School of Criminal Justice

Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice, one of the top-ranked schools for criminal justice in the country. With a range of bachelor's, master's, and doctoral degrees; highly experienced faculty; impactful centers; and study abroad opportunities, University of Cincinnati’s School of Criminal Justice continues to make a positive impact on the world around us.

Empowering Leaders, Advancing Justice

At the School of Criminal Justice, we are committed to offering a comprehensive range of degree programs to help you build a successful career in the dynamic field of criminal justice. Our top-ranked school is home to highly experienced faculty, impactful research centers, and exciting study abroad opportunities that continue to make a positive impact on the world.

Where justice meets education, the University of Cincinnati School of Criminal Justice is a beacon of excellence, nurturing the leaders and scholars of tomorrow.

The School of Criminal Justice offers degrees in:

As a premier institution for education in Criminal Justice, we take pride in providing a wide array of degree programs designed to equip you with the knowledge and skills needed to excel in this dynamic profession. Our commitment to excellence extends to the following degree offerings:

With Bachelor's degrees in Criminal Justice and Paralegal Studies, as well as Minors and Certificates, we are dedicated to providing the knowledge to be a successful professional in the Criminal Justice field.

Bachelor's Degree:

Minor Programs:

Browse Undergraduate Programs

Offering a Master's Degree both online and on-campus, as well as a PhD program ranked 4th in the nation, our Graduate degrees will prepare you to make a difference in the exciting field of Criminal Justice.

Master's Degree:

Doctoral Degree:

Browse Graduate Programs

Discover our undergraduate and graduate certificate options designed to expand your expertise within your desired field. These programs provide valuable insights and specialized knowledge to enhance your career.

Undergraduate Certificates:

Graduate Certificates:

Browse Certificate Programs

Centers and Institutes

Criminal Justice Centers

Elevate your studies through engagement with our top-rated centers and programs. Our nationally renowned research center actively supports students and professionals in the Criminal Justice field. Our research excellence has a tangible impact on national criminal justice policy, making our institution a driving force for positive change.

Learn more about our centers.

Faculty and Staff

Criminal justice faculty member

The commitment of our Faculty and Staff to teaching and research excellence has earned them the ranking of 1st in Faculty Scholarship. Their dedication to student success ensures our school makes an impact around the world.

Learn more about our faculty.

News & Features

1

UC's CECH recognizes students, faculty and staff for outstanding...

April 24, 2025

In the early weeks of April 2025, UC's College of Education, Criminal Justice, Human Services, and Information Technology recognized and celebrated students, faculty and staff achievements annual Outstanding Student Awards and All College Awards ceremony, the latter of which awarded both Faculty and Staff Awards and the college's Golden Apple Awards.

2

Derrell Black helped Aiken Falcons soar to new heights

April 23, 2025

Derrell Black, a 2014 graduate of UC's School of Criminal Justice, took the Aiken Falcons varsity boys basketball team to new heights in the 2024-25 season with the team's nearly undefeated season and runner-up position in the Ohio High School Athletic Association Division III state championships. Here's a look at how he got into coaching, his history as an athletics leader and what went into his choice to retire from the game.

4

CECH Chats podcast speaks with professors and students involved...

March 21, 2025

Funded by a 2024 grant award from the Department of Justice/Office of Violence Against Women, CECH's School of Criminal Justice and the Department of Communication Sciences and Disorders in the College of Allied Health Sciences have embarked on an ambitious research project titled "Language Access Barriers to Justice Among Victims of Violence Against Women with Intellectual and Developmental Disabilities.” The project provides students across the whole academic lifespan, from undergraduate to doctoral studies, with opportunities to participate in functions of the research and gain hands-on experience with their field of study.

5

Study: Long sentences for juveniles make reentry into society...

March 10, 2025

University of Cincinnati criminologist J.Z. Bennett has a new study that appears in the journal Criminology. The study, "Thicker Than Blood: Exploring the Importance of Carceral Bonds for Those Formerly Serving Juvenile Life Without Parole Sentences," examines the societal barriers to reentry for juveniles who served long prison sentences.

6

Op Ed: Tough-on-crime policies do little to reduce crime

February 27, 2025

John Leverso, assistant professor of criminology, in the College of Education, Criminal Justice and Human Services, is the author of a research based article in "The Conversation." Leverso cotends that the return of harsh sentencing in the U.S. penal system is counter productive, citing personal experience as an example of the benefit of early release.

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