Department of Criminal Justice

Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of the Incarnate Word. This department in the College of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences (CHASS) offers a degree program, courses and experiences that provide an in-depth understanding of the U.S. legal and criminal justice systems.

UIW Criminal Justice students have a unique opportunity to make a change in today’s world, using their knowledge of law enforcement and the criminal justice system in a variety of different careers. This degree program not only seeks to understand the current criminal justice system, it also examines the ethics of the system, how the media relates to how crime is viewed by the public, and the juvenile system.

The mission of this program is to develop an awareness and knowledge of the criminal justice system in American society. The program offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice and is built from an integrated liberal arts orientation. Emphasizing the history and current operations of the criminal courts, law enforcement and corrections services, this program seeks to foster a critical analysis of criminal justice as a social institution. The B.A. in Criminal Justice program aims to develop informed and conscientious students who understand the responsibilities of working in the criminal justice field. Shaped by the values of a UIW education, the Criminal Justice program will advance the search for truth, social justice and the common good.

Criminal Justice majors also enjoy an active student life and a close-knit program community. Students have the opportunity to join Tau Sigma Chi (ΤΣΧ), UIW’s student chapter of the American Criminal Justice Association-Lambda Alpha Epsilon. They may also pursue study abroad opportunities designed to offer a better understanding of justice, policing and correctional institutions and structures outside of the U.S. The department celebrates its students with an annual awards ceremony.

 

Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice 

This exciting degree program prepares students for a variety of careers in criminal justice and sets them up for success with possible postgraduate studies as well, expanding the career field even more. Students also have the opportunity for the three-year degree plan.

B.A. in Criminal Justice

Study Abroad

The study abroad program is the perfect opportunity for students to travel internationally and gain an in-depth understanding of policing, correctional histories and other crime related issues in another country. Students are also able to explore various countries in their free time. All courses are taught in the English language, and they began and end on UIW's main campus. Courses, housing and numerous excursions are included in the program. Scholarships and financial aid are available.

View photos of previous trips

Heidelberg, Germany 2013
Europe 2014
Australia 2015