Turn Passion for Justice into a Rewarding Career

At UCF, our Criminal Justice programs go beyond the classroom to prepare you for a career in law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice and public safety. Whether you want to uphold justice, protect communities, or shape policy, our expert faculty — renowned researchers in crime analysis, policing strategies and criminal behavior — will equip you with the criminal justice expertise you need to lead in the field.

You’ll gain hands-on experience through internships and build your professional network through student organizations, mentorship opportunities, and career events, ensuring you graduate with connections that give you a leg up in the industry. Want a global perspective? Our study abroad trips let you explore global criminal justice issues and international justice systems firsthand.

And when you graduate, you’ll join an impressive network of alumni who are leading the charge in local, state, and federal roles — from police, corrections and juvenile justice leaders to subject matter experts and trailblazers in academia and research. Our graduates are making an impact, shaping safer, stronger communities for generations to come.

In criminal justice, having a foot in the door isn’t enough. At UCF, you’ll earn your seat at the table — whether that’s in the classroom, in the courtroom, the command center or the halls of justice.

Your journey to justice starts here. Your future starts now.

100+

Community Partners
for Robust Internship & Networking Opportunities

No. 17

Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Program
(U.S. News & World Report, 2026)

Online
or On-Campus

Program Type

$74,910

Median Salary for Police and Detectives
(Bureau of Labor Statistics, 2023)

85%

Criminal Justice Graduates Employed or in Further Education Within Six Months
(NACE, 2023)

330+

Criminal Justice Agencies in Florida
(Source: FDLE)

Upcoming Events

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In the News

Latrell Sam-German in cap and gown

UCF’s Criminal Justice Professional Track Launches Inaugural Graduate Directly into Law Enforcement

Latrell Sam-German is set to graduate from both the Orlando Police Department academy and UCF this week, stepping from campus directly into sworn service...
Jim Malcolm sitting and smiling next to statue

Jim Malcolm ’81 ’00MS: Standing Guard for Florida’s Seniors

After a decades-long career in financial crime investigation, two-time UCF graduate and retired Air Force Captain Jim Malcolm ’81 ’00MS now leads Seniors vs. Crime in Central Florida, helping protect older adults from fraud — and proving that service never truly ends...
Ross Wolf

UCF’s Champion for Criminal Justice Leaves Impact on Field

College of Community Innovation and Education Interim Dean Ross Wolf will hang up his badge after 34 years with the Orange County Sheriff’s Office but remains committed to his role at UCF in supplying knowledgeable and capable graduates ready to serve...

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