About
Students minoring in criminal justice take classes with a particular focus on such topics as the nature and causes of crime and delinquency, policing, courts, corrections, and the law. Also offered are special topics such as terrorism, white-collar crime, jury decision-making, and victims of crime.
Accreditation
For information regarding accreditation at UNLV, please head over to Academic Program Accreditations.
Learning Outcomes
Upon completing an undergraduate program in Criminal Justice, a student will:
- Have demonstrated an awareness of the history and nature of the major components of the criminal justice system: police, courts, and corrections.
- Be familiar with the basis of the law and the legal system, as well as decision-making in the criminal justice process, the social and political context of the legal system, important constitutional issues, and how criminal law differs from other forms of law.
- Have demonstrated knowledge of the overall problem of crime in the United States, in terms of being familiar with different types of crimes committed in society, as well as possessing knowledge of the distribution of these crimes.
- Understand issues related to crime prevention and the rehabilitation of offenders.
- Be familiar with various methods of social science research including survey research, field research, experimental research, and evaluation research, and demonstrate awareness of the linkage between theory and research.
- Be able to conduct a research project from beginning to end, including how to locate existing sources of relevant information, operationalize concepts of interest, collect data, interpret findings, and present information in a professional manner.
- Be cognizant of various ethical concerns relevant to the study of criminal justice issues, and the distribution of justice in society.
Career Possibilities
Individuals with a Criminal Justice background have a wide range of career opportunities.
Law enforcement
- Federal Agent (FBI, DEA, Immigration, Secret Service, Federal Air Marshal, etc.)
- State of Local Police Officer
- Park Ranger
- Private Security
- Private Investigator
- Campus Police Officer
- Military Officer
- Cooperate Loss Manager
Investigation
- Arson Investigator
- Gaming Investigator
- IRS Special Agent
- Postal Inspector
- Coroner
Courts
- Attorney
- Law Clerk
- Paralegal
- Court Administrator
- Pre-Trial Services Officer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Drug Court Coordinator
- Crime Scene Investigator
Corrections
- Correctional Officer
- Correctional Treatment Specialist
- Warden
- Parole Officer
- Juvenile Detention Officer
Technical Support and Analysis
- Crime Analyst
- Forensic Technician
- Ballistics Expert
Social Services
- Social Worker
- Youth Advocate
- Victim Advocate
- Teacher
Requirements
Contacts
Department of Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminal Justice provides undergraduate and graduate degree programs designed to give students comprehensive understanding of the nature and causes of crime. Our students also learn about the criminal justice processes, criminal justice organizations and agency practices, and the law and legal system.
Website
Phone
Greenspun College of Urban Affairs
The Greenspun College of Urban Affairs is committed to creating contemporary solutions for resilient communities. Our academic programs focus on making effective public policy, creating support structures to meet behavioral and mental health challenges, ensuring cities are safe and prepared to meet emergency situations, effective and ethical journalism, and interpersonal and public communication strategies.