Criminal justice is more than what shows like “Law and Order” and “Criminal Minds” depict. This degree is versatile and opens several doors for diverse future careers, ranging from researchers to law enforcement officers to forensic investigators.  

According to Department Chair and Associate Professor Anna Kosloski, the program entwines psychology, sociology and economics with the concepts of crime theory, laws and law enforcement, violence prevention, judicial systems and forensics. 

One necessary skill the program prepares students for is communication. Since criminal justice involves so much interaction with citizens, it is necessary to be able to communicate effectively regardless of language boundaries or other outside factors.  

Intro to Criminal Justice is the basic course all criminal justice majors must take. If you’re interested in the program but not fully decided on declaring it as your major, the class also counts towards the Compass Curriculum Explore Society, Behavior and Health requirement. 

“Understanding how the criminal justice system works and all of the different components is the big part of that Intro to Criminal Justice course,” Kosloski said.  

As for electives, UCCS offers four focus areas within the criminal justice degree including law, law enforcement, forensic studies and the growing field of cyber crime, although students are also welcome to take electives in other areas they’re interested in.  

Students who do not have pre-approved criminal justice work experience are required to participate in a four-credit-hour internship. As part of their required internship, many students work with the Public Defender’s Office, judicial district, law enforcement or nonprofit agencies within their junior or senior year. “Not only does this give them some real-world experience, it’s good for networking, and it helps students figure out [their direction],” Kosloski said 

Where students end up is their decision, although UCCS does offer some resources and connections. One student even went as far as to intern at the White House, according to Kosloski.  

Thanks to UCCS’ close connection with the Colorado Springs Police Department, some students in this major spend designated class time at the police department observing real interviews and interrogations. Students complete coursework and written reflections, but also get applied, community-based experience. “We have a lot of opportunities because we have such strong community partnerships for courses like that for students,” Kosloski said.  

For criminal justice majors, there is no shortage of opportunities for networking on campus or abroad. Students are able to study in places like London or Amsterdam to see the roots of the criminal justice system, interact with experts and watch criminal trials, according to Kosloski.  

“We have an honor society, Alpha Phi Sigma, which is part of a national organization,” Kosloski said. “Some of our students in that club will go to conferences [and] present research, and they get to do a lot of service work in the community.” After completing three declared semesters and having a GPA of 3.2 or above, students are eligible to join.  

Another club on campus is the ACJA, or the American Criminal Justice Association Club. “They compete in regional or national competitions, and they test on things like written exams, your understanding of the law and procedures, crime scenes … They have physical ability, they have a shooting competition, very different skills that you would use in the field,” Kosloski said.  

UCCS also offers a mock trial team, which is not exclusive to criminal justice majors. The team participates in civil or criminal-based trials through role-playing. “It’s a great way to get to know people, get to know more about the criminal justice system. It’s for everyone,” Kosloski said.  

Should students wish to continue their studies, UCCS also offers a master’s program in criminal justice. Transfer students who already have their associate’s degree in criminal justice are able to obtain a bachelor’s in the program, either online or in person. Traditional students are able to complete their undergraduate studies in person, online or with a combination of both.  
 
“Whether you’re online or you’re in person for your course offerings, there’s a space for you to find a way to connect, to get involved and to really just have a positive experience,” Kosloski said. 

If you’re passionate about helping others or understanding government institutions, you can find more information about the criminal justice program here.  

Graphic by Olivia Davis.