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Justice in a Changing World

The fields of criminology and criminal justice have changed a great deal over the last 20 years, particularly in law enforcement, sentencing, and victims’ advocacy. UNC’s Criminology and Criminal Justice faculty offer courses on a broad range of topics to prepare students for these changes. Throughout the program, UNC’s CRJ faculty and professional advisor guide and support students in their course selection, career planning, and internship placement. In addition, the department’s annual CRJ Mock Oral Board and CRJ Employment Expo events connect students with potential employers and help students hone job interviewing skills.

At the undergraduate level, UNC offers a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, and a minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice. At the graduate level, UNC offers a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice. The master’s program is delivered in a hybrid format giving busy professionals flexibility; the program’s core courses are held in the evenings at UNC’s Centerra campus in Loveland and elective courses are offered online.

News & Events

CRJ Emeritus Honored Throughout 2023

Throughout 2023, Phil Reichel, professor emeritus in the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice, was recognized for 3 major honors within his field. 

  • Received the Gerhard O. W. Mueller Award for Distinguished Contributions to International Criminal Justice
  • Invited to give the Beto Chair Lecture to students and faculty at the College of Criminal Justice, Sam Houston State University
  • Received the Distinguished Scholar Award from the International Association for the Study of Organized Crime

Philip Reichel's Distinguished Scholar Award

Victoria Terranova Appointed to TCJJ Working Group

Victoria Terranova


Victoria Terranova from the Department of Criminology & Criminal Justice was recently appointed to the Working Group on Transforming Criminal and Juvenile Justice. Read more at the link below.

Criminal Justice MA student Mickey Lawrie presents at ASC Conference

Mickey Lawrie presents at conference

Criminal Justice MA student Mickey Lawrie, alongside CRJ Associate Professor Kyle Ward, presented original research at the American Society of Criminology’s annual conference. The project, “Rural American Farmers’ Perceptions of Crime and Safety”, is under submission for publication.  

From the UNC Magazine
Spring/Summer 2018 Issue

Reading for a Change

A UNC researcher seeks to understand how incarceration impacts relationships between inmates and their children with a program that helps build family bonds.

The goal is to build bonds between parents and children, and as an added benefit, individuals may not want to re-offend.

Kyle Ward, assistant professor of Criminology and Criminal Justice

Continue Reading for a Change in the UNC Magazine.