Department of Criminal Justice
Our interdisciplinary program brings together faculty and coursework from Criminal Justice, Sociology, and Political Science. You’ll gain a strong foundation for careers in law enforcement, courts, corrections, intelligence, and more, or pursue graduate or law school. Choose the path that fits your goals.
Understanding Crime, Justice, and Intelligence
Our programs bring together three connected areas of study that help explain crime and how societies respond to it.
- Criminology examines why crime occurs, how it affects communities, and the social factors that shape criminal behavior.
- Criminal justice focuses on how societies respond to crime through policing, courts, and corrections.
- Intelligence analysis uses data, information, and investigative methods to identify patterns, anticipate threats, and help prevent crime.
Together, these perspectives prepare you to understand complex public safety challenges and pursue careers across government, law enforcement, intelligence, and the private sector.
Choose Your Path
Build your future with bachelor’s degrees, minors, and certificate programs focused on crime, justice systems, and intelligence analysis.
B.S. in Criminal Intelligence Analysis
The University of Akron is the only state institution in Ohio offering a bachelor's degree in Criminal Intelligence Analysis.
B.S. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Customize your degree with tracks in
Law
Policing
Corrections
Criminology
Add a Minor
Expand your studies with focused coursework that complements your major and prepares you for specialized career paths.
Police Leadership Certificate
Advance your career in law enforcement with focused study in policing leadership, evidence-based decision-making, and preparation for supervisory roles and promotional exams.
Explore More
Learn more about our faculty, research, scholarships and other opportunities designed to connect you to the field.
Faculty & Staff
Meet our team of faculty experts and staff mentors in criminal justice and related fields.
Scholarships
Find scholarships to help support your studies and recognize your academic success.
Careers
Discover how internships, faculty connections, and strong career pathways prepare you for success after graduation.
Research
Get involved in meaningful research with faculty working on real-world issues
Internships
Internships are a major asset to employment after graduation. Our established internship program can place locally and nationally, including Washington D.C.
Student Organizations
UA has several active student organizations that will improve your educational and social experience by connecting classroom insights to real world problem solving, and boost your networking in the field.
Criminal Justice Association, Faculty adviser, Sarah St. George
Ohio Innocence Project, Faculty adviser, Daniela Jauk-Ajamie
Pre-Law Society, Faculty advisers, Jim McHugh and Phil Marcin
Sociology Club, Faculty adviser, Insun Park
Get in Touch
Have questions or want to learn more? We’re here to help.
