School of Criminal Justice
Established in 1974, the criminal justice program at UCO is the oldest in the state and has provided leadership within the criminal justice field for decades. The School of Criminal Justice teamed up with the College of Liberal Arts developing a partnership that provides individualistic educational experiences as well as a solid background of practical work skills necessary in any field. Since the terrain of criminal justice is always changing, we are too. We are always looking ahead to make sure our graduates have the most up-to-date training. As a result, new undergraduate and graduate opportunities continue to appear on the horizon. We invite you to take advantage of the opportunities available through our curriculum, internships, and study abroad programs.
The School of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Oklahoma currently offers three undergraduate degree programs, General, Police, and Corrections. We also offer two graduate degrees, Master of Arts in Criminal Justice Management and Administration and Crime and Intelligence Analysis.
Our Mission
We prepare our students to become the leaders of the Criminal Justice System of the future. The mission is to equip you to succeed in a dynamic and often volatile environment. Our faculty and staff constantly strive to provide an exemplary curriculum for our students, a meaningful outreach to the public, and a quality research program relevant to both students and professionals we serve.
Our Vision
The School of Criminal Justice is an innovative, nationally recognized program resulting in graduates who will be in high demand because they possess the knowledge, skills, and integrity that sets them apart and guarantees success in whatever field they choose.
UCO Criminal Justice Day
Oct. 6, 2023
The UCO School of Criminal Justice is gearing up for their annual Criminal Justice Day! Join us from noon to 2:30 p.m. on Friday, Oct. 6 at UCO parking lot six– just east of the UCO College of Liberal Arts Building.
Discover the real-world applications of a UCO criminal justice degree.
- Get a close up look at THREE HELICOPTERS!
- Meet representatives from more than 32 agencies.
- Learn more about the UCO Criminal Justice degrees!
This event is free and open to the public. For more information, contact Jaime Burns, Ph.D.
Calling all Future Criminal Justice Professionals
Explore the possibilities of a career in the criminal justice industry by registering for a CJ tour or recruitment events.
School of Criminal Justice News
Student Learning Outcomes
The following lists of Student Learning Outcomes highlight the key knowledge, values, and skills that students will gain from the program and provides a clear framework for success. By focusing on the student and their ability to demonstrate specific behaviors, this framework ensures that the program is meeting its goals and making progress towards continuous improvement.
M.A. in Crime and Intelligence Analysis graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate baseline knowledge of statistical analysis and technologies used in crime and intelligence analysis.
- demonstrate the ability to write technical analysis and use general tools of research.
- use both theoretical and practical approaches to research and analysis.
- demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively by presenting their work to an audience of their peers.
M.A. in Criminal Justice Management and Administration graduates will be able to:
- demonstrate knowledge of advanced crime theories, planning, and management systems in criminal justice.
- demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively using written communication.
- demonstrate the ability to communicate clearly and effectively by presenting their work to an audience of their peers.
Undergraduate students will be able to:
- clearly and effectively communicate.
- understand the components of the American criminal justice system, and the role each plays in responding to crime and in the administration of justice.
- understand the importance of critical thinking and ethical behavior and its connection to the Criminal Justice System and just outcomes.
- critically analyze issues, trends and practices in the criminal justice system.