BACJ/BSCJ Criminal Justice at University of Kentucky

Programme overview

The Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree at the University of Kentucky offers students a comprehensive understanding of the justice system and its broader impact on society. Through courses in criminology, law enforcement, corrections, and public policy, you'll develop strong critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and problem-solving skills to address today’s most pressing justice-orientated issues.

Faculty: College of Social Work | Duration: 120 credit hours | Study mode: full-time; online option available | Intake: Fall, Spring, Summer | Location: Lexington, KY, United States

What you will study

The bachelor's degree in Criminal Justice program provides students with a comprehensive understanding of the U.S. criminal justice system, including its institutions, practices, and impact on society. Students explore topics such as law enforcement, courts, corrections, criminology, and justice policy, while developing critical thinking, research, and communication skills.

Career pathways

Graduates are prepared for careers in community justice, law enforcement, federal agencies, legal studies, corrections, probation and parole, victim and nonprofit advocacy, school safety, criminal investigations, crime analytics, or community advocacy.

Official programme page

Application information

Entry requirements

University/college-level requirements (not programme-specific): official high school transcript with pre-college curriculum; ACT or SAT optional (test-optional admission). Applies to admission to College of Social Work.

Tuition is charged per credit, so the total depends on the modules you register for each year. Current fees are listed in the official fee schedule.

First-year entry term: Fall 2027 (applications open August 1). Transfer entry terms: Fall, Spring and Summer.

UK is test-optional for admission and scholarships through the 2028-29 academic year; most freshman applicants may apply without an ACT or SAT score.

First-year applicants for Fall 2027: Early Action deadline December 1 (recommended for Lewis Honors College and competitive and academic scholarships); Regular Decision deadline February 15. Application fee is $50 for domestic and $60 for international applicants. Apply with the UK application or the Common App.

Transfer applicants: application deadlines are August 1 for Fall (scholarship deadline June 15), November 15 for Spring and April 15 for Summer. The application fee is $50, waived for applications fully submitted on listed Transfer Tuesday dates.

Graduate applicants apply online through The Graduate School application system; deadlines and supplemental materials are set by each programme page. Minimum undergraduate GPA 2.75, minimum graduate GPA 3.0, and 2.5 for graduate certificate applicants (programmes may require more).

Apply through the official page: https://academics.uky.edu/apply

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