University of Arizona

What you'll study

The programme combines core criminal justice theory with specialised study in corrections and rehabilitation. You will cover the causes and control of crime, the structure of criminal law, constitutional issues, and ethical practice in criminal justice settings. Courses emphasise both academic understanding and applied skills relevant to correctional institutions and community supervision.

• Core topics: criminological theory, criminal law and procedure, constitutional rights, ethics in criminal justice.
• Corrections and practice: penology, institutional corrections, community corrections, probation and parole, rehabilitation and reentry.
• Methods and analysis: research methods, criminal justice statistics, programme evaluation and evidence-based practice.
• Specialist topics and electives: juvenile justice, substance abuse and criminal behaviour, restorative justice, gangs and organised crime, mental health in corrections.
• Experiential elements: a supervised practicum or internship in a correctional facility or community agency and a senior capstone or applied research project.
• Degree structure: the degree combines university general education requirements, a sequence of criminal justice core courses, disciplinary electives and the practicum/capstone sequence to demonstrate applied competence.

Entry requirements

Applicants must meet the University of Arizona's undergraduate admission requirements. Typical applicants will hold a high school diploma or equivalent and have completed college-preparatory coursework in English, social studies and mathematics. The programme values strong written and analytical ability and recommends prior exposure to social science or psychology.

• First-year applicants: satisfactory completion of secondary education and fulfilment of the university's general admission criteria.
• Transfer applicants: completion of transferable college coursework; applicants with an associate degree or relevant completed credits may receive transfer credit toward degree requirements.
• Additional considerations: personal statements, relevant volunteer or work experience in criminal justice settings, and letters of recommendation can strengthen an application.

Career prospects

Graduates pursue a range of careers across corrections, community supervision and related social services. The degree prepares students for roles that require understanding of criminal justice systems and rehabilitative practice.

• Corrections officer and institutional staff roles in prisons and jails.
• Community corrections: probation and parole officers, reentry coordinators and case managers.
• Support and advocacy roles: victim services, crisis intervention, and community-based rehabilitation programmes.
• Policy, research and analysis positions with government agencies, non-profits and think tanks focused on criminal justice reform.
• Progression to graduate study in criminology, social work, public policy or law for careers in prosecution, defence, academia or senior administrative roles.

Why study at University of Arizona

The University of Arizona offers criminal justice study within a research-active and community-engaged environment. Students benefit from faculty expertise in corrections, offender rehabilitation and criminal justice policy, opportunities for local practicum placements with state and community agencies, and access to interdisciplinary resources across law, psychology and social services.

The programme emphasises applied learning and research skills that prepare graduates for immediate employment or further study, supported by academic advising, internship placement assistance and connections with regional criminal justice employers and organisations.