As a CCJ student, you are responsible for many things, and we have a wealth of resources for you to draw on here at UIS and in the College of Liberal Arts and Social Sciences. Please be sure to check out the materials on University Life and Arts & Community, for example: UIS Life and Volunteer and Civic Engagement.

Possible Careers: What’s Next?

An undergraduate degree in criminology and criminal justice provides an excellent liberal arts foundation. Our graduates can apply their skills and knowledge across various occupations and professions and for graduate or professional education. Some of our graduates enter directly into the labor force as probation officers, wardens, other corrections officials, director-level and comparable administrative positions in law enforcement, conservation police, child abuse investigators, domestic violence experts, and substance abuse counselors.

Many of our graduates are also employed in non-crime-related fields. This includes careers in human and social services (e.g., substance abuse and rehabilitation counseling), community work (e.g., social and child welfare agencies), and other federal, state, and local government agencies.

Our BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) is a versatile degree that can direct you towards many meaningful careers for which the outlook is bright. The Occupational Handbook from the Bureau of Labor Statistics and the Academic Major Report offer career information that you might find useful.

Recent employers include:

Many Graduates Pursue Advanced Degrees

Many of our students will also view the CCJ major as preparation for graduate work in criminology or related fields such as law, public policy and administration, social work, counseling, and/or urban planning. Graduate degrees in any of these areas can lead to teaching and/or research positions in universities or colleges, governmental agencies, research institutes, the private and nonprofit sectors, and a whole host of other opportunities.

Some Graduates Pursue Short-Term Experiences

Upon graduation, we also encourage our students to explore internships and other short-term experiences through organizations such as AmeriCorps, the Peace Corps, FEMA Corps, Teach for America, and Cultural Vistas.