Fill out this form to learn more about UWM
Shape the Future of Criminal Justice
Located in Wisconsin’s largest city, UW-Milwaukee’s criminal justice programs blend theory with practice. Maybe you’ll analyze Milwaukee crime trends through mapping data. Or work with faculty on game-changing research into crime rates. Or develop new policy recommendations to address inequities in the justice system.
When you graduate, you’ll be ready to find impactful work as a police officer, federal agent, crime analyst, parole officer, victim advocate and much more.
Find Your Career Path
Are you ready to make your communities stronger and safer while building your career in an in-demand field? Do you want to prepare for leadership roles in criminal justice? Explore the options below and see which career path is right for you.
Explore UWM’s Criminal Justice Programs
In UWM’s criminal justice programs, you’ll learn from expert faculty and gain hands-on experience through a robust network of criminal justice professionals in the Milwaukee area. Plus, you can enhance your degree with a certificate in areas like crime analysis, forensic science, cybercrime forensics and trauma-informed care.
Undergraduate Programs
As a criminal justice major, you’ll study three major areas of the profession: law enforcement, the courts and corrections. You’ll learn about the nature and causes of crime, the impact of crime on individuals and society, and the criminal justice system.
Program highlights include:
- You can specialize in crime analysis, one of the fastest growing areas of criminal justice, where you’ll learn to identify and analyze crime patterns, trends and problems.
- Through established internships, you can earn course credits and connect with agencies, police departments, businesses and government entities.
- Classes are offered primarily in person with some online sections. You can also complete the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and criminology entirely online.
Accelerated Program
Our accelerated graduate program gives you the chance to earn your bachelor’s and master’s degrees in as little as five years, saving time and money. This includes three years of undergraduate study and two years of graduate study.
Our classes are also offered online. Graduates go on to work as policy analysts, program managers, police officers and crime intelligence managers.
Master’s Programs
Our criminal justice master’s program prepares you for leadership positions in the field of criminal justice and criminology. It also provides excellent preparation for students who want to pursue PhD studies.
You’ll gain an advanced understanding of crime and the criminal justice system and take courses in policing, corrections, victimology, juvenile justice, cybercrime, crime analysis and social issues. And established internships will help you further develop career-ready skills at agencies, police departments, businesses and government entities.
This online-only program is offered part time and full time, giving you the flexibility to learn at your own pace. Plus, you can further customize your degree with certificates in cybercrime forensics and trauma-informed care.
This joint degree program blends criminal justice and public administration, giving a competitive edge to students looking to advance their career. You’ll learn how to analyze criminal justice policy and effectively manage public agencies and programs.
Our students graduate with a master of science in criminology and a Master of Public Administration. You’ll gain a deep understanding of criminal justice systems, fiscal control, quantitative analysis, organization management, decision analysis, and a working understanding of government institutions and legal procedures.
In this multidisciplinary program, you’ll gain clinical practice skills as you prepare to work with victim or offender populations in behavioral health settings, courts, corrections or juvenile justice. Combining the strengths of both programs, you’ll benefit from practice in the field of criminal justice and criminology or social work with a focus on criminal justice
You’ll graduate with a master’s degree in criminal justice and criminology and a Master of Social Work degree.
Doctoral Program
Our PhD program in social welfare prepares our students to work as faculty members, researchers and leaders in social work or criminal justice.
The specialization in criminal justice and criminology focuses on criminal justice theory, the causes and consequences of crime and the administration of justice. It also covers specific issues in the criminal justice system and the integration of criminal justice research, theory and policy.
Program Highlights
Flexible Class Schedules
Integrate your studies into your busy life. Complete your degree entirely online, or take advantage of flexible in-person evening classes.
Cutting-edge Classes
Move forward in your career: Classes in crime analysis, cyber crime forensics and trauma-informed care can help you get ahead in the job market by boosting your skills and expertise.
Real-World Connections
Take advantage of a professional network of instructors, alumni and practitioners who want to see you succeed. Our graduates work in all levels of policing in departments across Wisconsin.
Course Credit for Current Employment
Earn up to six course credits and make career connections while working in a range of settings, from courts and nonprofits to law enforcement agencies.
Make Waves in Your World
UW-Milwaukee students come from all walks of life. What unites them is a willingness to ask big questions and a determination to find the answers. Many work side-by-side with expert faculty on research tackling the world’s toughest challenges. Others collaborate on art that helps us better understand ourselves or partner with community organizations on projects that improve lives.
Here, we turn ideas into ripples of change that create waves of positive impact. Join the next wave.
Explore New Directions
Scholarships are available! Learn more about how UWM can help you achieve your academic, professional and personal goals.