College of Letters and Sciences

CRIMINOLOGY

Bachelor’s Degree Programs

The science behind crime and the criminal mind.

If you’re interested in a career in law enforcement or investigations, you might have wondered about the difference between criminology and criminal justice.

Criminology, a field born from sociology, is the study of crime and criminal behavior; criminal justice explores the systems established to handle crime. Both degrees prepare you to enter the law enforcement and legal fields after graduation, and employers especially value the conceptual thinking and cultural competency a criminology major brings to positions in investigations, parole and corrections.

UW-Whitewater offers the only criminology degree program in the state system, and it offers a balance between practical skills needed for careers in public safety and crime scene investigation and the foundational theories that help you understand “the why.”

4-year plan

CAN WE BRAG A LITTLE?

A student crosses the stage in cap and gown.

Law enforcement degree completion program

Earn your bachelor’s degree in criminology without putting your career on hold.

Read Corey Saffold’s story

A student writes on an envelope marked "evidence".

In-demand jobs in criminology

97% of recent graduating criminology students were employed or pursuing an advanced degree after graduation. (2020-21 research survey)

UW-Whitewater police chief leads FBI task force

“I bring back what I learn into the classroom to inform students. They get to hear about the latest data and innovative police strategies before some chiefs of police across the country hear about them.”

Why major in Criminology at UW-Whitewater?

The Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminology is a close-knit group offering opportunities for interaction between students, faculty members, alumni and the community. A few highlights include:

Annual student awards banquet
Career events featuring alumni guest speakers
Honor society inductions
Service-learning opportunities, such as teaching meditation at the Rock County prison
Cutting-edge forensic equipment like ground-penetrating radar
Scholarships and research grants
Courses taught by faculty members, not graduate assistants

Amos Malone walks to commencement with his family.

Criminology graduate paves the way

While Amos Malone struggled at first, the inspiration and support he received — from his fraternity members and professors — gave him the tools and the confidence he needed to thrive in college, to be successful professionally and to give back by helping to pave the way for future criminology students.

Watch video

What our Criminology students do

Participate in undergraduate research

Intern with law enforcement agencies and corrections facilities

Travel with faculty mentors during study tours

Hands-on learning experiences

As you pursue your bachelor’s degree in criminology, you will gain hands-on experience such as:

Scenarios and situations
Learn by doing through mock crime scenes, simulated court activities and death investigation case studies.

Students are outside in the dark investigating a simulated crime scene.

Internships
A major in criminology can lead to exciting real-world learning opportunities that will help you stand out from other applicants. Our students intern in legal, law enforcement, corrections and government settings such as Rock County Circuit Court, Wisconsin Office of the Public Defender, Walworth County Restorative Justice Program, Milwaukee County Juvenile Services and various county sheriff’s offices.

Undergraduate Research
In UW-Whitewater’s Undergraduate Research Program, our students study a range of topics, from racial inequality and educational access to the effects of media consumption and the impact African American barbershops have on communities. This work often results in students presenting at national or regional conferences. This research experience is especially valuable if you plan to earn a graduate degree in criminology or a related field.

Campus and community involvement

Our department is home to student organizations and honor societies such as:

Student Anthropology and Archaeology Society
Criminal Justice Organization
UWW Empower!
Alpha Kappa Delta (sociology honor society)
Alpha Pi Sigma (criminology honor society)

What our graduates do

Law enforcement officers

Mental health, legal and youth advocates

Program managers and directors

What can you do with a Criminology degree?

After earning their criminology degree, most of our students find careers in law enforcement, corrections and the nonprofit sector. Example agencies include:

County Sheriff
FBI
U.S. Drug Enforcement Agency (DEA)
U.S. Marshals Service

About 10% of our graduates pursue an advanced degree in criminal justice, criminology, sociology, social work or another related area.

Hired Before Graduation

Nailah Boyd from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned a B.A. in criminology and was hired as a legal secretary with Laster & Associates in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Hired Before Graduation

Arianna Smith, from Beloit, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in criminology and was accepted to graduate school at UW-Milwaukee pursuing a Master of Social Work in Milwaukee, Wisconsin.

Hired Before Graduation

Tashumi Williams, from Milwaukee, Wisconsin, earned a B.S. in criminology and was hired as a security officer with Froedtert Hospital in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. "Gregory Jeffers introduced me to two internships, which helped strengthen my goal of becoming a police officer."

Our faculty

Criminology faculty members are actively engaged in research and publication in their area of speciality, which further enhances the student experience.

Meet our faculty

Want to learn more about earning a Criminology degree?
262-472-1133 | sociology@uww.edu