Undergraduate Majors

With more than 40 majors to choose from, our curriculum offers you unparalleled opportunity to pick your path and find the right fit for you, whether you’re interested in Natural Sciences and Mathematics or Social Sciences, or Humanities like History and English are more your style. 

Many of our majors also offer opportunities for internships and co-ops both locally and nationally, study abroad and service learning, where you make real-world impact on your community.

If you’re not sure which major is right for you, you’re not alone. Many incoming students aren’t sure with path is the right one—which may be why many of our first-year students choose our Exploratory Studies Program. Through Exploratory Studies, you’ll learn more about what each major has to offer, and whether it’s right for you. 

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Why study Criminal Justice?

Why pursue a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice?

The University of Cincinnati’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is designed to provide students with an understanding of criminal offending and the criminal justice process. Our bachelor’s program allows students to explore the criminal law system as it relates to crime prevention, child behavioral problems, adolescent delinquency, and information technology. Our students are encouraged to complete a minor, certificate or focus area in a subject matter of their choice that will complement their career goals.

The University of Cincinnati’s widely respected School of Criminal Justice graduate studies is ranked 3rd in the country U.S. News & World Report (2020). Our online Master’s in Criminal Justice program is ranked 12th best in the country by U.S. News & World Report (2020).

Students pursuing a degree in criminal justice have a wide variety of academic interests and talents. Many students select courses that will enhance a specific area, as well as courses they enjoy. Many of our students want to combine their interest in anthropology, literature, psychology, sociology and women’s studies. However, students who choose extensive courses in accounting, biology, business, chemistry or a foreign language seem to have greater career/job opportunities.

All students pursuing an undergraduate degree in criminal justice must complete field placement. The field placement allows seniors to expand upon their education by gaining practical field experience. This unpaid internship is in a criminal-justice related agency of the student’s choice. Many students are successful in obtaining full-time positions after graduation, due to experience from their field placement.

Career Possibilities

Graduates of this program will be prepared for the careers listed below. All opportunities may not be listed. Many of our students continue to further their education choosing to attend graduate school or law school.

Minoring in Criminal Justice

 A minor in criminal justice is available. We also offer certificates in:

Advising

Student Services Center
College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services
PO Box 210014
Cincinnati, OH 45221
513-556-2336
cechssc@uc.edu

UC Advantages and Special Opportunities

Deciding to major in criminal justice at the University of Cincinnati provides students countless opportunities. Students are allowed to choose various courses across the university in many disciplines for a richer collegiate experience. Many students find that studying abroad or doing an internship still allows them to graduate in four years.

The UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services is committed in every way to student success. Each year, the college has a scholarship application process encouraging students to apply. In past years, the college has been able to award scholarships to many students.

The Student Services Center in CECH is a focal point in the college, offering academic advising to students in undergraduate programs. Our well-educated and trained staff comprises full-time academic advisors, support staff and graduate assistants, who work with students to help decide course offerings, change of major and to answer academic program questions.

For further information on the bachelor of science criminal justice program, please visit the program website.

Special Programs

There are countless ways for students to be involved within criminal justice and the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services. Our students take part in various organizations that promote awareness and continued research in the field.
 

Alpha Phi Sigma
Alpha Phi Sigma is the only National Criminal Justice Honor Society (Fraternity) for criminal  justice majors. We recognize academic excellence of undergraduate and graduate students of criminal justice, as well as juris doctorate.

Criminal Justice Society
The Criminal Justice Society is a student-sponsored organization designed to enhance the educational experience of those interested in criminal justice and criminal behavior. Criminal Justice Society promotes the study of crime and justice and sponsors activities for interested students. Activities include prison tours, speaker events and an annual career fair.

CECH Tribunal
The purposes of the CECH Tribunal are to ensure that the interests of the students of the college are voiced and to provide student representation on behalf of all undergraduate students in CECH where representation is warranted. Also, the tribunal organizes programs and social events for students of the college.

Student Ambassador Program
The Student Ambassador program represents CECH at the University of Cincinnati by assisting with the recruitment and retention of students in the college. CECH Student Ambassadors provide a valuable service by representing the student perspective of university life to prospective and new students. Ambassadors also represent the college at numerous collegiate functions, professional events and key promotional events. Being selected as a CECH student ambassador is an honor that reflects academic rigor and a commitment to the fields of education, health promotion and education and criminal justice.

 

 

Admission Requirements

Freshmen applicants, please visit the Admission Requirements page for more information.

Transferring to UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for students transferring to the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (all prior institutions combined)

Changing Majors within UC Requirements

Admission to this program is generally available for University of Cincinnati students enrolled in other colleges of the University of Cincinnati if they were admissible directly from high school and have a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined).

Students who were NOT admissible directly from high school must have:

  • 24 semester (36 quarter) hours earned
  • at least a 2.0 cumulative GPA (UC and any prior institutions combined)

Current UC students wishing to transfer into the program should contact the College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services at 513-556-2336.

International Student Requirements

Please contact the Office of Admissions at 513-556-1100 or visit UC International's website.

Graduation Requirements

In order to graduate from the UC College of Education, Criminal Justice, and Human Services, a student must:

  • Complete all required course work and program requirements.
  • Obtain at least a 2.0 university grade point average.
  • Be in good academic standing; that is, not on academic or disciplinary probation or suspension.
  • Meet the college's residency requirement of 30 semester credit hours.
  • File formal application for the degree by the posted semester of graduation deadline.

Application Deadlines

Fall Semester

Freshmen:

  • Early Action Deadline: December 1*
  • Rolling Deadline: March 1
  • Confirmation Deadline: May 1

* Your application must be complete by this date in order to be considered for scholarships and the Honors Program.

Transfers:

  • Application Deadline: July 1
  • Confirmation Deadline: Aug. 1

Spring Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

  • Application Deadline: Nov. 1
  • Confirmation Deadline: Dec. 1

Summer Semester

Freshmen and Transfers: 

  • Application Deadline: March 1
  • Confirmation Deadline: April 1

Accreditation

The University of Cincinnati and all regional campuses are accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.

Quick Facts

BS in Criminal Justice

Full-Time Program Duration

4.0 Years

Location

West Campus

Interest Areas:

Behavioral & Social Science

Politics, Law & Social Justice

Social Science

Contact

PO BOX 210014
PO Box 210014
 Cincinnati, OH 45221-0014
Phone: (513) 556-6308
CECH Office of Recruitment
cechrecruit@uc.edu