University of Miami

What you'll study

This undergraduate programme blends core criminal justice concepts with applied correctional practice and research skills. You will take modules that explore why crime occurs, how criminal justice systems operate, and how societies respond to offending and victimisation.

• Foundations of Criminology: introductions to criminological theory, the history of punishment, and contemporary debates about crime causation.
• Criminal Law and Procedure: structure of criminal statutes, elements of offences, and procedural safeguards in arrest, prosecution and trial.
• Corrections and Rehabilitation: sentencing, prisons and community corrections, evidence-based rehabilitation programmes, and re-entry challenges.
• Policing and Community Safety: organisational practice in policing, use of force, community policing models and oversight.
• Juvenile Justice: adolescent development, diversion programmes, and specialised approaches for youth offenders.
• Research Methods and Statistics: quantitative and qualitative methods for criminal justice research, data analysis and evaluation of programmes.
• Ethics, Policy and Restorative Justice: ethical issues in practice, policy analysis and alternatives to traditional punishment.
• Practicum or Internship: supervised placement with local correctional agencies, probation services, courts or community organisations to gain applied experience.
• Capstone or Senior Project: a research or practical project synthesising learning from coursework and placement experience.

As with many US bachelor’s degrees, the curriculum also includes general education requirements that broaden skills in writing, critical thinking and quantitative reasoning.

Entry requirements

Applicants are expected to hold a high school diploma or equivalent. Typical admissions considerations include academic record, strength of coursework (recommended subjects include social sciences, psychology or sociology), personal statement and letters of recommendation. Standardised test scores (such as SAT/ACT) may be considered according to the university's current admissions policy.

Successful applicants usually demonstrate strong written communication skills, critical thinking and an interest in public service. For certain placements or internships within the programme, students should be prepared for background checks or clearance requirements by host agencies.

Career prospects

Graduates move into a variety of roles across the criminal justice and public safety sectors as well as related social services. Common career paths include:

• Correctional officer or correctional counsellor
• Probation and parole officer
• Community-based rehabilitation and re‑entry practitioner
• Law enforcement officer or public safety administrator
• Victim advocate, case manager or social services worker
• Policy analyst, researcher or programme evaluator in criminal justice organisations
• Forensic support roles and positions within courts or juvenile justice systems
• Further study: many graduates progress to postgraduate study in criminology, social work, public policy or law.

The programme’s practicum element and the university’s career services help students build a professional network and prepare for certification or agency hiring processes relevant to their chosen path.

Why study at University of Miami

The University of Miami offers an urban campus environment with close links to a diverse range of criminal justice agencies in a major metropolitan region. Students benefit from locally focused internship opportunities with correctional facilities, courts, probation services and non‑profit organisations that work with victims and people involved in the justice system.

Instruction is delivered by faculty with research and practical experience in criminology, corrections and public policy, and the university’s interdisciplinary resources support collaboration with departments such as psychology, sociology, law and public health. Additionally, students can access career support, research centres and study‑abroad options to broaden their understanding of comparative justice systems.