Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice, A.S. - CPS, CPSO

Undergraduate

Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice

Explore foundational knowledge in criminology and the legal system, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields
2026
Degree
Associate of Science
Location
Online
Courses
14*
Credit
60 hrs.*
Full-time
Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)
Part-time
Varies (Transfer up to 30 credits)
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College of Professional Studies

The online Associate in Science in Behavioral Science: Criminal Justice option at the University of New Hampshire offers an interdisciplinary exploration of human behavior, emphasizing biological, psychological, social, and cultural factors. 

This program provides foundational knowledge in criminology and the legal system, preparing students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, and related fields. Additionally, it facilitates a seamless transition to bachelor's degree programs in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

*Number of courses and course credit hours may vary, please reach out to your academic advisor for exact requirements.

College of Professional Studies

What is the Criminal Justice Option in Behavioral Science?

The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. The criminal justice option introduces students to the justice system as well as the rights and behaviors of people in the system.

Why study the Criminal Justice Option in Behavioral Science at UNH College of Professional Studies?

Your courses will introduce you to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. Within each option area, you’ll gain deeper-level knowledge. For example, the criminal justice option introduces students to criminology and various aspects of the legal system. For those looking to further their education beyond an associate degree, this degree can prepare you for a smooth transition to the bachelor’s in Applied Psychology, Health and Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Potential Career Areas

  • Police Officer
  • Corrections Officer
  • Fish and Game Warden
  • Bailiff
  • Security Officer
  • Case Worker
  • Client Advocate
  • Behavioral Management Aide

Curriculum & Requirements

01
Program Description
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The Associate in Science in Behavioral Science provides an interdisciplinary approach to understanding human behavior within a global world view. Foundation courses at an associate level introduce behavioral science students to the biological, psychological, social, and cultural variables of human behavior. This degree prepares students for a smooth transition to the B.S. in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice. The criminal justice option introduces students to the justice system as well as the rights and behaviors of people in the system.
02
Degree Plan
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This degree plan is a sample and does not reflect the impact of transfer credit or current course offerings. UNH CPS Online undergraduate students should develop individual academic plans with their academic advisor during their first year at UNH.

Sample Course Sequence

Plan of Study Grid
First Year
FallCredits
COM 460 Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics 4
ENG 420 The Writing Process 4
PSY 410 Introduction to Psychology 4
SOCI 410 Introduction to Sociology 4
 Credits16
Spring
CRIM 410 Introduction to Criminology 4
CRIT 501 Introduction to Critical Inquiry 4
Select one of the following: 4
MTH 402
 Math for Our World  
MTH 504
 Statistics  
MTH 510
 Pre-Calculus  
General Education Course 4
 Credits16
Second Year
Fall
COM 480 Visual Communication 4
CRIM 555 The Criminal Justice System 4
PSY 525 Human Development 4
General Education Course 4
 Credits16
Spring
CRIM 425
or CRIM 600
 Juvenile Justice
or Crime Prevention and Control
 4
General Education Course 4
Elective 4
 Credits12
 Total Credits60
03
Requirements for the Program
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Degree Requirements

Minimum Credit Requirement: 60 credits
Minimum Residency Requirement: 16 credits must be taken at UNH
Minimum GPA: 2.0 required for conferral*
Core Curriculum Required: General Education Program

Major, Option, and Elective Requirements as indicated.
*Major GPA requirements as indicated.

General Education Program Requirements

A minimum grade of D- is required in all General Education coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major and General Education areas.

ENG 420The Writing Process4
COM 460Interpersonal Communication and Group Dynamics4
COM 480Visual Communication4
CRIT 501Introduction to Critical Inquiry4
Select one of the following:4
MTH 402
Math for Our World
MTH 504
Statistics
MTH 510
Pre-Calculus
Knowledge of Human Behavior & Social Systems4
Knowledge of the Physical & Natural World4
Knowledge of Human Thought & Expression4
Total Credits32

Major Requirements

A minimum grade of a C- is required in all  Major and Option coursework. Students are allowed a maximum of one course overlap between the Major/Option and General Education areas.

Major in Behavioral Science
PSY 410Introduction to Psychology4
PSY 525Human Development4
SOCI 410Introduction to Sociology4
Option in Criminal Justice
CRIM 410Introduction to Criminology4
CRIM 555The Criminal Justice System4
CRIM 425Juvenile Justice4
or CRIM 600 Crime Prevention and Control
Total Credits24

Electives 

Open electives are courses students will need to take in addition to their general education and major requirements in order to satisfy the remaining credit totals for their programs. Open electives are defined as any credit course offered by the College not already included in the student's general education, major, concentration or minor. Students will need 60 credits total to graduate with an associate degree.

04
Student Learning Outcomes
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Program Learning Outcomes

  • Attain proficiency in the basic concepts, theories, and methods of inquiry in behavioral sciences.
  • Evaluate ethical principles of the behavioral sciences.
  • Prepare for seamless transition to the Bachelor of Science in Applied Psychology, Health & Wellness, Human Services, or Criminal Justice.

Course Highlights

  •  Introduction to Psychology
  • Introduction to Sociology
  • Introduction to Criminology
  • ...and more!

Key Benefits of UNH CPS Online

01
Advantages
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  • 100% online courses – Learn from anywhere with flexible scheduling.
  • 8-week terms – Move toward your goals faster.
  • Affordable tuition – Among the lowest in New England and nationwide.
  • Nationally ranked – Best Online Bachelor’s Programs and Best Online Bachelor’s for Veterans by U.S. News & World Report.
  • Regionally accredited – By the New England Commission on Higher Education (NECHE).
  • Generous transfer credit policy – About 89% of our students transfer in; we specialize in maximizing your previous college coursework and other college-level learning.
  • Credit for prior learning – Earn credit for relevant work experience, military training, and other learning outside the classroom.
  • Rolling admissions – Apply anytime and start in the term that works for you.
  • No GMAT or GRE required – Streamlined admissions process.
  • Expert faculty – Instructors are subject matter experts who share real-world experience to help you apply what you learn to your career goals.
  • Career advising for life – Available to all students, alumni, and even prospective students exploring their options. 
02
Admissions Requirements
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  • Completion of our free, online application for admission
  • High school diploma, completion of a high school education in a homeschool setting under state law, or demonstrate high school equivalency.
    • Successful completion of one of the following exams will be required for demonstrating high school equivalency: the GED, HiSET, or TASC
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Opportunity to Earn a Bachelor's
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Those wishing to continue their education may apply their 60-credit associate degree toward an 120-credit bachelor’s degree. Ask your advisor for details!

Credit for What you Know

Your Prior Learning Counts

Many of our students can demonstrate college-level knowledge gained from military, workplace and volunteer-based training, and experiences. We are experts at helping students demonstrate learning and earning academic credit.

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