Criminal justice students examine the actions of policing and law enforcement agencies, the judicial system and correctional agencies. The Department of Criminal Justice welcomes a diverse student body and encourages its students to explore the full range of opportunities in criminal justice and justice-related professions and graduate programs. Our students perform critical evaluation of how the administration of justice actually operates in American society.
The department is part of the School of Social Research and Justice Studies in the College of Liberal Arts. The classroom content of criminal justice perfect for the pre-law major or students interested in pursuing law school after graduation. The criminal justice curriculum is interdisciplinary, drawing on theories developed in a variety of fields. Theories are derived from sociology and psychology regarding the causes of crime and delinquency. Law, political science and history provide information about the development of law and the applications of sanctions within the legal process. Also, there is a rapidly growing body of knowledge derived from research efforts of practitioners in policing, the courts and corrections. Through our three-fold mission of education, research and service, we train model citizens and build a knowledgeable community on the field of criminal justice.
Bachelor's degree
Earn a bachelor's degree in criminal justice that focuses on the legal, ethical, administrative, theoretical and behavioral aspects of the justice system.
Master's degree
Earn an advanced degree in criminal justice while focusing on the nature of crime, law and social control, as well as the process of planning change.
Research Opportunities
Get an early start in what it takes to conduct and participate in legal research. All students are able to participate in criminal justice research and get credit!
