Program Details

• Major Name: Criminal Justice (Accelerated Online)
• Degree Program: Criminal Justice
• Degree Designation: BAS
• College / School: Applied Sciences

Potomac State College, a division of West Virginia University, offers the only Bachelor of Applied Science (B.A.S.) in Criminal Justice in the state of West Virginia. This program is specifically designed for students who have already completed an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) in Criminal Justice and wish to further their education while continuing to manage work and family responsibilities.

To be eligible for the B.A.S. in Criminal Justice program, students must have completed all course requirements for the A.A.S. degree. The program structure includes Criminal Justice-specific courses offered in accelerated, 8-week online modules, while general education and other required courses are delivered over a full semester in an online format. Students who have completed law enforcement academy training may be eligible for credit toward the A.A.S. degree through a Prior Learning Assessment (PLA). All A.A.S. Criminal Justice courses must be completed in person at Potomac State College. For students transferring from other institutions, this may mean taking additional in-person courses to meet A.A.S. requirements before entering the B.A.S. program.

Once the in-person A.A.S. requirements are met, the B.A.S. degree can be completed entirely online. This fully online option is ideal for individuals who need the flexibility to work full-time, manage personal and family commitments, and study from anywhere in the state or beyond. Depending on course availability and the student’s pace, the degree can be completed in as little as 18 months.

Graduates of the B.A.S. in Criminal Justice program can expect to develop stronger critical thinking and analytical skills, gain access to greater opportunities for promotion within the criminal justice field, and benefit from increased geographic mobility. Additionally, the degree prepares students for graduate-level education in areas such as law, criminal justice, business administration, counseling, and social work.

Potomac State College stands out as the only institution in West Virginia to offer a B.A.S. in Criminal Justice. The program is thoughtfully designed for working professionals, providing affordable and flexible online learning options and the opportunity to receive academic credit for prior law enforcement training.