Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice Fundamentals

Students pursuing the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice will receive a rigorous education in the social scientific methods used to explore the distribution, cause, and control of crime.   The curriculum consists of conceptual and practical experiences that provide students with research and professional skills needed for successful careers at all levels of policing, law, corrections, and security administration.    
  
After taking foundational courses in criminal justice, sociology, and political science, students choose a concentration in either policing, courts and law, corrections, or criminology for advanced study.  The program is structured to produce practitioners who are capable of evaluating criminal justice programs and policies, and applying evidence-based practices in criminal justice organizations. 
  
This program is appropriate for students who have recently graduated from high school, individuals who have been away from school, and in-service professionals seeking to develop skills for career advancement.  Individuals who are currently working in a criminal justice field should inquire about opportunities to receive course credit for their training and experience. 

Our Faculty

  • are each experienced professionals in their respective field 
  • are innovative and interactive
  • use current industry standard technology to enhance classroom learning

Akron Advantage

Hands-on experience

Students move from theory to application with hands-on experience offered through:

  • Criminal investigation and forensic labs
  • Urban learning labs (utilizing downtown Akron) for field observations
  • The requirement of at least one internship

Proximity to downtown Akron

Our location in Akron makes it convenient for you to get your foot in the door of real criminal justice agencies while you're earning your degree. There is a high concentration of criminal justice agencies near campus that many students have had success working and interning at while earning their degree. A few examples include:

Student organizations

Interact with other students and professionals in the field through the following organizations: 

  • Criminal Justice Association
  • Sociology Club
  • Emergency Management and Homeland Security Student Association
  • Pre-Law Club  
  • Ohio Innocence Project - University of Akron Chapter
  • Alpha Phi Sigma - Criminal Justice Honor Society 

Sample Curriculum

Degrees

Minors


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For More Information:

Criminal Justice Studies

Contact: Dr. David Licate

Career Opportunities

The University of Akron graduates have been successful in many different fields post-graduation, including: law, business, research and teaching.

Professions available to graduates:

  • Border Patrol Agent 
  • Child Protection Worker
  • Compliance Managers
  • Correctional Officers
  • Crime Data Intelligence Analysis
  • Detectives and Investigators
  • Digital Video Evidence Technician
  • Drug Enforcement Agent (DEA)
  • Fire Marshal
  • Forensic Science Technicians
  • Fraud Examiners
  • Lawyers
  • Lobbyist Mediator
  • Mediator
  • Patrol Officers
  • Sheriff
  • Substance Abuse Counselor

Career Outlook

After completing coursework and mandatory internships, graduates will enter fields that are projected to grow faster than average, with an expected 100,000 or more job openings between 2014 and 2024, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Salaries for Criminology and Criminal Justice careers range based on location, but the median wage in 2016 was $61,600 annually.

Career Services

Career Services is located in Student Union 211, with another office in College of Arts and Sciences Building 126. Career Services provides career coaching and programming, and develops valuable relationships with employers and campus partners to provide students with many opportunities for experiential learning and career development.