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Program at a Glance

Program
Bachelor
College(s)
College of Community Innovation and Education
Department(s)
Criminal Justice
U.S. News & World Report Best Colleges - Most Innovative 2026

UCF’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice, Professional Studies track creates a workforce‑ready pathway by combining academic coursework with hands-on training, certification and a required internship that connects students directly to careers in criminal justice agencies. Designed for immediate career placement, the Professional track embeds academy training into the curriculum, enabling graduates to move seamlessly from the classroom into roles in law enforcement, crime and intelligence analysis, and correctional leadership.

The program’s multidisciplinary field of study provides a broad foundation in crime and society’s control mechanisms while preparing you for professional roles in policing, corrections, or crime and intelligence analysis. You will explore how policing, courts, and corrections operate and how these components work together with communities to shape the U.S. justice system.

The Professional track integrates leadership-focused coursework and culminates in an undergraduate certificate in criminal justice management and leadership. You will develop skills in areas such as policy development in law enforcement, criminal justice management and liability issues, and justice agency operations, preparing you for advancement in policing, crime analysis, and corrections.

A defining feature of the program is its embedded internship requirement — the completion of a police or correctional academy and analytics — which allows you to earn state certification while completing your degree. This approach helps you transition directly from graduation into the workforce, eliminating delays between academic study and professional training.

Whether you study online or on campus, you will be equipped with the knowledge, credentials and professional networks to begin your career as you graduate ready to serve, lead and make a measurable impact.

Undergraduate Application Deadlines

Fall
May 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
June 1
Spring
November 1
Summer
March 1
Fall
March 1
Spring
September 1
Summer
January 1

Ready to get started?

Career Opportunities

UCF prepares you for life beyond the classroom. Here, you’ll experience a wide range of opportunity, like learning diverse skills from world-renowned faculty to networking with top employers across Central Florida to gaining first-hand experience in internships nearby. Achieve your degree and more as a Knight.
  • Correctional Officer
  • Crime and Intelligence Analyst
  • Deputy Sheriff
  • Juvenile Corrections Officer
  • Juvenile Probation Officer
  • Police Officer
  • Probation Officer

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