There are lots of reasons why a Criminology and Criminal Justice degree from the University of Nebraska is a smart choice. Here is our very own “Top 10” list…
1) RANKED AMONG TOP CRIMINOLOGY AND CRIMINAL JUSTICE PROGRAMS
U.S. News and World Report in America's Best Graduate Schools ranks the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice among the top criminology and criminal justice programs in the nation.
2) NATIONALLY RECOGNIZED FACULTY
Our faculty are recognized nationally for …
- Research expertise and published works on a wide range of crime and justice topics.
- Teaching and work with students through awards.
- Leadership in the American Society of Criminology and the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the most prominent national/ international professional organizations in the field.
- Expertise on crime and justice issues important to county and state agencies as well as political bodies.
3) SUCCESSFUL GRADUATES
Graduates of the program are successful in a wide range of career areas…
- Law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, juvenile justice, victim's advocacy, criminal law, business, government, and politics.
- Many alums hold high level positions like police chief, judge, chief prosecutor, director of federal and state probation, director of security/loss prevention, director of the Nebraska Crime Commission, university professor, and federal agent.
- Graduates have been admitted to top law schools and graduate programs.
4) EXCELLENT INTERNSHIP PROGRAM
A thriving internship program that helps students gain valuable professional experience.
- Internships with 50+ local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies in Lincoln. Internships are also available in Omaha and across the state of Nebraska.
- Invaluable for gaining professional experience, references, and opportunities for future employment.
- Credit can be applied toward the degree for 1-2 internships during the junior/senior year.
5) NUMEROUS STUDENT OPPORTUNITIES
A wide range of opportunities beyond the classroom…
- In the London Study Abroad Program, students from Lincoln and Omaha complete a course on Comparative Criminal Justice each spring and then spend 2 weeks in London where classroom learning comes to life during visits to the Magistrates Court, Scotland Yard, and London Metropolitan Police Force among others.
- Criminal Justice Student Association is active in sponsoring speakers, tours and other events of interest to students.
- A chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honorary society, is active at UNL.
- Internship opportunities for juniors and seniors at 50+ criminal justice agencies.
- Students can make a difference and gain experience working with juveniles in the Nebraska Juvenile Justice System through mentoring program sponsored by the Juvenile Justice Institute.
- Undergraduate research opportunities are supported through the UNL UCARE program where students get funding to work alongside faculty on research projects during their junior and senior years.
6) PERSONALIZED ACADEMIC ADVISING AND SUPPORT
Academic advisors committed to student success and achievement.
- Our academic advisors work only with Criminology and Criminal Justice students, which means more personalized attention and advisors who get to know you and care about your success.
- Advisors work with students to develop 4-year degree completion plans and help keep students on track.
- Academic advising meetings each semester focused on course scheduling, degree planning, and long-term career goals.
- Advisors help students understand the value of internships and the timing during the junior/senior year.
7) COMMITMENT TO STUDENT SUCCESS
A commitment to student success at all levels…
- Criminology and Criminal Justice classes are relatively small (30-40) to maximize student and faculty interaction in the classroom and provide opportunities for active learning.
- Strategies for academic success from faculty and staff.
- A range of general support services are available through the UNL First Year Experience and Transitions Programs such as success coaches, transfer student resources, and academic skill workshops.
- Learning communities foster success as students with shared interests (e.g., ROTC, pre-law) live together, take core courses together, and participate in activities that help them connect with faculty.
8) GREAT VALUE
A top notch, Big 10 education at an affordable price…
- Some of the most competitive and affordable tuition rates in the Big 10.
- Moderate cost of living in Lincoln with lots of opportunities for outdoor activities, a vibrant nightlife, and the thriving Haymarket District.
- A meaningful education including a wide range of courses, connections with faculty, and opportunities for internships, study abroad, student involvement, and undergraduate research.
9) COURSE SELECTION AND AVAILABILITY
A wide selection of courses reserved for students in our program...
- CCJ offers a variety of courses such as criminology, juvenile delinquency, women and crime, race/ethnicity and crime, violence, gangs, police, courts, and corrections among others.
- Most CCJ courses are offered every semester or every other semester so you can get the courses you want and need in order to get done in 4 years.
- CCJ courses are reserved for CCJ students which means easy access to classes.
10) FLEXIBILITY WITHIN THE CRIMINOLOGY & CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEGREE
Flexible degree requirements work in favor of students with military backgrounds and wide ranging interests…
- The concentration area (18 hours) plus a generous allowance for elective credits (15 hours) allows students to easily pursue other areas of study from across campus (e.g., Spanish, Communication, Political Science) while staying under 120 total hours.
- Military science courses fit neatly into the concentration area which is important for ROTC students.
- A military friendly program with up to 6 hours for military service, credit toward general education requirements (ACE) at UNL, and a veterans mentoring group on campus.