Criminal Justice and Criminology
Prepare to Serve
Our degree programs, research opportunities and internship experiences encourage students to analyze and interpret systems of social control that are applied through the criminal justice system and throughout society. Our teachers and staff are committed to your development and support discovery and service in the community.
Explore Our Programs
Criminal justice and criminology students endeavor to understand and analyze complex questions in society and develop skills in critical thinking, communication and conducting and evaluating research to promote evidence-based decision-making.
Why Study Criminal Justice and Criminology at UMKC?
Accomplished Faculty
Learn from esteemed educators and nationally recognized researchers who partner with regional criminal justice agencies to bring the latest evidence-based practices from the field into the classroom.
Interdisciplinary Approach
Criminal justice and criminology — the study of crime and deviance — draws on sociology, psychology, economics, political science and law. Our programs integrate all these fields, preparing you for a wide range of careers.
Experiential Learning
We offer high-quality on-campus and online learning experiences, along with a robust internship program that places students in a wide range of governmental and nonprofit agencies throughout the community.
Unique Student Experiences
Our FBI Student Academy, Criminal Justice and Criminology Club, Mock Trials and more provide many avenues to develop your skills and experience.
Popular Student Resources
Student and Alumni Insights
I want to be a voice for other individuals. I want to help organizations and people work to take the step from education to implementation, especially in the areas of being multicultural and diverse.
Rakeem
Sociology and Criminal Justice and Criminology major
I love the campus. The old buildings give it a unique look, and it’s in a great area of Kansas City. I love all of the activities and volunteer opportunities here. I’ve been introduced to soup kitchens and Operation Breakthrough, among others.
Shannon Berry, '18
Sociology and Criminal Justice and Criminology major
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