Criminology and Criminal Justice

Criminology and Criminal Justice Fundamentals

Students who pursue our Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice will learn how the criminal justice system works through a mix of academics and practical field experience.

The curriculum focuses on policing, the courts, correctional agencies, and business and industry, with a balance of the research and professional skills you will need to succeed. After taking core and foundational courses in criminal justice, political science and sociology, you then will choose a concentration in policing, courts and law, corrections, or criminology.

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  

Sample Curriculum

Degrees

Minors

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For More Information:

Criminal Justice Studies

Contact: Dr. Nancy Marion

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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.