Earning a criminal justice degree is a pivotal step toward a rewarding career dedicated to justice and community safety. At the University of Wisconsin-Platteville (UW-Platteville), the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation is committed to providing a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and the societal context in which it operates. If you’re exploring agencies that offer programs to prepare for a criminal justice career, UW-Platteville’s curriculum is designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills essential for success in this demanding yet vital field. Our program emphasizes a strong liberal arts foundation, ensuring that the skills you gain are not only applicable within criminal justice but also transferable across diverse career paths.
UW-Platteville distinguishes itself by offering both a Bachelor of Science and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice. These flexible programs are available both online and on campus, catering to different learning preferences and schedules. For those seeking specialization, we offer emphasis options in Corrections and Law Enforcement, allowing you to tailor your education to your specific career interests within criminal justice agencies.
Beyond bachelor’s degrees, UW-Platteville also provides a minor in criminal justice, ideal for students in related fields who wish to enhance their understanding of the justice system. This minor structure includes foundational courses and specialized electives, offering a focused pathway for career enrichment or preparation for further studies.
A criminal justice bachelor’s degree from UW-Platteville opens doors to various career opportunities. Whether you aim to enter the criminal justice sector directly or advance within your current role in law enforcement or security agencies, our programs position you to become a valuable asset in law enforcement, the court system, and correctional institutions. Moreover, our undergraduate education serves as an excellent foundation for students aspiring to law school or graduate studies in criminology, criminal justice, or related disciplines.
Experiential learning is a cornerstone of our approach. Through our nationally recognized internship program, you will gain practical, career-ready skills by working with local, state, and national agencies. These internships provide invaluable real-world experience and academic credit, bridging the gap between theoretical knowledge and practical application. Complementing academics, our active student organizations and clubs offer numerous opportunities for networking, resume building, and peer engagement. On-campus students also benefit from the Forensic Investigation Crime Scene House, a unique facility that allows for hands-on application of classroom principles in simulated crime scenarios, further enhancing career preparation for agencies in forensic science and law enforcement.
For those seeking advanced expertise, UW-Platteville’s criminal justice graduate programs offer a Master’s degree in Criminal Justice. Our Accelerated Bachelor’s to Master’s Pathway enables qualified undergraduates to apply undergraduate credits toward their master’s, streamlining their progression to advanced studies. Designed for flexibility, our master’s program accommodates working professionals, with most part-time students completing their degree in approximately two years.
Flexible Online Criminal Justice Programs
UW-Platteville is recognized nationally for its accessible and high-quality online criminal justice programs. Our 100% online bachelor’s and master’s degrees in criminal justice provide the same rigorous academic experience as our on-campus programs, but with added flexibility. The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice curriculum includes foundational courses such as Criminal Law, Foundations of Policing, and Criminology, allowing you to advance your education at a pace that fits your life. For individuals seeking Agencies That Offer Programs To Prepare For Criminal Justice Career advancement or entry, UW-Platteville’s online offerings provide a robust and convenient pathway.