Program Overview

Introduction to the Bachelor's Degree Program in Justice

The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers a bachelor's degree program in justice, with a strong emphasis on restorative justice. This innovative program provides students with the opportunity to work with victims, offenders, and the community to repair the harm caused by criminal behavior. The program also explores justice in rural environments and tribal justice systems.

What Is a Criminal Justice Degree?

A criminal justice degree is a versatile degree program that examines law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Majors in criminal justice are growing in popularity because they provide a launching pad to a wide range of careers. Many law enforcement agencies are starting to require a bachelor's degree for some high-demand jobs. In addition to preparing students for careers, a bachelor's in criminal justice will provide a solid academic foundation for pursuing graduate study in the field.

Who Is the Degree in Criminal Justice Designed For?

This bachelor's program features hands-on internship placements in justice agencies, providing real-life experience that will give students a major advantage when applying for positions in the field. Emphasizing restorative justice, the program also explores tribal justice systems and justice in rural environments. The program is designed for professionals interested in pursuing criminal justice jobs in Alaska or the Pacific Northwest.

Key Features of the Program

• The program is available entirely online, making it ideal for students who are balancing education with careers and family, or live outside the region.
• The program provides a strong internship program that gives students the chance to work with a variety of criminal justice agencies.
• The program offers a collaborative agreement with the Alaska Court System to facilitate a restorative justice (diversion) program that assists low-level offenders.
• The program provides training and insights that will prepare students for jobs in the unique cultural and geographic context of Alaska and the surrounding region.

Why Study Criminal Justice at UAF?

Criminal justice is a broad field of study that encompasses some of today's fastest-growing careers. The University of Alaska Fairbanks offers unique opportunities for students majoring in criminal justice, including:

• Specialized training to prepare students for careers in the unique cultural and geographic context of Alaska and the Pacific Northwest.
• Participation in internship opportunities that give students the chance to work with a variety of criminal justice agencies.
• The opportunity to gain skills to contribute valuable solutions to conflicts concerning federal, state, and Native American and Indigenous communities.
• The chance to learn from faculty with various professional experiences in the criminal justice system.

What Can You Do With a Criminal Justice Degree?

A criminal justice degree is a highly versatile degree that can open the door to many different kinds of career opportunities. Graduates of the program can find jobs with state and local law enforcement, adult and juvenile probation, the court system, and police forensics, among others. Completing an internship experience is a great way to get a foot in the door and often leads directly to jobs for graduates. Many graduates also pursue graduate study after completing their bachelor's degrees.

Career Opportunities

• State and local law enforcement
• Adult and juvenile probation
• The court system
• Police forensics
• Graduate study in the field

Explore Classes for Criminal Justice Majors

The program provides students with the opportunity to understand the structure and function of the criminal justice system and get the training to excel in their career of choice. Graduates will be prepared to contribute valuable solutions to conflicts concerning federal, state, and Native American issues.

Related Degree Programs

• Social Work
• Political Science
• Psychology
• Arctic and Northern Studies

Tuition and Fees

The estimated cost of the online criminal justice degree based on current rates is $43,300.