From Cops to Courts and Beyond

Criminology, Law, Criminal Justice Lecture classWhat causes crime? Why do people engage in deviant behavior? How do we know when and if justice has truly been served? 

You'll explore these questions and many more in our Criminology and Criminal Justice bachelor's degree, housed in the Criminology, Law, and Criminal Justice Program, at the University of Michigan-Dearborn, a truly interdisciplinary program covering all matters of crime, justice, and the law with attention to issues of class, race, and gender. We're dedicated to shaping the future of criminology and criminal justice, one student at a time. Our curriculum blends theoretical knowledge with practical application, preparing you to influence policy choices and contribute to societal change.

Where a Criminology and Criminal Justice Degree Will Take You

Our program prepares you for a career in public safety and security, criminal justice administration, law and paralegal professions, public administration, policy analysis, social work, and community organizing and advocacy. It also provides a great foundation for pursuing a law degree or graduate studies, such as in our master's program in criminology and criminal justice at UM-Dearborn.

Career and Salary Outlook

The information in this table is meant to give you an idea of career opportunities with this degree. All information is pulled from the Bureau of Labor Statistics, and is meant to be averages across the United States for 2022. Please note that these figures reflect overall averages and may not represent entry-level salaries.

$74,910 Median Salary

Police and Detectives

Overall employment of police and detectives is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 64,500 openings for police and detectives are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$61,800 Median Salary

Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists

Employment of probation officers and correctional treatment specialists is projected to grow 3 percent from 2022 to 2032, about as fast as the average for all occupations.

About 7,400 openings for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$58,380 Median Salary

Social Workers

Overall employment of social workers is projected to grow 7 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 63,800 openings for social workers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$145,760 Median Salary

Lawyers (law degree required)

Employment of lawyers is projected to grow 8 percent from 2022 to 2032, faster than the average for all occupations.

About 39,100 openings for lawyers are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

$64,940 per year

Forensic Science Technicians

Employment of forensic science technicians is projected to grow 13 percent from 2022 to 2032, much faster than the average for all occupations.

About 2,600 openings for forensic science technicians are projected each year, on average, over the decade. Many of those openings are expected to result from the need to replace workers who transfer to different occupations or exit the labor force, such as to retire.

Program Details

Ready to Apply?

Application Deadlines

UM-Dearborn has rolling admissions throughout the year, and deadlines depend on your student type. Apply early, priority consideration for financial aid and scholarships may be given to earlier applicants.

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Tuition

Get started early on your financial planning for college. Complete the net price calculator to get an estimate of your cost to attend UM-Dearborn.

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Go Blue Guarantee

Students at UM-Dearborn are eligible for the Go Blue Guarantee - University of Michigan’s landmark promise of free tuition for high-achieving in-state undergraduate students from qualifying backgrounds. Major financial support is available for students who do not fully qualify.

Go Blue Guarantee

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

How to Get Involved

Cold Case Class

There are many ways to get involved at UM-Dearborn. You can join the Criminology and Criminal Justice Collective or the Pre Law Association, participate in the Inside-Out Prison Exchange program, attend the annual Criminal Justice Exposition to meet recruiters from local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, check out general student organizations devoted to a wide range of interests and topics, and much more.

Next Steps

Become a part of the UM-Dearborn community and put your dreams to work for you.