BACJ/BSCJ Program
Explore the Undergraduate Criminal Justice Program
A bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice at the University of Kentucky is ideal for students who want to understand the legal system, the role of law in society, criminal behavior, and public safety. Whether you choose the Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) path, you can complete your degree fully online or on campus, offering the flexibility to fit your schedule and learning style.
Our program prepares graduates for careers in community justice, law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, legal or victim advocacy, and other fields that make a positive difference in society. You’ll gain the skills to address justice and societal issues with integrity, critical thinking, and practical expertise.
Program Overview
The Criminal Justice degree at UK provides a comprehensive understanding of the justice system and its broader impact on society. Courses in criminology, law enforcement, corrections, public policy, and justice reform will help you develop:
- Critical thinking skills to analyze complex issues in the justice system.
- Ethical decision-making abilities to guide your professional practice.
- Problem-solving skills to address real-world challenges in criminal justice.
Our curriculum examines the social, economic, and political factors that shape crime and systems of social control, both in the U.S. and globally. You’ll be taught by expert faculty with both academic and real-world experience, bringing you insights you can apply directly to your career.
Graduates are well-prepared for entry into the workforce or for further study in graduate or law school.
Related Careers
UK Criminal Justice graduates pursue careers such as:
- Community Justice Professional
- Correctional Officer
- Crime Analyst
- Criminal Investigator
- Fish & Game Officer
- Intelligence Analyst
- Law Enforcement (federal, state, and local)
- Private Investigator
- Probation and Parole Officer
- Victim and Nonprofit Advocate
- School Safety Specialist
- Reintegrative Specialist
- Security Officer
- And more
What You’ll Learn
In the BA/BSCJ program, you’ll gain a solid foundation in:
The U.S. criminal justice system — its institutions, practices, and societal impact
Law enforcement, courts, and corrections
Criminology and justice policy
Research, communication, and analytical skills
By graduation, you’ll have the knowledge, skills, and perspective to make a meaningful impact in your community and beyond.
THE UK DIFFERENCE
Learn Anywhere, Anytime
Students may choose to enroll in all online courses, allowing flexible program completion from anywhere. Online students have access to the same support and services as on campus students.
Unique Learning Opportunities
CoSW students have the opportunity to work in a wide range of practicum placement settings, gaining hands-on practice experience that prepares them for the workforce.
Broaden Your World
Students can study abroad and engage in service learning. Each of these will enhance their world view and broaden their perspective.
Strategic Academic Advising
All BACJ/BSCJ Advisors have a certificate of appreciative advising, which means that they are well-equipped to help you optimize your educational experiences and achieve your goals in your future career in Criminal Justice.
Criminal Justice
Info Sessions
WHAT'S NEW AT CoSW?
Events
Calendar of Events
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person […] 
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for […] 
Criminal Justice students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program […] |
1 event,
The College of Social Work invites you to a powerful and immersive event exploring the lived experiences of individuals navigating reentry after incarceration. The program will begin with a photo […] |
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the […] |
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This course offers an exploration of the distinctive and complex grieving experience inherent in foster care and adoption, providing participants with a comprehensive understanding of the challenges and emotions associated […]
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ARC Meetings & IEPs: The Basics will help foster and adoptive parents understand the process of an ARC Meeting and gain a better perspective of what an IEP will look […] |
1 event,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the […] |
5 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person […] 
Turn Your Goals into Reality Explore our Doctorate of Social Work (DSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our Doctorate of Social Work […]
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for […] 
Social Work students are invited to attend our informal monthly meeting. This is a great opportunity to connect with other students, ask questions to your advisor, and meet with program […]
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New Placements: Preparing & Adjusting Family Roles will help foster and adoptive parents introduce new placements into their existing family units. It gives ideas and strategies on how to prepare […] |
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Hybrid Event
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Hybrid Event
The Sport Social Work Research Lab is hosting a Lunch & Learn: Advancing Youth Sport Quality and Access Through LiFEsports. The Lunch & Learn will be led by Dr. Dawn […] |
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Healing After a Foster Child Leaves Your Home will equip foster parents understand, cope with and heal from the unique pain of a foster child leaving their home. It offers […] |
