Be Part of the Solution
Improving the criminal justice system is one of the most pressing social issues we face. If you’d like to be part of those changes, a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice degree from the University of Michigan-Flint will provide the skills you need.
George Floyd, Eric Garner, Breonna Taylor–we all know the names of unarmed black people killed by the police. However the criminal justice system extends beyond law enforcement to also include courts and corrections. You’ll learn how the system is supposed to work–and how it doesn’t always live up to those expectations.
You’ll also study how issues like poverty, homelessness, addiction, and lack of access to public services intersect with crime and criminal justice. You’ll gain a nuanced understanding of why crime occurs, who’s affected, and what strategies can help reduce crime and improve public safety.
Because of the nation’s ongoing focus on criminal justice issues, jobs in the field are plentiful and offer very competitive salaries.
Why UM-Flint?
Because criminal justice has so many facets, we use an interdisciplinary approach to help you understand real-world issues. You’ll learn how to apply critical thinking, a social justice perspective, and civic responsibility to your decision-making process–both in your career and your life.
You’ll have opportunities to conduct research with faculty, connect with professionals in the community, build relationships with your peers in the Criminal Justice Club, and visit jails, prisons, juvenile detention facilities, and the courts.
To cap it off, you’ll have a chance to apply the skills you’ve learned through a world-class criminal justice internship right in Flint. We offer a variety of placements to match your interests:
- 7th Judicial Circuit Court–Family Division
- Genesee County Circuit Court
- Genesee County Prosecutor’s Office
- 67th District Court Probation Department
- Flint Police Department
- Michigan State Police
- Flint Center for Civil Justice
- Genesee County Sheriff’s Department
Throughout your UM-Flint experience, you’ll benefit from small classes–usually between 10 and 30 students–and one-on-one interactions with faculty and staff. And since we realize our students have diverse life commitments, we offer a flexible schedule with many classes online or in the evening.
Ryan is a special agent with Homeland Security Investigations (HSI). HSI is responsible for investigating a wide range of domestic and international activities arising from the illegal movement of people and goods into, within, and out of the United States. Read how he was awarded for a life-saving investigation.
Ryan Ribner
Criminal Justice 2002
UM-Flint Criminal Justice Degree Programs
We offer one program in Criminal Justice degree programs.
We also offer a Criminal Justice minor that includes three core courses and four electives for a total of 21 credits.
Scholarships for Criminal Justice Students
Besides being eligible for financial assistance through UM-Flint’s Office of Financial Aid, you can apply for two scholarships specifically for criminal justice majors:
- Ralph M. and Emmalyn E. Freeman Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminal Justice Scholarship
- Wilfred G. Marston Civic Engagement Award
Academic Advising for Criminal Justice Majors
Sorting through all of your options and opportunities as a Criminal Justice major at UM-Flint may seem a bit daunting, but our academic advisors can help you every step of the way. Most importantly, they’ll work with you to chart a path to success.
Megan Presland is the dedicated academic advisor for Criminal Justice majors. You can contact her at [email protected] or schedule an advising appointment here.
A major map we’ve created for Criminal Justice majors provides valuable information for planning your studies at UM-Flint. The map provides year-by-year information about topics like choosing classes, gaining experience, engaging with the community, planning for post-graduation, and more.
Career Opportunities in Criminal Justice
If you want a huge range of career opportunities, a Criminal Justice degree from UM-Flint will provide them. Here are just some examples:
- Corporate investigator
- Correctional officer
- Court clerk
- Crime prevention specialist
- Crime scene investigator
- FBI agent
- Fingerprint technician
- Investigative reporter
- Paralegal
- Police officer
- Probation or parole officer
- Victim advocate
- Youth correctional counselor
A Criminal Justice degree is also great preparation for law school if you want to become a prosecuting attorney, defense counsel, judge, or court administrator. It’s also a strong background for graduate work leading to a career as a criminal justice researcher in the private or public sectors.
Projected job openings in criminal justice vary by career path. Here are three examples:
Demand for forensic science technicians is projected to grow 16 percent through 2030–about double the rate for all jobs, according to the U.S. Bureau of Justice Statistics. The BLS expects about 2,500 openings annually through 2030 for forensic science technicians, who have a median salary of $61,930 annually.
Jobs for police officers and detectives should grow 7 percent through 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects. That’s about the average rate for all jobs. The BLS estimates there will be 67,100 job openings annually, at a median salary of $66,020.
Job growth for probation officers and correctional treatment specialists will be 4 percent through 2030, the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics says, about half the average rate for all jobs. Despite this, the BLS expects about 8,100 job openings annually through 2030, with a median salary of $60,250.
Get Started on Your Criminal Justice Career Today
If you want to help and give back to your community, apply to the University of Michigan-Flint’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice program today. If you have questions, contact Megan Presland at [email protected] or schedule an advising appointment here.
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