We offer a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, providing students the opportunity to discover, arrange and make sense of facts about crime systematically. Students will gain an empirical understanding of the factors that influence individuals’ decision-making practices within various criminal justice institutions, including programs designed to prevent crime, meet the needs of victims and rehabilitate criminals. These institutions and programs include the police, courts, probation and parole systems, correctional institutions, community-based programs and social/human service agencies.
Also, the degree has a strong emphasis on the behavioral and societal aspects of criminal behavior. Attention is also given to how we count, measure and explain crime rates, why and how crime rates differ across populations and the various tools criminologists use to predict and explain seemingly random and unexplainable behaviors. The issues examined in our courses are plucked straight from the headlines of the news of our day—issues that desperately need the attention of students who are willing to devote their life’s work to something greater than themselves.
Learning Outcomes
- Recognize the various components of the criminal justice system, their functions and the various activities that are carried out by these components and by related social service agencies.
- Identify a variety of theoretical and applied explanations of crime and criminal behavior, as well as societal and criminal justice responses.
- Recognize that criminal justice activities can be examined from multiple points of view and to become more familiar with the range of these experiences, including those of women and minorities.
- Demonstrate baccalaureate written communication, oral communication and critical thinking skills.
- Critically evaluate a wide range of research.
- Employ research methods appropriate to the discipline to understand and investigate current research problems.
Calendario
Don't miss an important date or deadline
Designed for working professionals, UIS programs feature multiple start dates per year, so you can begin at the time that best fits your schedule and complete your degree quickly. View the Academic Calendar
Tuition & Aid
UIS is the most affordable option to earning your University of Illinois degree. Earn a world-class education for less than you’d expect.
Tuition Estimates
On-campus
$10,035/yr*
Online
$11,580/yr*
Based on 120 credit hours over 4 years.
*These numbers represent an estimate of the in-state tuition cost for this program and do not include fees. To get an estimate of the full cost of attendance check out the cost of attendance page and/or use the tuition calculator.
Ways to Save on Tuition
Admissions
Applying to UIS is simple
We've streamlined our admission process to save you time and effort. Just follow the steps below.
Review admission requirements
No specific admission requirements are listed at this time. Please contact the Office of Admission for more information.
International students, will you need an F-1 student visa to study on campus at UIS? Please review the International Applicants site for additional information.
Complete your application
An email address is required to create an account. To submit a paper application, visit the Resources & Forms page. Find more information about what type of student you are on the Student Types page. Applying for an online program is the same procedure as applying for an on-campus program.
Send your official transcripts
Email your official or certified academic records/transcripts to incomingtranscripts@uis.edu or through any of the major transcript platforms. Photocopies will not be accepted.
Submit required statements/writing sample
If you are a first-year student, a statement of 250-650 words is required for admission. We want to hear about your professional aspirations, intellectual interests, and personal experiences relevant to your choice of a specific academic program. You can upload the required documents on your application status page.
Pay your application fee
You can submit your non-refundable application fee online, after completing the online application. Alternately, it can also be mailed to the university, payable to University of Illinois Springfield.
Domestic students: Undergraduate - $50, Graduate - $60;
International students: Undergraduate - $60, Graduate - $75.
Voted No. 1 public regional university in Illinois
2020 - 2024
Courses & Catalog Information
At the University of Illinois Springfield, you'll find a wide range of courses tailored to your interests and career goals. Explore your program details and get all the essential information you need to plan your future.
Career Outlook & Potential Earnings
Graduates of this program may find opportunities in the following careers. Data sourced from O*NET OnLine by the U.S. Department of Labor.
Airfield Operations Specialists
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navi
Ensure the safe takeoff and landing of commercial and military aircraft. Duties include coordination between air-traffic control and maintenance personnel, dispatching, using airfield landing and navigational aids, implementing airfield safety procedures, monitoring and maintaining flight records, and applying knowledge of weather information.
Median Annual Wage
$56,850
Wage Range
$35,870 – $102,120
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree
Security Guards
Bright OutlookGuard, patrol, or monitor premises to prevent theft, violence, or infractions of rules. May operate x-ray and metal detector equipment.
Median Annual Wage
$38,020
Wage Range
$30,210 – $58,840
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Police and Sheriff's Patrol Officers
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; i
Maintain order and protect life and property by enforcing local, tribal, state, or federal laws and ordinances. Perform a combination of the following duties: patrol a specific area; direct traffic; issue traffic summonses; investigate accidents; apprehend and arrest suspects, or serve legal processes of courts. Includes police officers working at educational institutions.
Median Annual Wage
$76,210
Wage Range
$47,510 – $115,120
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Child, Family, and School Social Workers
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children
Provide social services and assistance to improve the social and psychological functioning of children and their families and to maximize the family well-being and the academic functioning of children. May assist parents, arrange adoptions, and find foster homes for abandoned or abused children. In schools, they address such problems as teenage pregnancy, misbehavior, and truancy. May also advise teachers.
Median Annual Wage
$59,550
Wage Range
$42,280 – $95,530
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Intelligence Analysts
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to a
Gather, analyze, or evaluate information from a variety of sources, such as law enforcement databases, surveillance, intelligence networks or geographic information systems. Use intelligence data to anticipate and prevent organized crime activities, such as terrorism.
Median Annual Wage
$93,790
Wage Range
$55,390 – $160,540
Projected Growth
Below Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
Social and Community Service Managers
Bright OutlookPlan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement,
Plan, direct, or coordinate the activities of a social service program or community outreach organization. Oversee the program or organization's budget and policies regarding participant involvement, program requirements, and benefits. Work may involve directing social workers, counselors, or probation officers.
Median Annual Wage
$80,390
Wage Range
$53,150 – $132,260
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Bachelor’s degree, Master’s degree, Associate’s degree or other 2-year degree
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