Criminal Justice

The System Needs You


Justice isn’t one-size-fits-all.
Neither is your education. Our programs are built around your goals—equipping you with the skills, experience and mentorship to shape your future.

16% Projected Job Growth

Criminal justice related occupations are expected to grow faster than the average for all occupations

+100 Distinct Careers

related to the Criminal Justice field in the U.S.

CHOOSE YOUR LEVEL 

  

Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice

Change for Good. Justice for All.

Build a more just system—and your future in it.
Choose a Bachelor of Arts (BA) or Bachelor of Science (BS) and gain the real-world skills, experience and perspective to launch your career in criminal justice.

Why a Bachelor’s in Criminal Justice from UK?

  • 100% online or on-campus options to fit your life
  • Two degree options, focusing on broader social sciences (BA) or science-based approaches (BS).
  • Learn your way, with online and on-campus options
  • Faculty mentorship from industry experts
  • Gain experience for law school, forensic psychology, criminology, and other advanced degree programs
  • Graduate job-ready with hands-on experience in your field and a flexible career path

Admissions Overview

  • Must be a declared Criminal Justice major at UK
  • Choose between a BA or BS track
  • Submit transcripts and a personal essay (500–750 words)
  • Submit official high school transcript or GED, admissions essay, and application fee
  • Transfer credits accepts

BSCJ vs. BACJ: Which Path Fits You?

  • Both require 120 total credit hours
  • Both provide strong foundations in criminal justice systems and practice
  • Both prepare you for careers, graduate study, or professional programs
  • The BSCJ includes 15 credit hours in science or math (biology, physical science, computer science, or math).

Application Deadlines

Fall

Aug. 1

Spring

Dec. 1

Scholarships

Thanks to the generosity of our donors, a wide range of scholarships are available to support students across social work and criminal justice programs.

How to Apply

All UK Scholarships are managed through Scholarship Universe.
Login using your UK linkblue email and password and complete your student profile. Navigate to the “Scholarships” tab to view and apply for opportunities.

When you apply, you’ll automatically be considered for all available scholarships.

Incoming Freshmen can apply for scholarships via Student Success’s Freshmen section.

For additional support, visit StudentSuccess.uky.edu.

Deadline for Lewis Honors College scholarship consideration is December 1.

Last Dollar In Initiative

The Last Dollar Initiative (LDI) expands access to the University of Kentucky by reducing financial and academic barriers for undergraduate students in social work and criminal justice. It connects students across Kentucky with UK programs (online and on-campus), clarifies misconceptions about cost, and provides the support needed for academic success.

Eligibility Requirements
  1. Complete the FAFSA, Scholarship Application, and UK Admission Application by the priority deadline.
  2. Demonstrate unmet financial need, with priority given to Pell-eligible and first-generation students.
  3. Residency requirement: Applicants must be residents of Kentucky.
  4. Minimum GPA requirement: Applicants must have at least a 2.5 high school GPA.
  5. Agree to a work study within CoSW.
  6. Full-time enrollment: Students must enroll full-time in either the Social Work or Criminal Justice program.

Unlock Your Cheat Code & Go Further in Criminal Justice

Apply Now