Program at a Glance
- Program
- Bachelor
- College(s)
- College of Community Innovation and Education
- Department(s)
- Criminal Justice
UCF’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Professional Studies track creates a workforce鈥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.
Highlights
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?
鈥淭he opportunity to complete the police academy in my last semester as my internship, get my degree and walk out with a job is huge.鈥濃
Career Opportunities
- Correction Officer
- Crime and Intelligence Analyst
- Deputy Sheriff
- Juvenile Corrections Officer
- Juvenile Probation Officer
- Police Officer
- Probation Officer