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Bachelor of Arts Criminal Justice

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Division of Social Sciences
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Curriculum Student Learning Outcomes Graduate Programs Special Learning Opportunities

Criminal Justice is the study of the major components of the criminal justice system - law enforcement, courts, and corrections. At the University of Dubuque, your studies will take you into the world of crime and criminal behavior, law enforcement, courts, and corrections, as well as contemporary social issues, criminal behavior analysis, and legal and ethical principles. You will leave ready to build a career in a variety of areas, including, but not limited to, public and private sector careers in policing, courts, and corrections. You will also be prepared for jobs in community service, mental health services, and human services. The study of criminal justice also provides an excellent background for graduate programs in areas such as law, criminal justice, social work, and other related disciplines.

Making a Difference Through the Study of Criminal Justice
Students and faculty at UD are active in the classroom, field, and community. Their work contributes to a better understanding of policing, law, corrections, human trafficking, and more. Students are actively involved in the community through volunteerism, internships, and participation in various organizations.

Degree Distinctive

Criminal Justice students have been Wendt Character Scholars, recipients of the Joseph and Linda Chlapaty Summer Research Fellowship and John and Alice Butler Summer Research Fellowship, members of award-winning UD Moot Court teams, and more.
 
Criminal Justice faculty support student leadership activities and advise clubs and student organizations, such as Criminal Justice Club. Our students have presented poster projects at APEX, which is our celebration of student scholarship and creativity. The Criminal Justice program provides students with experiential learning through internships and travel opportunities. Recently, students in the program visited Amsterdam, The Hague, and Belgium as part of the Peace and Justice in Europe travel course.
 
The University of Dubuque has a strong history of Pre-Law programming and hosts a competitive Moot Court team. The Moot Court Team has also competed at both the regional and national levels in recent years.
 
The University of Dubuque has "3 + 3" agreements with several law schools. The agreements enable students to earn both their undergraduate degree and law degree in six years. The BA or BS is awarded from the University of Dubuque following the successful completion of the first year of law school.
 
We have a strong and ongoing relationship with local criminal justice organizations. A number of our graduates are employed by local police agencies. We have placed an intern in a competitive internship with the FBI, and they hired him later in Miami, Florida.  Another student was a judicial law clerk for an Iowa State Supreme Court justice. Our students hold various jobs within the Iowa Department of Corrections. Several of our adjuncts are professionals in the field of criminal justice in the local community.

Career Opportunities

The University of Dubuque Criminal Justice program provides a solid foundation for entry into a variety of professions, such as policing, corrections, and courts.  Our students also find themselves employed in private security, by not-for-profit organizations, and community service and mental health organizations. Many have gone on to graduate programs and law school, and they are enjoying fulfilling careers. 

Social Sciences Faculty/Staff

Amy Baus

Amy BausPsychology Department Chair; Associate Professor of Psychology; Adjunct in HWS.

Phone: 563.589.3512 Department: Social Sciences Office: 215 Severance Hall

Credentials

  • PsyD., California Southern University
  • MA, Roosevelt University
  • BS, University of Wisconsin-Platteville

Shea Chapin Criminal Justice Department Head; Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice.

Phone: 563.589.3562 Department: Social Sciences Office: 314 Severance Hall

Carolina Deifelt StreeseAssistant Professor of Psychology

Department: Social Sciences Office: 219 Severance Hall

Kim Hilby

Kim HilbySociology Department Head; Assistant Professor of Sociology.

Phone: 563.589.3718 Fax: 563.589.3576 Department: Social Sciences Office: 316 Severance Hall

Credentials

MSW, St. Ambrose University; BA, Loras College.

Alice Oleson

Alice OlesonAssociate Professor of Sociology

Phone: 563.589.3307 Fax: 563.589.3576 Department: Social Sciences Office: 315 Severance Hall

Credentials

PhD, University of Wisconsin - Madison; MA, University of Wisconsin - Madison; BA, University of Iowa.

Kyung Yon JhiAssistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Phone: 563.589.3457 Department: Social Sciences Office: 312 Severance Hall