The great new battlefield of the 21st century is the realm of cyberspace. In our networked, technologically interconnected world, the importance of data security is a top priority for organizations, business, government agencies, and beyond. And all of them are in need to trained professionals who understand this intersection of criminal justice and cybersecurity.

About Salem’s Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree

With Salem University’s Cybersecurity specialization of the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program, we prepare students for an entry-level career in the fast-growing field of information and data security. Students gain crucial knowledge in areas like common security threats, assess organizational readiness, and developing and implementing data security solutions. This particular specialization can also be a great stepping off point toward getting your Master of Science in Criminal Justice or your Master of Science in Information Technology.

We’ve designed our bachelor’s degree curriculum with the goal of providing a high-quality education that prepares you for lifelong learning. We aim to develop your leadership and problem-solving skills and encourage all of our students to read critically, ask appropriate questions, gather information, and apply critical analysis. And we do all of this within a framework that fits into your current life and responsibilities with our unique, one-course-a-month schedule.

What Can I Do With a Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity?

A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice with an emphasis in cybersecurity can help you prepare for entry-level employment in careers like:

  • Network Security Analyst
  • Cybersecurity Specialist
  • Intelligence Analysis
  • Inspection, Investigation and Compliance
  • Computer Forensics Analyst

You could also qualify for a position as an agent with a variety of federal agencies like FBI, DEA, ATF, Secret Service, US Marshals and Immigrations & Customs Enforcement.

What Will I Learn in Salem’s Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity?

In Salem’s Cybersecurity specialization, you start with the core curriculum of our criminal justice degree, which explores diverse perspectives while also providing skills that are useful in the detection, investigation, and prosecution of crimes. Your coursework features everything from constitutional law to criminal evidence and procedure to domestic terrorism. We want you to understand not just the basics, but also the history and philosophy behind the criminal justice system and where it can grow and evolve in the future. All of this is brought together in a capstone course that gives you the opportunity to set up and manage an actual sporting event.

In your specialized Cybersecurity courses, you’ll cover topics like:

  • Legal and practical aspects of data collection and digital evidence and the techniques and skillsets involved, including proxies, firewalls, vulnerability assessments, and volatile and persistent data
  • Networking theory and concepts within the context of common network environments, from small corporate offices to more complex enterprise networking models
  • The basics of computer network security and security research, including basic cryptography, cryptanalysis, and system security
  • The proper implementation of information security systems using a layered approach to protect assets from malware, viruses, cybercrime, social engineering, DDoS, hacking, and more

What Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity Classes Will I Take?

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree program with a specialization in Cybersecurity requires the completion of 75 foundational and elective credits, as well as 30 core criminal justice credits that include:

  • CJU205 Criminal Law
  • CJU210 Criminal Evidence and Constitutional Procedure
  • CJU230 Criminal Investigation and Forensics
  • CJU233 Crisis Intervention
  • CJU242 Domestic Violence
  • CJU270 Terrorism
  • CJU405 Constitutional Law
  • CJU408 Criminal Justice Research and Statistics
  • CJU440 Ethics in Criminal Justice
  • CJU499 Capstone

You’ll also take 15 credits in the Cybersecurity specialization:

  • IT405 Computer Forensics
  • IT410 Enterprise Networking
  • IT420 Information Systems Security
  • IT425 Advanced Cybersecurity
  • IT450 Special Topics

How Long Will It Take to Get My Criminal Justice and Cybersecurity Bachelor’s Degree?

On average, a full-time student can earn their Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree with a specialization in Cybersecurity in approximately 40 months. However, we recognize every student is different, with different circumstances. It’d be best to contact one of our admissions advisors to discuss your specific questions and goals.

Why Should I Choose Salem University?

Since 1888, Salem University has built upon our tradition of accessible, affordable higher education by constantly innovating and looking to the future. We aim to develop lifelong learners who embrace problem-solving with a global perspective. We offer:

  • Accelerated undergraduate and graduate programs of study with continuous enrollment via distance education or on-campus
  • A unique one-course-a-month format that allows students to focus on a single subject at time and build their knowledge in a way that feels natural
  • Online courses are structured to work within the constraints of full-time employment, allowing you to earn your degree with minimum disruption to your busy schedule
  • Supportive faculty and staff who serve as thought leaders and mentors
  • A beautiful 100-acre campus situated in the Smoky Mountains where programs of study are available for campus residents and commuter students

Admission to Salem is open to all qualified applicants regardless of race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, national origin, or ability/disability. Anyone wishing to attend Salem can obtain the necessary application from the Office of Admissions or online here. The completed application should be submitted to the Office of Admissions at the earliest possible date. The University admits students on a rolling, monthly start basis. Acceptance is within the discretion of Salem University; some programs have additional admissions requirements.

Take the Next Step

If you’re interested in getting started on your Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice — Cybersecurity degree from Salem University, now is a great time to request more information or, better yet, chat with us live.