Criminal Justice
“I chose to study criminal justice because the system has always fascinated me while growing up, and I want to be able to make a difference in my community.”
You should major in criminal justice if:
- You are passionate about helping people and creating a fair and just system.
- You are interested in the causes and consequences of criminal and deviant behaviors.
- You want an active role in the programs and policies that shape the criminal justice system.
- You want to work in law enforcement or correctional and rehabilitation treatment.
As a criminal justice major, you'll be prepared for a career in three main areas: law enforcement, courts, and corrections. With this degree, you can also begin your career in advocacy, politics, and nonprofit work.
Learn about police and correctional processes, criminal courts and law, and criminal psychology and behavior. Develop an in-depth understanding of topics ranging from community crime prevention to restorative justice. You'll also develop skills related to the criminal justice field, like empirical research methods, data analysis, and policy management.
Related Programs
Criminal Justice at UL Lafayette
What's Criminal Justice Like?
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Lab work & math
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Internships
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Theory & research
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Group work & collaboration
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Writing & presenting
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Interviewing
Visit the Louisiana State Penitentiary with the Criminal Justice Society
See the facility, re-entry programs and more when you tour the Louisiana State Penitentiary as part of the annual Criminal Justice Society field trip.
Life as a Criminal Justice Major
Research for a Reason
Dive into the real world by helping faculty with their research. Opportunities are available with faculty in the Social & Psychological Research on Understanding Crime Etiology (SPRUCE) Lab, the Center for Critical Infrastructure Cybersecurity, and various other faculty research projects.
Internships
Criminal justice majors are required to complete an internship. We help you find opportunities with local and state police, correctional facilities, indigent defender programs, and nonprofits.
Learn more about internshipsLearn From Professionals
Criminal justice classes are often taught by professionals in the field. Learn about the police process from local law enforcement, including the Lafayette sheriff, and the corrections process from local attorneys.
Student Organizations
Participate in Criminal Justice Week hosted by the Criminal Justice Society. Connect with students and professionals while exploring the criminal justice department and learning about careers in the field.
See all student organizations