SEMO to Launch Missouri’s First 90 Credit Hour Bachelor’s Degree

"At a time when students and working professionals are looking for ways to reduce cost and time to completion, this program provides a high-quality criminal justice education in a realistic format," said Dr. Brian Donavant, chair and professor of the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology. "We've redesigned the curriculum to maintain rigor while removing unnecessary barriers and decreasing time to graduation."

Cost Savings:

• The 30-credit-hour reduction estimates savings of more than $10,000 compared to a traditional 120-hour bachelor's degree. Fewer required credits also mean reduced student debt and an accelerated timeline to career advancement.

• SEMO's one-rate nationwide tuition model ensures students across the country can access the same affordable cost structure, regardless of where they live.

• Students who complete a certified state police academy may apply up to 18 credit hours toward the degree through credit for prior learning, recognizing professional training already earned.

• SEMO's partnership with the National Fraternal Order of Police University (NFOPU) consortium makes the program accessible to law enforcement professionals nationwide. SEMO is one of only 16 institutions in the consortium, and FOP members receive a 10 percent tuition discount on the 90-hour criminal justice degree.

INTERESTED IN A CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE AT A FRACTION OF THE COST?

"This program reflects our commitment to meeting students where they are," Donavant said. "Whether someone is just starting their academic journey or building on their professional experience, we've created a degree that respects both their time and their expertise."

Students completing the 90-hour bachelor's degree may seamlessly continue into SEMO's Master of Science in Criminal Justice. Through the University's accelerated master's pathway, eligible undergraduates may take up to 12 graduate credit hours that count toward both degrees.

SEMO's online master's program in criminal justice was recognized in 2026 by U.S. News & World Report as one of the top 10 universities within the NFOPU consortium, underscoring the strength of the program.

The 90-credit-hour degree reflects SEMO's ongoing commitment to innovation in higher education and workforce responsiveness. By reimagining traditional degree structures, the University is expanding access, lowering financial barriers and aligning academic programs with real-world demand.

Your fearless future is waiting. Apply today at semo.edu/apply.

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