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First Steps: Kentucky’s Early Intervention System explores the services provided by this program. Participants learn how to refer children ages zero to three who have developmental delays, or medical conditions […]
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The Internet Safety training explores questions caregivers often have related to internet safety. It examines recommended guidelines for internet access and usage among children. It provides resources related to parental […] |
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Positive Discipline for Teenagers will provide foster/Adoptive Parents with effective tools that will guide them to positive discipline and communication with teenagers that are in their care/home. It discusses the […] |
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Developmental Stages & Children’s Responses to Grief defines grief and explores how children process and express grief at different developmental stages. It offers insight into the unique experiences of grief […] |
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Trust-Based Relational Intervention– Empowering Principles: Psychological Strategies April 14, 2026 5:30 PM-7:30 PM EST Via Zoom R. Alex Colston, LMFT 2 credit hours This training is part of the TBRI® […]
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify […] 
This group is an opportunity for kinship caregivers to come together to find support, community, and resources in the care of relative and fictive children. This group will focus on […] |
5 events,
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Clinical supervision is a crucial aspect of social work practice that ensures ethical and competent service delivery. The goals of clinical supervision are to improve the quality of services provided […]
$120
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person […]
Launch your social work career through your practicum experience—formerly known as field education. Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you prepare for […] 
Explore our Master of Social Work (MSW) program during an online info session. Registration link is below. The UK Difference Our MSW program is an Advanced Generalist program that prepares […]
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Get ready for an evening full of energy, good vibes, and fun from around the world. Join the Sport Social Work Research Lab on April 15 for games, sports, live […] |
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the […] |
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1 event,
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ASK-VIP Support Groups are expressly designed to meet the needs of foster and adoptive parents in an inclusive, safe, and compassionate environment. They are led by seasoned facilitators who have […] |
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2 events,
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person […]
Launch your career through your practicum education! Attend an information session to learn about the process, opportunities, and support available as you explore hands-on learning in real-world settings. The UK College of […] |
4 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the […]
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Building a foundation to help autistic children feel safe, supported, and connected. Caring for an autistic child or adolescent may bring questions and challenges that kinship caregivers do not always […] 
Please join us as we discuss the Master of Science in Criminal Justice program! This info session will be held virtually over Zoom. Please register below and select the appropriate […]
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Supervision is one of the most effective ways to improve clinical practice and organizational outcomes, yet it is often underutilized as a space for reflection, accountability, and implementation support. This […]
$30
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ASK-VIP Support Group for Foster/Adoptive Parents of Teens is specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who are caring for teenagers or those considering fostering and/or adopting teenagers. This support group offers […] |
1 event,
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ASK-VIP LGBTQ+ Foster/Adoptive Parent Support Groups are specifically designed for foster/adoptive parents who identify as LGBTQ+ as well as foster/adoptive parents who are caring for children or teens who identify […] |
2 events,
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You are invited to join the Office of Faculty Advancement in Connect & Accomplish: Online Co-working Sessions These dedicated 2-hour blocks are back this semester, offering weekly opportunities at the […]
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Monthly Staff Meeting for Centers & Labs Training Resource Center Staff. The meeting is held the 3rd Wednesday of Each Month at the Training Resource Center. This is an in-person […] |
3 events,
Are You Wildly Passionate About Social Work? Explore the Bachelor of Arts in Social Work (BASW) program during an online info session. REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our […] 
Pursue your Passion for the Greater Good Explore College of Social Work’s newest Criminal Justice program during our online info session! REGISTER HERE The UK Difference Graduates from our […]
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This 90-minute session will assist therapists in how to recognize attachment disruptions shape regulation and relationship patterns in families. Participants will learn core principles from current attachment and adoption‑informed treatment […]
$30
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