About the Criminal Justice Program
The Criminal Justice program at ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ Extension School (EXT) prepares you for a successful career in law enforcement, counseling or probation. Whether you're looking to enter the field or advance your skills, our faculty, who are actively employed in the field, will help you reach your goals.
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Criminal Justice Curriculum Overview
ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ is home to the premier Criminal Justice program in Rhode Island with many of the state’s Public Safety leaders among our graduates. Our ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ EXT program combines courses in policing, corrections and procedure with studies in the social sciences to introduce you to the theory and practice of criminal law and the moral complexity of the criminal justice system. Many of our graduates advance into graduate study or law school.

Preparing You for a Successful Criminal Justice Career
At EXT, we support you on your individual path. Whether you are just starting out or picking up where you left off, we work with you to accomplish your goals. As you work with our faculty, you'll build lasting connections that open doors to your success. You'll receive one-on-one guidance from your advisor each step of the way.
EXT offers students flexibility to bring in a wide range of previous credit. You may take advantage of our Prior Learning Assessment, applying transfer credit, trainings and assessments, military experience, work experience, and self-taught skills toward your degree. EXT provides standardized credit documentation for a wide range of trainings for public safety officials. For example, officers who have completed the R.I. Municipal Police Academy can receive up to 26.5 credits towards this degree.
Criminal Justice Program Facts
Format
Online
Hybrid
In Person
Schedule
Classes start: January 24
and March 22
Credits Required
60 credits
Cost
In-person 3-credit class: $1,059
Online and Hybrid 3-credit class: $1,299
Fees
Tuition and Textbooks, No Additional Fees
Ways to Save
Are you:
A resident of Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Foster, Glocester or Pawtucket?
A veteran or active duty military?
Eligible for Prior Learning Assessment?
A member of a partnership with ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ?
Ask EXT about Ways to Save.
Apply By
Format
Online
Hybrid
In Person
Schedule
Classes Begin: Aug. 31
Credits Required
120 credits
Cost
In-person 3-credit class: $1,059
Online or Hybrid 3-credit class: $1,299
Ways to Save
Are you:
A resident of Central Falls, Cranston, East Providence, Foster, Glocester or Pawtucket?
A veteran or active duty military?
Eligible for Prior Learning Assessment?
A member of a partnership with ÅÝܽ¶ÌÊÓÆµ?
Ask EXT about Ways to Save.
Apply By
Criminal Justice Program Requirements
Sample Criminal Justice Courses

Policing in America

Constitutional Law

Juvenile Justice
You Need
- A passion for justice
- Official transcripts from high school, college
You Don't Need
- Entrance exams
- SAT/ACT scores
- Pre-requisites
- Admissions essay
- Application fee
- GPA requirements
Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice
Careers in this field are expected to grow 5% in the next ten years, a reflection of the continued need for public safety. The Criminal Justice program gives you the tools you need to enter the field, quality for a promotion, apply your military skills to the civilian world, and more.
While career outlooks depend on candidate experience and specific employer requirements, the table below reflects median salaries in the following potential positions*
Job | What You Do | Average Salary |
---|---|---|
First-Line Supervisor of Federal Law Enforcement Workers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of federal law enforcement workers. | $123,640 |
Detective | Gather facts and collect evidence of possible crimes. | $85,020 |
Correctional Administrator | Provide supervision and leadership in prisons and jails | $68,350 |
Police Officer | Protect people and property. Patrol assigned areas, respond to calls, enforce laws, make arrests, issue citations | $64,400 |
Probation Officer | Assist in rehabilitation of law offenders in custody or on probation or parole. | $58,790 |
Correctional Officer | Oversee those who have been arrested and are awaiting trial or who have been sentenced to serve time in jail or prison. | $49,300 |
*Source: Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, . Job outlook: 2018-2028. Median salary: 2018
Faculty Experts in Criminal Justice
You need to be prepared for all the moral dilemmas and complexities the legal system brings. It's why we employ people who are actively working in the field to develop the curriculum and guide lessons.

Criminal Justice Expert Advisor
All matriculating students are assigned a on-on-one advisor, who is both an adjunct professor and an expert in their field.
"Working in the police and legal world, I have a pretty good feel for where students are coming from and in what direction they want to go."
Sean Parker, Captain, Cranston Police Department, Cranston, RI
His Advice: Get some training and specialized skills under your belt while going through the process of getting your degree by taking advantage of the professional certificate programs.
More: Sean Parker, Police Captain, EXT Adjunct Professor, Criminal Justice Advisor
Individualized Support, More Affordable
At EXT, you get the individualized attention of a private university at a more affordable cost. There are multiple options for financial aid, scholarships, and accelerated paths to get you to the degree you need. Some programs run by Roger Williams are awarded by simply applying for admission, while others are awarded to students through a more formal aid application process.
To ensure full consideration for all aid programs, complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).