In the Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation, we prepare you to successfully move into criminal justice, forensic investigation, and related careers as liberally educated people who are intellectually mature, ethically responsible, culturally aware, and knowledgeable about social justice concerns.

A bachelor's degree is the key to opening many doors to success and a future that is personally and professionally rewarding.

UW-Platteville offers two nationally known, industry-leading programs: Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation.

Criminal Justice

UW-Platteville has distinguished itself as a leading criminal justice college, as it is the first institution of higher education in Wisconsin to grant the Baccalaureate Degree in Criminal Justice. Since its creation in 1966, the department has been recognized by criminal justice agencies and criminology colleges across the nation for the excellence of its academic programs and the professional accomplishments of program graduates.

UW-Platteville offers both a Bachelor of Arts and Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. You can choose an emphasis in Corrections or Law Enforcement. We also offer online Bachelor of Science and Master of Science degrees in Criminal Justice Management, Criminal Justice Theory, and Victim Offender Services with the option to choose a minor in Criminal Justice.

Forensic Investigation

UW-Platteville offers a Bachelor of Science in Forensic Investigation. When pursuing this major, you'll discover the theory, analysis, and procedures used in scientifically investigating and processing a crime scene. The forensic investigation major provides a thorough practical and theoretical study to the application of science within the investigative process. You will explore the role that science plays in recognizing, documenting, collecting, and preserving physical evidence at crime scenes, and how this evidence is evaluated within a courtroom setting.

Students who major in forensic investigation must choose an area of emphasis: Crime Scene, Laboratory, or Medicolegal Death Investigation. We also offer a minor in forensic investigation.

Georgia Shiu, a forensic investigation major with a minor in criminal justice, shares why UW-Platteville is a smart investment.

Discover by doing

Criminal Justice and Forensic Investigation at UW-Platteville offers a student-centered approach. Focused on experiential learning that connects your education to your future career, there are opportunities to help others through various research projects.


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Criminal Justice Association

Get Involved

Students wishing to enhance their coursework studies often join campus or community clubs and organizations that focus on criminal justice issues, such as Alpha Phi Sigma (Criminal Justice National Honor's Society), Criminal Justice Association, Defense Intelligence & Counter-Terrorism, Platteville Community Restorative Justice, and the Pre-Law Society.
fingerprinting lab experience

GAIN MORE EXPERIENCE

Our well-established internship program with a vast network of partners will give you experience within local, state, or national agencies and departments, while earning elective credits.