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Criminal Justice

Get your criminal justice degree online or in person. Then join the police force, work in the courts or excel in the private sector. No matter your path, UNC Pembroke's Criminal Justice program will give you the expertise and experience to launch your career.

Degrees

100% Online

BABachelor of Arts

MinorMinor

College of Arts & Sciences

Sociology & Criminal Justice

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A forensic investigator in protective gear photographs evidence markers at a crime scene, representing the Forensics focus area of the UNCP Criminal Justice program.

Focus Areas

Forensics, Sociology, Substance Abuse

Serve with Purpose. Lead with Confidence.

A person stands on courthouse steps, representing career paths in law and the justice system for Criminal Justice graduates.

A degree in criminal justice from UNC Pembroke equips you with the knowledge, skills and real-world experience to make a difference in your community and beyond. Our Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice explores the full spectrum of the justice system — from law enforcement and courts to corrections and public policy—while encouraging critical thinking about fairness, equity and reform. With hands-on learning, faculty with real-world experience and opportunities to apply your knowledge through internships, you'll graduate ready to lead, serve and protect with integrity. You'll explore key topics that shape today's criminal justice landscape, including:

Crime, criminality and correctional systems
Principles of criminal law
Race, gender and special populations in the justice system
Evidence-based practices in criminal justice
Contemporary issues and reform in policing, courts and corrections

Program Requirements

Earn the same respected degree with the added value of flexibility with our online programs, letting you balance your studies with your life. Gain a solid foundation in criminal justice. Students pursuing a degree online must transfer all of UNCP's General Education requirements to stay on track for degree completion. While all major coursework is available online, general education and non-major courses may not be offered in an online format.

A person stands on courthouse steps, representing career paths in law and the justice system for Criminal Justice graduates.

Minor in Criminal Justice

Enhance your understanding of crime, law and justice while adding depth to your major. The criminal justice minor pairs well with fields like sociology, psychology and political science, offering valuable insight into legal systems, social behavior and how society responds to crime. You’ll build a strong foundation in criminal theory and justice processes — making you a more versatile and competitive candidate in your chosen field.

Handcuffs rest beside stacked books and a gavel, representing the Criminal Justice minor's focus on law and the justice system.

Minor Requirements

UNCP police officers lead a hands-on training session for Criminal Justice students in a classroom setting.

Transfer into the Program

We make it easy to transfer into the Criminal Justice program. Our agreements with many North Carolina community colleges mean your credits transfer seamlessly. You can focus on earning your bachelor's degree without losing time or credits. For questions about transferring criminal justice or sociology credits, contact the department chair or assistant chair.

A UNCP Criminal Justice student plays the role of attorney during a mock trial, questioning a witness before an audience of fellow students, representing the hands-on experiential learning in the program.

A UNCP Criminal Justice student plays the role of attorney during a mock trial, questioning a witness before an audience of fellow students, representing the hands-on experiential learning in the program.

Transfer Requirements

A group of UNCP Criminal Justice students listen to a law enforcement officer present in a classroom, representing real-world learning in the program.

A UNCP campus police officer explains the emergency call box system to a group of Criminal Justice students on the campus brick walkway, representing real-world law enforcement learning opportunities.

Scholarships

UNCP offers many scholarships to support your education. We also offer three specifically for Criminal Justice majors:

Eagle Claw Service Club Scholarship - For full-time Criminal Justice majors with financial need.
North Carolina Sheriff's Association Undergraduate Criminal Justice Scholarship - For North Carolina residents majoring in criminal justice. Preference is given to children of law enforcement officers.
Arthur Wendell “A.W.” Oxendine Memorial Endowed Scholarship - Honors a fallen officer and helps students who demonstrate honesty and leadership in Criminal Justice. It's awarded to those meeting academic requirements.

Criminal Justice Club

The Criminal Justice Club is your gateway to real-world experiences and community impact. Get Involved with exciting projects and fun activities. Connect with others who share your passion for criminal law. Whether you're applying criminal justice principles or just having a good time, this club prepares you for what's beyond the classroom. Join us to engage, serve and discover more about your future career.

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Beyond The Classroom

UNCP provided me with a wide array of information, classes and professors that guided me academically while inspiring me to join such a rewarding career. I am currently enrolled in Liberty University's Doctor of Criminal Justice in Homeland Security online program. I greatly appreciate the staff and the classes at UNCP for sparking my interest in such a great career field and for making my experience at UNCP unforgettable.

Cameron Richardson

Criminal Justice & Terrorism Studies Graduate

Common Careers

Our extensive network of alumni and professionals helps you connect with opportunities. Pursue a career in:

Law Enforcement
Corrections
Legal Studies
Substance Abuse Counseling
Forensic Science

UNCP Criminal Justice graduate Cameron Richardson sits on campus reading a textbook while wearing a UNC Pembroke Braves sweatshirt, representing the student experience in the Criminal Justice program.

Two law enforcement officers viewed from behind in uniform, representing career paths in law enforcement for Criminal Justice graduates.

Accreditation

UNCP's Criminal Justice program is accredited by the North Carolina Criminal Justice Education and Training Standards Commission, ensuring you receive high-quality, career-relevant instruction that meets statewide professional standards.