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
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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
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.
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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.
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:
Typical Education:
Master’s degree, Doctoral degree, Post-secondary certificate
Sociologists
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the beh
Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.
Median Annual Wage
$106,030
Wage Range
$65,160 – $172,550
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Master’s degree, Bachelor’s degree
Forensic Science Technicians
Bright OutlookCollect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to inve
Collect, identify, classify, and analyze physical evidence related to criminal investigations. Perform tests on weapons or substances, such as fiber, hair, and tissue to determine significance to investigation. May testify as expert witnesses on evidence or crime laboratory techniques. May serve as specialists in area of expertise, such as ballistics, fingerprinting, handwriting, or biochemistry.
Median Annual Wage
$72,060
Wage Range
$48,250 – $117,250
Projected Growth
Bright
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Post-secondary certificate, High school diploma or equivalent
Judges, Magistrate Judges, and Magistrates
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of d
Arbitrate, advise, adjudicate, or administer justice in a court of law. May sentence defendant in criminal cases according to government statutes or sentencing guidelines. May determine liability of defendant in civil cases. May perform wedding ceremonies.
Median Annual Wage
$153,990
Wage Range
$46,950 – $221,710
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Professional degree, Post-doctoral training
Lawyers
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may pract
Represent clients in criminal and civil litigation and other legal proceedings, draw up legal documents, or manage or advise clients on legal transactions. May specialize in a single area or may practice broadly in many areas of law.
Median Annual Wage
$159,670
Wage Range
$78,360 – $351,600
Projected Growth
Average
Top Skills:
Typical Education:
Doctoral degree, Professional degree
Social Workers, All Other
All social workers not listed separately.
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