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Quick Facts

14 - Rank, based on enrollment, among the top majors at UCF

10th - UCF's ranking among the nation's top-producing institutions of books on criminal justice

9 - Number of summer study abroad programs in Russia lead by Associate Professor K. Michael Reynolds

About The Department

Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida. We are located on the university's Orlando campus in the Health and Public Affairs I building. We also have programs and faculty members at several of UCF's regional campuses, including those in Brevard County, Daytona Beach and Seminole County. In addition, we offer a full range of Web courses in our undergraduate and graduate programs, and we participate in the university's honors, service learning and internship programs.

The department currently has 23 full-time faculty members and employs a number of outstanding adjuncts drawn from Central Florida's professional community. To complement the faculty, we have a full-time support staff of six, two of whom are full-time student advisers. Current enrollment in our criminal justice programs exceeds 1,000. We accommodate these students by offering a full range of classes around the clock and throughout the region.

Our Commitment

The department is committed to providing the citizens of Central Florida — from Ocala to Palm Bay — with a full range of services. This commitment is reflected in our mission statement:

The Department of Criminal Justice at the University of Central Florida provides excellence in teaching, research and service. Dedicated to its students, the faculty delivers outstanding instruction at the undergraduate and graduate levels, incorporating learning, service and inquiry. The department also conducts quality research and pursues local, state and federal funding to advance knowledge in our discipline. By actively developing meaningful partnerships, it provides exemplary service to the university and the broader professional and academic community.

Criminal Justice Programs

For those interested in criminal justice, our department offers a Bachelor of Arts, a Bachelor of Science, a minor and five undergraduate certificate programs (Crime Analysis, Crime Scene Investigation, Criminal Profiling, Victim Advocacy and Security Management ). We also offer undergraduates a series of service-learning courses; a dynamic internship program that places students in a wide variety of criminal justice agencies (local, state and federal); and an honors program.

At the graduate level, we offer a Master of Science in two tracks; Professional and Research. We also offer four graduate certificates (Corrections Leadership, Crime Analysis, Juvenile Justice Leadership and Police Leadership). The Criminal Justice Department also participates in the Doctoral Program in Public Affairs by supporting a specialized track in criminal justice.

The department blends the latest technological advancements in criminal investigations with a public policy approach to examining crime, criminals and justice policy. In Orlando, the department operates a fully functioning crime-mapping lab with the latest software.

Student Organizations

Outside the classroom, our department sponsors two student organizations:

Many of our students actively participate in these groups and work on a variety of service projects in the community. LAE sponsors a universitywide career fair every year with more than 75 agencies and law schools participating.

I invite you to visit our department and learn more about our programs, faculty and students. We have an exceptionally well-qualified faculty and take great pride in its publications, research, hands-on instruction, academic integrity and ability to provide personal attention to students.

Dr. Robert H. Langworthy, Ph.D.
Chair and Professor

CJ Highlights

  • Renee Washington

    (B.S. in criminal justice, minor in information technology, certificate in crime analysis and crime mapping, '09)

    "...the internships I had while attending UCF were instrumental in preparing me for my career." — Renee Washington

    Washington is a full-time associate industrial security representative at Lockheed Martin Missiles & Fire Control in Ocala, Fla.

  • Ross Wolf

    Associate Professor Ross Wolf was one of two recipients of UCF's Award for Excellence in Professional Service in 2010. He came to UCF in 1999 and since then has participated in countless committees within the department, the College of Health and Public Affairs, and the university. He has served on the UCF Alumni Association board of directors and as faculty adviser to Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the American Criminal Justice Association. Wolf also serves as a division chief in the Orange County Sheriff's Office.

  • Marva Ellington

    Marva Ellington received UCF's Award for Excellence in Professional Academic Advising in 2010. She is responsible for academic advising of two the largest programs in the College of Health and Public Affairs. She mentors students, listens carefully to student issues and concerns, and assists students in looking ahead and exploring options for growth and self-development. Ellington is a strong advocate for students and looks for solutions in her work that support students, departments and the university.

  • Tom Stroup: Inspiring School Pride

    Tom Stroup, '09 (Criminal Justice Master's Degree), was one of the hosts of the NBC show called School Pride, which aired Fall 2010 that had Cheryl Hines ’90 as an executive producer. Each week, the show empowered communities as cast and crew members to renovate a rundown school and watch as student pride grew. Every episode featured touching personal stories of children, parents and teachers experiencing the amazing transformations of their school grounds and athletic fields. The show also invited viewers to watch for surprise celebrity appearances. For more information, visit www.nbc.com/school-pride.