding of the nature of crimes, including why and how they're committed. You'll also learn to evaluate the effectiveness and fairness of the ways in which society prevents, controls and responds to crimes.

Through multidisciplinary coursework and practice-focused immersive opportunities, you'll learn how the criminal justice system is tied to other areas of society, such as healthcare and education systems. You will study issues such as fairness in sentencing, mass incarceration, police legitimacy, victims' rights and reintegration of formerly incarcerated individuals into society. Through Temple's internationally renowned Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, you'll have the unique opportunity to meaningfully understand the lives of prisoners.

Students who earn the Criminal Justice BA are not only informed members of society, but are well prepared for advanced education in a range of fields that address criminal justice issues, such as law, public health, social work, public policy and sociology. They are also prepared for careers in criminal justice fields, including government and law enforcement agencies, public defense, victim and criminal advocacy organizations, and more.

Requirements and Admission Criteria for Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Temple University

Entry Requirements

1. Official high school and/or university transcripts with English translations (required)

Your application must include all official and original academic records from any school: secondary high school, college, or university you have ever attended.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is four years, Temple University reviews grades 9-11 as well as your current progress in 12th grade (term/quarter/semester/predicted) or your final transcript if you completed high school.

If you are attending a high school curriculum that is only three years, we strongly recommend you submit the final year of your middle school as well.

2. Test options

First-year Applicants

Option 1: Apply without standardized testing

At Temple University we are pleased to offer applicants a test-optional solution for submitting their application. Test-optional means that you are not required to submit ACT or SAT for admission consideration and is typically chosen by students who feel their test scores do not accurately reflect their academic abilities or who were not able to take SAT or ACT tests due to circumstances outside of their control.

Applicants who choose this option are equally eligible to receive merit scholarships.

Option 2: Apply with standardized testing. Submit official SAT or ACT results. These must be sent officially from the testing agency.

Unsure about whether or not to submit testing? Contact [email protected].

All applicants, regardless of which option they choose, should review the English language proficiency test scores section to determine whether they are required to submit English language proficiency scores to support their application.

Transfer Applicants

If you have at least 15 college-level credits, SAT/ACT scores (or other standardized tests) are usually not required for transfer admission unless our Admissions Office specifically requests them.

Please note that proof of high school graduation may be required and English language proficiency test scores may be required.

The average GPA for incoming fall 2022 transfer students was 3.21. All applicants are reviewed for admission but we prefer that students have a 2.50 or higher GPA.

3. Letters of Recommendation (optional)

If you submit letters of recommendation, please request letters from individuals, such as a high school teacher or advisor, who can speak to your academic abilities and accomplishments. Please send no more than two letters to [email protected] or through the Common Application.

English Requirements

PTEMin 53
IELTSMin 7
TOEFLMin 79

Career Opportunities after Completing Bachelor of Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice Internship Seminar

Students are encouraged to enroll in our specialized internship program, earning three credits for CJ 4075 Criminal Justice Internship Seminar (which can be used toward the electives in the major) and three, six or nine credits in CJ 4085 Criminal Justice Internship (which count towards the 123 credits required for graduation but may not be used to fulfill any requirements of the Criminal Justice Major). This program runs in the fall, spring and summer (over the two summer sessions). Interested students should contact the following staff member for more information.

Kim Campanese is an academic advisor.
Phone: 215-204-7919
Email: [email protected]

ProRanger Philadelphia

ProRanger Philadelphia is an academic and technical skills training and paid internship program that is cooperatively administered by the National Park Service and Temple University. The program was established to recruit, train and employ law enforcement park rangers for the National Park Service. Upon graduation from Temple University and successfully completing the ProRanger program, participants are placed in a permanent career tenure law enforcement park ranger position with the National Park Service. For more information on the program, requirements and application details, visit the ProRanger Philadelphia Page.

The skills gained from a liberal arts degree are highly relevant in today's rapidly evolving world. Apply the experience and knowledge acquired in the Criminal Justice BA program to your professional pursuits across many organizations and industries, including academics, cultural institutions, government agencies or the social sciences. The versatility of this program's curriculum helps you graduate with valuable skill sets sought by many employers.

Criminal Justice BA graduates have a wide array of unique options available to them.

Many continue onto advanced degrees in areas like public policy, sociology and decision neuroscience, while others pursue careers in the criminal justice field. Examples of career options available include the following.

- Correctional officer
- Court reporter
- Criminal justice research
- Crime prevention specialist
- Crime scene investigator
- Criminal justice policy advisor
- Criminal law paralegal
- Criminal defense lawyer
- Digital forensics examiner
- Forensic science technician
- Human services
- Local, state and federal law enforcement
- Police officer
- Private detective
- Probation officer
- Security guard
- Secret service agent
- Private security

Tuition and Fee Information for Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Temple University

Application Fee 55

How to Apply for Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Temple University

1. Make an application plan.

If you’re a first-year applicant, you’ll first want to pick a deadline goal and decide if you’d like to apply Early Action (due Nov. 1) or Regular Decision (due Feb. 1).

2. Apply using the Common Application.

Temple exclusively uses the Common Application. When completing your application for Temple, be sure to indicate whether you’re applying Early Action or Regular Decision if you’re a first-year applicant. Even if you apply before or by the Early Action deadline, you still must indicate Early Action on your application to ensure you will receive an admissions decision early. Transfer applicants do not need to select a deadline preference.

There’s an application fee of $55, which you will submit at the same time as the Common Application unless you qualify for a waiver.

Bachelor of Criminal Justice at Temple University

Temple University

United States of America, Philadelphia