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Criminology & Criminal Justice

Also offered as: Criminology & Criminal Justice (Minor)

Think critically about the cause and consequences criminal behavior, and the systems designed to control crime.

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Criminology & Criminal Justice

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Degree Level
Bachelor of Arts
Delivery
In Person
Time to Degree
8 Semesters
Credit Hours
120 Total, 46 in Major
Careers
Justice, Postsecondary, Bailiffs, Detectives, Investigators
Criminology & Criminal Justice students at EIU

Why Study Criminology & Criminal Justice at EIU?

  • Learn from award-winning teachers and researchers
  • Tackle real-world problems with broad, holistic, interdisciplinary thinking
  • Benefit from personal attention from faculty, small class-sizes, and a strong and vibrant student community
  • Easily double-major or add multiple minors to complement and enhance your studies
See it for yourself Schedule a Visit
"Being close to my family and familiar surroundings provides a sense of comfort and stability, which I value immensely as I pursue my academic goals. ... From the moment I set foot on campus, I felt an immediate connection to the community. There's a sense of belonging here that makes you feel like you're part of a close-knit family."
Crystal Spearman
Criminal Justice | Class of 2026
Crystal Spearman, Criminal Justice at EIU

Hands-On Experience

  • Apply coursework to internships and earn hours toward graduation
  • Participate in field trips and mock crime-scene investigations
  • Learn about careers in the field from alumni and guest speakers
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Hands-On Experience, Criminology & Criminal Justice students at EIU

What You'll Learn

Criminology & Criminal Justice focuses on the causes and consequences of crime and criminal behavior and the systems society puts in place to control and manage them. It's a great fit if you are curious about why people commit crimes, want to think critically about justice and enjoy research.

Program 4-Year Sequence Advising Form
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$75,660
Median Salary for These CareersMedian salaryThe median is the middle value: half of the people counted earn more and half earn less. It is an estimate for a typical graduate, not a promise of what you will earn. Pay varies by employer, location, experience and the specific job.

Career OutcomesCareer outcomesThese are example careers that graduates of this program often pursue, taken from the U.S. Department of Labor's O*NET occupation list. They are examples, not job guarantees, and many graduates work in other fields.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

  • Criminal Justice & Law Enforcement…
  • Bailiffs
  • Detectives & Criminal Investigators
  • Police Identification & Records…
  • Intelligence Analysts
  • Police & Sheriff's Patrol Officers
  • Customs & Border Protection Officers
  • Private Detectives & Investigators
  • Child, Family, & School Social Workers
  • Correctional Officers & Jailers

Career Insights

Job Outlook ★ Bright Outlook Bright OutlookBright Outlook careers are ones with a promising future. They're expected to grow quickly, to have lots of job openings, or to be brand new and emerging. A career earns the label if it meets any one of these: projected growth of 5% or more, at least 75,000 projected openings, or New & Emerging status.
Grow Rapidly: Jobs in this career are expected to grow 5% or more over the next several years, based on Bureau of Labor Statistics projections.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor Grow Rapidly
Preparation Needed Medium (3/5)Job Zone 3: Medium preparationThese careers usually call for vocational training, an associate degree or an apprenticeship. You'd also typically spend one to two years in related training.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor
Personality Fit RealisticRealistic interest typeYou like hands-on work: building, repairing or operating equipment, structures or materials. Many of these jobs are physical or take place outdoors.Source: O*NET OnLine, U.S. Department of Labor

Connect With Us

Don Holly
Department Chair & Professor of Anthropology
dhholly@eiu.edu
3170 Blair Hall
217-581-3123
Don Holly Message Don

Message Don

or email dhholly@eiu.edu directly
Michael Cornebise
Interim Dean, College of Liberal Arts & Sciences & Professor, Geography
mwcornebise@eiu.edu
2214
217-581-7486
Michael Cornebise Message Michael

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or email mwcornebise@eiu.edu directly
Billy Panther
Head of Panther Pride
Old Main
217-581-2223
Billy the Panther Message Billy

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or email billy@eiu.edu directly

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