Criminology program

Study crime. Understand people. Shape Justice.

Why do people commit crimes – and how can society respond in ways that are fair, effective, and compassionate? At UW–La Crosse, our criminology major takes a scientific and hands-on approach to exploring these questions. As a student, you will explore:

Why crime happens – through social, psychological and environmental perspectives
How justice systems respond – from policing and courts to corrections and community programs
What works in prevention, intervention, and reform – evidence-based strategies to reduce crime and strengthen communities

If you’re passionate about understanding crime, helping people, and preparing for a wide range of careers in justice, policy, and community work, UWL’s criminology program will give you the tools to make a meaningful impact.

Undergrad major

A program within the Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice

What is criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, effects, prevention and social context. Through a UWL criminology major, you will gain in-depth education on criminal behavior itself and its ties to factors such as poverty, discrimination, trauma, mental illness and substance use disorders. Students also learn how to interpret current research on crime and effectively apply research findings as they engage with clients and organizations in a wide variety of sectors throughout a community.

A growing career field

A criminology degree opens the door to diverse career paths, both within and beyond the traditional criminal justice system.

Today’s employers are increasingly focused on evidence-based practices to address complex social issues. They seek professionals who can identify and respond to criminogenic risks — such as housing instability, family trauma, and neighborhood disorganization — and design interventions that promote safer, healthier communities.

With a criminology degree from UWL, you’ll graduate with these skills. You will know how to assess community needs, analyze systemic challenges and develop proposals for overcoming barriers that could limit individual, organizational, and community access to the resources. Employers across criminal justice agencies, social service organizations, nonprofits and other sectors are looking for professionals with the knowledge, critical thinking and compassion to drive positive change.

Traditional criminal justice careers:

Law enforcement
Courts and legal services
Corrections and rehabilitation

Opportunities in other sectors:

Health services
Counseling and social work
Schools and educational outreach
Community-based prevention programs
Private industry and corporate compliance

Why choose UWL’s criminology program?

A community-centered approach to teaching

UWL’s criminology major is designed around real-world engagement. Through close collaboration with area organizations, you’ll gain meaningful, hands-on experience that connects classroom learning to community needs. Internships, service learning and applied research projects are a core part of your education and can provide clear pathways to future employment.

Expert faculty

Our program is led by a diverse group of faculty with deep expertise in criminology and criminal justice.

50% of our Sociology & Criminal Justice Department faculty specialize in criminology.
All department faculty contribute to the development of the curriculum and teach core courses in the major.
You’ll benefit from small class sizes and personalized mentoring.

Practical, skill-building courses

Courses focus on developing your ability to:

Collect and analyze social science data
Gain a social scientific approach to understand social experiences, contexts and conditions.
Develop solutions rooted in data and compassion
Apply findings to real-life policy, prevention and intervention strategies
Communicate insights clearly to professionals, clients and the community

Sample courses

SOC 115 Criminology and Criminal Justice through the Ages This introductory course provides an overview of the evolution of criminology and the criminal justice system, tracing their roots to justice systems around the world. Students explore the historical, social, and political factors that have shaped the criminal justice system and our understanding of crime. Topics include the development of policing, courts, and correctional systems; the evolution of the discipline of criminology and our understanding of crime; and the impact of major historical events on criminal justice practices. Offered Annually.