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.

Quick Facts

Tuition
On-campus: $10,035/yr*
Online: $11,580/yr*
Duration
4 years
Credit Hours
120

Calendario

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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

Now Enrolling

Apply by Date:
Diciembre 28, 2026

Start Date:
Enero 11, 2027

Apply Today!

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.

Admissions

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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.

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Courses & Catalog Information

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.

Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other

All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.

Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary

Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.

Median Annual Wage $76,590
Wage Range $45,000 – $140,240
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Speaking
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-secondary certificate

First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers.

Median Annual Wage $77,970
Wage Range $52,330 – $127,780
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Coordination
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Associate’s degree, Bachelor’s degree

First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives

Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force.

Median Annual Wage $106,040
Wage Range $63,350 – $165,110
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Critical Thinking
  • Management of Personnel Resources
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree, Bachelor’s degree

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

Median Annual Wage $56,850
Wage Range $35,870 – $102,120
Projected Growth Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Monitoring
  • Coordination
Typical Education: Bachelor’s degree, High school diploma or equivalent, Some college, no degree

Air Traffic Controllers

Control air traffic on and within vicinity of airport, and movement of air traffic between altitude sectors and control centers, according to established procedures and policies. Authorize, regulate,

Median Annual Wage $148,080
Wage Range $78,420 – $215,610
Projected Growth Below Average
Top Skills:
  • Active Listening
  • Speaking
  • Critical Thinking
Typical Education: High school diploma or equivalent, Post-secondary certificate, Bachelor’s degree
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