Criminal Justice studies at UGA is an interdisciplinary program jointly sponsored by the Franklin College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Public and International Affairs (SPIA). As such, the major takes an academic (as opposed to a practitioner) approach by placing an emphasis on the substantive disciplines that help to inform the study and analysis of crime. Courses for the Criminal Justice Studies Program are offered by the cooperating departments of the two schools. These include political science, sociology, psychology, and others.
In addition to coordinating an interdisciplinary curriculum, the Criminal Justice studies program offers a variety of services and opportunities to its students. These include, among others, new major orientation meetings, career seminars, and alumni networking opportunities. Majors and other interested students are encouraged to participate in the Criminal Justice Society which sponsors speakers, field trips, and service projects. Majors are accorded recognition for academic excellence through the local chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma and the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Career opportunities for graduates include law enforcement at the local, state, or federal level; criminal prosecution or defense; institutional corrections positions; and others. Some of these careers may require advanced degrees or additional formal and specialized training.