The undergraduate program started in 1977. The undergraduate curriculum provides students interested in law enforcement, criminal law, corrections, and the criminal court system with a broad educational background emphasizing social science. At the same time, students in the department gain basic knowledge of the criminal justice field to the extent of specialization compatible with University and divisional requirements. The curriculum leads to the Bachelor of Arts degree. The department recognizes the value of internships.
Internships provide a direct learning experince, helping students combine theory and practice.
The department has established internships with local, state, and federal agencies. To meet the needs of the part-time adult student, The University of Alabama College of Continuing Studies and the Criminal Justice Department offer upper division courses throught the Evening Program that can lead to a bachelor of arts degree in Criminal Justice. In collaboration with the College of Continuing Studies, Division of Independent Study , the department offers a certificate in criminal justice. The Department of Criminal Justice offers two methods of obtaining a Master of Science Degree. A student may enroll in either the residental program or practitioner's program.