Criminal justice is a complex network of people and agencies that deal directly with crime. The principal components of criminal justice are the police, courts and corrections system. The justice system has developed into a major social institution in modern American society. It consists of over 60,000 local, state and federal agencies with nearly 2 million employees at an annual cost of more than $145 billion. Students find the subject matter of criminal justice fascinating and the abundant career opportunities encouraging.

The Criminal Justice Program at UNCW provides students with a strong social science foundation. Graduates are prepared to directly enter the profession in fields such as corrections, probation and parole, or police services. The rigorous curriculum empowers students with a deep understanding of the justice system and an appreciation of American society and its diversity. Among the required core courses are Introduction to Criminal Justice, Police in Society, Criminal Courts, Corrections, and Criminal Justice Theory. A variety of elective courses are offered including White Collar Crime, Minorities and Criminal Justice Policy, Victimology, Juvenile Justice, Criminal Law and Procedure, World Criminal Justice Systems, and Criminal Justice Administration. Several sociology courses are also required to complete the major.

Students are encouraged to complete an internship in a criminal justice agency. Field placements include the local police and sheriffs departments, the District Attorney’s office, Probation and Parole, Juvenile Services, the State Bureau of Investigation, and the Center for Missing Persons. Junior and senior-level students may enroll in the internship course and receive academic credit.

For more information about the Criminal Justice Program please contact Dr. Randy LaGrange at
(910) 962-3433 or by e-mail lagrange@uncw.edu.