Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

As a Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies major, you will examine political, economic and cultural patterns that shape definitions of crime and learn how you can work to influence the policy choices that respond to criminal activity.

Taught by a diverse group of nationally and regionally recognized educators, the major combines courses in social and behavioral sciences, the physical sciences, statistics and the humanities to show the complexity involved with maintaining social order in a constitutional democracy committed to individual freedom, equality and justice.

Through personalized internships that provide field experiences and unique programs like the Inside-Out Prison Exchange, you can actively gain a holistic understanding of the justice system. Criminal justice majors at UM-Dearborn go into careers in public security, criminal justice administration, law and paralegal professions, public administration, policy analysis and more.

I have longed for wanting to help people, and I feel as though the Criminal Justice field has allowed me to be able to do that and be bigger than myself.
— HELENA HENDERSON, CCJ

What Will I Learn?

  • Knowledge of what motivates criminal behavior, formal and informal mechanisms of social control, and criminological theory
  • Knowledge of the components of crime including elements of felony and misdemeanor offenses, basic criminal law, and enforcement procedure
  • Knowledge of key policy and ethical issues pertaining to justice in a democratic society
  • Skills in professional and persuasive communication, writing skills, and ability to report findings
  • Ability to use key research principles to locate, read, understand, and critically analyze criminal justice publications and data
  • Ability to apply criminal justice learning to create solutions and procedures that are consistent with sound criminological theory

Full list of CCJ program goals can be found on the Hub for Teaching and Learning site.

 

Visit the University Catalog:

Learn about degree requirements and coursework for the CCJ major and minor.

Learn which Dearborn Discovery Core requirements are fulfilled by taking CCJ courses.

 

Statement in Support of the Movement for Black Lives

In the Criminology and Criminal Justice Program at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, we strive to provide our students with a critical perspective on issues of crime, justice, law and society, and to equip them for careers in law enforcement or other legal professions, in social service organizations or in social justice movements.  No matter what path they choose, our goal is to not only produce competent and ethical public servants, but leaders and agents of change.  In our work as faculty, we commit ourselves to the continued examination of our own curriculum and conduct, to work collaboratively with our students and our community toward realizing of the promise of justice for all.  (Click on the button below for the full statement.)

Making the Most of Your Major

There are opportunities to develop skills and connect with others interested in Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies beyond the classroom. Check out the CCJ Major Map to get a more detailed, year-by-year view of how you can learn, engage, network and transform your community and prepare for life after graduation.

Get Involved

Check out the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective - Members of this student group visit local social justice programs, attend events on campus that feature criminal justice experts and participate in off-campus field trips. Participate in the Inside Out Prison Exchange (CRJ 476) - This community-based course, taught in a correctional facility, connects students with incarcerated students to study. Explore UM-Dearborn student organizations on VictorsLink.

Get Real World Experience

Find out about the required CCJ internship program. Attend the annual Criminal Justice Exposition on campus to meet recruiters from local, state and federal criminal justice agencies. Learn about the “Alternatives to Violent Force” program for current law enforcement officers in the community.

Plan for Life After Graduation

The program is a gateway to the criminal justice system, including police agencies, prosecutors, the legal profession, the courts, and correctional agencies, among others. You can also advance your career with a Michigan graduate degree from University of Michigan-Dearborn in the rapidly growing criminal justice profession with a Master of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice.

General Program Information

You can also combine undergraduate and graduate studies to get your bachelor’s and master’s degree in just five years in our “4+1” program. This accelerated program allows outstanding CCJ majors to complete some graduate level coursework during the first four years. One additional year of graduate work would be needed to complete the Master of Science program in a total of five years.

CCJ Faculty

Francine Banner

Chair, Department of Behavioral Sciences; Professor of Sociology

Maya Barak

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Studies

Kathleen Darcy

Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice Studies

Kevin Early

Associate Professor of Sociology

Jeffrey Frost

Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies

Richard Johnson

Intermittent Lecturer in Criminal Justice

Annette Jurkiewicz Berry

Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies

Aaron Kinzel

Lecturer II in Criminal Justice Studies

Scott Macek

Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies

David Moore

Lecturer in Criminal Justice Studies

Gregory Osowski

Lecturer I, Criminal Justice; Director, Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship

Nehal Patel

Associate Professor of Criminal Justice and Sociology

Daniel Rodriguez

Intermittent Lecturer in Criminal Justice

Donald Shelton

Associate Professor of Sociology; Criminology and Criminal Justice

Amny Shuraydi

Assistant Professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Internships

The Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship is the Capstone course for Criminology and Criminal Justice majors. The Internship is designed to synthesize the course of study in a real-world setting. Actual field experience will provide students with valuable tools to help them achieve their goal and produce humane leaders with the technical skills and social and ethical sensitivity needed to succeed in their chosen field.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Internship

Alternatives to Violent Force

The Current Policing Curriculum Series is new programming offered by the University of Michigan-Dearborn in support of continuing education for members of the public safety community. Learn more about the Alternatives to Violent Force (AVF) program.

Community Service Personnel Scholarships

The Criminology and Criminal justice program has established relationships with many local, state, and federal public safety agencies.  Employees of those agencies may obtain a scholarship to UM-Dearborn which is the equivalent of a 20% education in tuition and fees.  For more information about the scholarship or to view the list of current participating agencies, visit the Community Service Personnel Scholarship page or contact the Office of Financial Aid.

For more information about the Criminology and Criminal Justice program, contact:

The Department of Behavioral Sciences

4012 - College of Arts, Sciences, and Letters Building
4901 Evergreen Road
Dearborn, MI 48128
 View on Map

Phone: 313-593-5520