Graduate Career Ready with Criminology & Criminal Justice
Put your degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice to work pursuing a career that interests and challenges you. Criminology and Criminal Justice majors acquire high-level communication and technology skills necessary to navigate a continuously evolving world and workforce. They learn to research and contextualize information, producing sharp, insightful analyses and evidence-based conclusions.
Criminology and Criminal Justice majors know how to analyze and apply criminological theory, research methods, and criminal justice policy to address complex issues in society and the criminal justice system. Criminology and Criminal Justice majors are educated beyond a narrow curriculum geared towards a specific job; instead, they are poised for success across career fields.
Explore the ways to use your Criminology & Criminal Justice education during a career conversation with the Center for Career Readiness.
Criminology & Criminal Justice at Work
UNC Criminology & Criminal Justice graduates pursue careers in companies and organizations around the country. Among our alumni, you will see many working in these industries:
- Government Administration
- Higher Education
- Hospital and Health Care
- Military
UNC Alumni Careers
Using their Criminology and Criminal Justice degree, UNC alumni go on to successful careers in a variety of interesting and in-demand professions. Learn more about the popular professions these and other alumni are pursuing.
Protective Services
Alumni professionals in protective services occupations are often first responders and member of law enforcement and may work at the local, state or national level.
Adam Turk ’96, ’14, City of Greeley Police Chief
Management and Operations
UNC alumni are prepared to serve in leadership and operational management roles within non profit organizations, educational institutions and private and publicly held companies.
Doug Erler ’93, Weld County Justice Services Director
Business and Financial
Alumni business and financial professionals account for several unique and interesting occupations that include accountants, financial analysts, human resources specialists, project managers, and marketing specialists.
Karli Cobb ’02, Faegre Drinker Financial Analyst
On Demand Resources and Support
Access recorded alumni career panels and LinkedIn tutorials to strengthen your network and professional connections to the UNC Bear Network.
Alumni Spotlight
Looking Forward: In Spring 2018, UNC Magazine published a full spotlight on Samad Hinds and his journey as a UNC Bear. Check out the full article here.
Samad Hinds B.A. '16, M.A. '18
Football provided a path to college and an escape from the violence of his hometown, Opa-Locka. When adversity threatened to derail him, Samad Hinds summoned determination and resiliency and found a support network to keep his goal in sight. However, leaving family was the toughest part of the transition for Samad. He called and FaceTimed them daily — no small feat when he left his dorm room at 6 a.m. and didn’t return home until 10 p.m. after a full day of studying and football practice. Samad worked closely with Associate Director for Academic Success, Jimmy Henderson; checked in with his professors weekly; talked with them about his career path; spent time in study hall and continued to thrive. Criminology and Criminal Justice Lecturer, Brian Smith, says Samad also mentored teammates and encouraged them to do well academically, but added that Samad doesn’t always see his own role in his success. After three-and-a-half years at UNC, Samad earned his bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice.
One of Hinds' mentors, Faheem Ali, points out that since Samad left Opa-Locka, his brother and sisters have followed him along the path to education, earning athletic scholarships as well. “Samad opened up the door for them,” he says. “He gave them hope.”
In Spring 2018, Hinds graduated with his Masters in Sport Coaching from UNC. “Some people where I’m from don’t even make it to see 18,” he says. “No one expected me to be this far. My 16-year-old self would be amazed, and I would be happy because I would be able to see myself and say, ‘Man, look at me. I can do it. I can make it far.’”
