Program Overview

Introduction to the Criminal Justice B.A. Program

The Criminal Justice B.A. program at the University of West Florida is designed to prepare students for a career in criminal justice, where they can use their skills for the betterment of their community. This program offers students the knowledge and skills necessary to succeed in various roles within the criminal justice system.

Why Study Criminal Justice at UWF?

The University of West Florida's Criminal Justice program stands out due to its small class sizes, highly qualified faculty, and numerous opportunities for research, internships, and participation in student organizations. Each year, the department provides need-based and merit scholarships to its students. The program is offered both face-to-face and online, catering to a wide range of students, including those not based in the Pensacola area, with an additional location at UWF Emerald Coast in Fort Walton Beach.

What You Will Learn

The curriculum is taught by prominent scholars and professionals who combine academic and practical perspectives. Students will study criminology, policing, the courts, corrections, and the criminal justice system as a whole. They will learn to interpret and evaluate policies and practices within the system, form solutions by applying proper research techniques, and use appropriate criminological perspectives to explain major types of crime. A variety of electives are available, addressing specialized topics such as gangs, juvenile justice, cybercrime, drugs, forensic science, and homeland security. The criminal justice minor provides an overview of the criminal justice system, including corrections, policing, and the courts.

Program Details

• Internships: These provide invaluable real-world experience, enhance resumes, and can elevate applications for graduate and professional school. The program collaborates with over 50 different local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies.
• Accelerated Bachelor's to Master's Program: This program allows students to complete up to 12 credit hours of graduate coursework while still undergraduates, saving time and money. It prepares students for careers in federal, state, county, and local criminal justice agencies, as well as for criminal justice research and analysis, and teaching at community and state colleges.

Featured Courses

A sample of the featured courses includes:

• CCJ 3024: Criminal Justice System - An introductory analysis of the American criminal justice system.
• CJE 3674: Introduction to the Forensic Sciences - Examines the distinct fields of education and study that collectively comprise the forensic sciences.
• CJC 4167: Community Corrections - Introduces students to the subject of community corrections, including social, political, and economic conditions that have contributed to its development.
• CJE 4110: Policing - Analysis of the role of and challenges to policing in a democratic society.

Careers & Outcomes

Many graduates work in corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, the federal government, colleges, and the legal system. Common job titles for criminal justice graduates include:

• Police Officer
• Probation Officer
• Secret Service Special Agent
• U.S. Marshall
• Child Protection Officer
• Corrections Officer
• Crime Analyst
• DNA Expert
• Victim Advocate

Graduates find employment in various organizations, including:

• Pensacola Police Department
• Escambia County Sheriff's Office
• Jacksonville Police Department
• Escambia County Community Corrections
• Local and State-level Law Enforcement Agencies
• State and Federal Correctional Agencies
• Federal Law Enforcement and Investigative Agencies
• Courts
• Victim Support Services

Related Programs

• Interdisciplinary Social Sciences, B.A. - Children and Society
• Social Work, BSW
• Child Welfare Minor
• Legal Studies Pre-Law, B.A.