Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice program prepares students for graduate school or to work in a position related to criminology and criminal justice. Students receive exposure to the most recent thinking and research in each substantive area and can take a wide array of courses focusing on criminological theories, victimology, policing, corrections, the court system, white collar crime, comparative criminal justice and more. Faculty in the department have a variety of backgrounds, exposing students to all facets of the criminal justice system.

Internships
Experiential Opportunities
Travel Courses

After serving as a victim advocate in the Hillsborough County State Attorney's Office, Emily Ramos ’25 now has the opportunity to see how victim advocates operate within law enforcement.

Criminology and criminal justice majors can obtain invaluable hands-on experience through internships in a variety of key areas, including the courts, corrections, juvenile justice, policing, victim services and the legal system. Through our extensive partnerships with agencies at all levels of government, students can gain exposure to real-world challenges and build a professional network across multiple sectors. These internships are an essential step in preparing for a successful career in criminology and criminal justice, providing students with the practical skills and knowledge needed to make an impact in the field.

A class trip to a Florida state prision.

Students in Cedric Michel's CRM 427: Death Penalty class took a trip to the Florida State Prison where they were able to speak to corrections officers and learn more about the death penalty and execution process in Florida.

The major offers small classes and ample opportunities for experiential learning, which is a key element of the criminology and criminal justice major at UTampa, offering students valuable, hands-on opportunities to connect classroom theory with real-world practice. With access to a wide range of guest speakers from across the criminal justice system—such as law enforcement, the courts, corrections and the legal field—students gain first-hand insights into the workings of the field.

Additionally, students have the opportunity to participate in exclusive tours of important criminal justice facilities, including the state and federal court houses and the Florida State Prison. UTampa’s prime location in downtown Tampa provides students with unique access to numerous agencies, allowing them to build professional networks and gain exposure to a variety of criminal justice sectors. These experiences are integral to preparing students for successful careers in criminology and criminal justice.

Students on an international trip with a criminology study abroad course.

The department also offers exciting travel courses that allow criminology and criminal justice students to explore the field in an international context. These unique courses provide students with the opportunity to study criminal justice systems, policies and practices in other countries, broadening their understanding of global criminology.

Past travel courses have taken students to destinations such as the Netherlands, the United Kingdom, Italy, Greece, Spain, Poland and Argentina, where they have learned about different approaches to law enforcement, legal systems, corrections and more. These immersive experiences not only enhance academic learning but also offer valuable cultural insights and global perspectives, preparing students to engage with the diverse challenges facing criminal justice systems worldwide.

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Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice

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