Criminology & Criminal Justice Major
University of Northern Iowa offers the most established criminology and criminal justice undergraduate degree program in the state of Iowa.
What’s the difference? While criminal justice studies the law enforcement system and operations, criminology focuses on the sociological and psychological behaviors of criminals to determine why they commit crimes. So, UNI’s criminology and criminal justice program covers both sides of the system. That means whether you want to dive into forensics, police work or social justice reform, our program is here for you.
Most
Established
UNI was the first state school to offer a criminology and criminal justice program in 1985.
Extremely
flexible
Major easily allows for complimentary double majors, minors and certificates.
Ranked
10th Best
One of the top criminology programs in the country, via Grad Report.
Want to learn more?
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Contact us directly at:
Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Bartlett 1126
Cedar Falls, IA 50614
Phone: 319-273-2786
Fax: 319-273-7104
Email: sac@uni.edu
Why Criminology & Criminal Justice?
Find your path.
Coursework focuses on both criminology (the study of crime, its cases and patterns) and criminal justice (the study of the system):
- Crime Analysis
- Crime and Community
- Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System
- Victimology
- Women, Crime and Society
- Race, Ethnicity and Social Justice
With only 39 credits required, the criminology and criminal justice program is an extremely flexible major that allows plenty of room to add complementary majors or minors.
Grow your future.
Students with a degree in criminology are prepared for careers in areas such as:
- Corrections/Law Enforcement
- Community Organizations
- Probation and Parole
- Domestic/Sexual Assault Advocate
- Juvenile Court Officer
- Youth Specialist
- Private/Public Security
- Public Policy
- Law
- Crime Analysis and Research
- Forensics
Go beyond.
Beyond the classroom, you can find student organizations and events and opportunities for internships and field experience:
Intern or complete your field experience through SAC's internship program.
Join the Criminology Club as a great way to get involved on campus, meet new people and learn more about the criminology major and career opportunities.
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Panther POV
"This program teaches students to use their education way past a career standpoint. Since there often is not a right or wrong answer, the criminology program at UNI teaches students how to think independently rather than what to think.”
– Allison Flemming, '17, legal assistant at Beecher, Field, Walker, Morris, Hoffman & Johnson, P.C.
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