School of Criminal Justice

Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice, one of the top-ranked schools for criminal justice in the country. With a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees; highly experienced faculty; impactful centers; and study abroad opportunities, University of Cincinnati’s School of Criminal Justice continues to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Empowering Leaders, Advancing Justice

At the School of Criminal Justice, we are committed to offering a comprehensive range of degree programs to help you build a successful career in the dynamic field of criminal justice. Our top-ranked school is home to highly experienced faculty, impactful research centers, and exciting study abroad opportunities that continue to make a positive impact on the world.

Where justice meets education, the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice is a beacon of excellence, nurturing the leaders and scholars who shape a more equitable and fair society

The School of Criminal Justice offers degrees in:

As a premier institution for education in Criminal Justice, we take pride in providing a diverse array of degree programs designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic profession. Our commitment to excellence extends to the following degree offerings:

With Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies, as well as Minors and Certificates, we are dedicated to providing the knowledge to be a successful professional in the Criminal Justice field.

Bachelor's Degree:

Minor Programs:

Browse Undergraduate Programs

Offering a Master's Degree both online and on-campus, as well as a PhD program ranked 4th in the nation, our Graduate degrees will prepare you to make a difference in the exciting field of Criminal Justice.

Master's Degree:

Doctoral Degree:

Browse Graduate Programs

Discover our undergraduate and graduate certificate options designed to expand your expertise within your desired field. These programs provide valuable insights and specialized knowledge to enhance your career.

Undergraduate Certificates:

Graduate Certificates:

Browse Certificate Programs

Centers and Institutes

Criminal Justice Centers

Elevate your studies through engagement with our top-rated centers and programs. Our nationally renowned research center actively supports students and professionals in the Criminal Justice field. Our research excellence has a tangible impact on national criminal justice policy, making our institution a driving force for positive change.

Learn more about our centers.

Faculty and Staff

Criminal justice faculty member

The commitment of our Faculty and Staff to teaching and research excellence has earned them the ranking of 1st in Faculty Scholarship. Their dedication to student success ensures our school makes an impact around the world.

Learn more about our faculty.

News & Features

1

Many juvenile ‘lifers’ freed

July 29, 2024

J.Z Bennett, a UC criminologist and champion of prison reform, is the lead author of a comprehensive study of incarcerated individuals under the age of 18 sentenced to life without parole. This first of its kind study, published in the Journal of Criminal Justice, looks at the demographics, sentencing, releases and life after incarceration for the juvenile offenders in the adult prison system.

3

Get to know Lisa Huffman, new dean of UC's CECH

July 1, 2024

UC News spoke with incoming CECH dean, Lisa Huffman, about her past experiences, the role family plays in her life, academic philosophies, goals for her time in this position and more. As we welcome the newest dean to University of Cincinnati, we encourage you to read on to learn more about Dean Huffman.

4

Rising temperatures possibly linked to increased city crime rate

June 20, 2024

Criminal Justice expert J.Z. Bennett interviewed by Fox 19 for his expertise on the relationship between rising temperatures and rise in crime. Bennett says there is no single cause to point to for the rise in crime during a heat wave, but that youth involvement in crime might be due to peer pressure and lack of supervision.

5

Hourly retail workers are now wearing police-like body cameras

June 5, 2024

CNN coverage of using body cameras in retail operations includes expert opinion of John Eck, professor of criminal justice in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services. Eck states that the cameras could be useful for settling disputes over racial profiling or shoplifting.

6

UC’s Dean Lawrence J. Johnson, a transformative figure in CECH,...

May 17, 2024

The University of Cincinnati's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology Dean Lawrence J. Johnson retires this year after 25 years in the role (and 34 years with the college). In this article we look at his road to academia and journey to a transformative quarter century at UC.

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