Criminal Justice
(Printable version)
Are you concerned about crime and delinquency in America and intellectually motivated to do something about it? The criminal justice major at UW-Eau Claire will help you prepare for graduate level work in criminal justice and law, and for careers at the local, state and federal levels in law enforcement, corrections and court related agencies.
Unique perspective
The major is interdisciplinary in nature with courses in political science, psychology, sociology, social work and philosophy. UW-Eau Claire’s criminal justice program combines this interdisciplinary coursework with practical experience, putting our graduates in high demand. In addition, we offer a rigorous liberal arts-based academic program that prepares students for success in graduate programs and law school.
The Advantages
Some advantages criminal justice majors enjoy at UW-Eau Claire include funded opportunities for student-faculty collaborative research; small classes at the upper division level; and a broad range of internship choices for students. All of the opportunities help students to do their best.
On the job experience
Students can gain in-depth exposure to a topic by working one-on-one with faculty through independent and directed study opportunities. Students can also earn up to 6 credits of on-the-job experience at over a dozen local internship sites such as law enforcement, youth services, court services, and corrections. Popular internship
sites include Eau Claire County District Attorney’s Office, Wisconsin State Patrol, and the U.S. Probation and Pre-trial Services.
Professional development
The criminal justice program regularly sends students to professional conferences to present individual projects or faculty collaborative research funded through UW-Eau Claire’s Office of Research and Sponsored Programs. Recent examples of featured student work are Tom Denney and Jeff Kleinedler, both of whom presented research papers at the Midwestern Criminal Justice Association conference in Chicago.
Outstanding faculty and students
You will learn from outstanding faculty, who have been recognized for their research and public service. In addition, you will enjoy an active student Criminal Justice Association that sponsors field trips and meets regularly with criminal justice professionals to discuss career opportunities and pathways.
Suggested freshman curriculum
- American National
Politics
- General Psychology
- Intro to Sociology
- Survey of the Criminal
Justice System
- Introduction to College
Writing
- Moral Problems in
Contemporary Life
- General electives
More advising information
High School preparation
Students are encouraged to do well in English composition, mathematics, and social sciences. Strong communication skills, verbal and written, should be developed as well.Our graduates
Typical positions held by criminal justice graduates include police officer, juvenile intake officer, I.R.S. agent, prison correctional officer, probation officer, D.E.A. agent, victim assistance coordinator, border patrol officer, private security, insurance claims agent, lawyer, parole officer, sheriff, state patrol.
More career information
Places you’ll find recent graduates:
- Police Officer, Denver, CO
- Surveillance Investigator,
Treasure Island Resort &
Casino, Welch, MN
- Overnight Youth Counselor,
Homme Youth & Family
Programs, Mosinee, WI
- Wisconsin Department
of Justice, Division of
Criminal Investigation (DCI)
- Police Officer, Madison, WI
- Federal Air Marshal
Service, U.S. Department
of Homeland Security
Department contact information
Randy Beger
begerrr@uwec.edu
715-836-5744
