Welcome to the School of Criminal Justice and Criminology (SCJC) at the University of Arkansas at Little Rock. In today’s world, understanding the intricate workings of the criminal justice system has never been more crucial. Our school provides a range of courses designed to develop critical thinking and deepen your understanding of the complexities surrounding criminal justice.
Established in 1972 by the late Dr. Charles Chastain, the SCJC has evolved into Arkansas’ leading criminal justice program. As part of the College of Business, Health, and Human Services (CBHHS), we offer five-degree programs: Associate of Science in Law Enforcement, Bachelor of Arts, Master of Science, Master of Arts, and Doctorate of Philosophy in Criminal Justice. Our dedicated faculty and staff are committed to delivering top-tier education through innovative teaching methods, personalized mentoring, and research that engages with the community.
In the SCJC, we proudly offer the state’s only standalone graduate degrees in Criminal Justice and Criminology (MA, MS, PhD). Many students transition smoothly from an associate to a bachelor’s degree, and from there to a master’s, with some even continuing to a PhD. No matter your educational or career goals in criminal justice, the SCJC can help you achieve them.
Our degrees are focused exclusively on criminal justice and criminology, preparing students for both professional careers and advanced studies. We also offer a thriving internship program in collaboration with local, state, and federal agencies, providing valuable hands-on experience. Our growing partnerships, established and nurtured over the years, continue to benefit both our school and students.
The Associate of Science in Law Enforcement (LEAS), Bachelor of Arts (BA), and Master of Science (MS) can all be completed fully online, offering flexibility for students who cannot attend on campus. The Master of Arts (MA) and PhD programs also offer online options to accommodate working students, enabling them to balance careers, family life, and education while receiving a high-quality academic experience.
Our doctoral program, the only Criminal Justice PhD in Arkansas, equips students to become well-rounded scholars proficient in teaching, cutting-edge research, and collaborating with agency partners on grants and projects. Much of our grant-related research is carried out through the Justice Research and Policy Center (JRAP), the school’s hub for research and evaluations. Faculty regularly partner with state agencies for data collection, analysis, program evaluation, and recommendations on best practices.
We also offer two student organizations in Criminal Justice: the Criminal Justice Society and Alpha Phi Sigma, our national honor society. These groups enable students and faculty to collaborate on criminal justice issues, hosting guest speakers and participating in philanthropic events often supported by alumni who work in various local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies. These events provide excellent networking opportunities for students to connect with professionals in the field.
On behalf of the faculty and staff at the SCJC, I encourage you to join our program and explore the opportunities we offer. It’s a decision that will serve you well and help you reach your career goals.
Michael R. Cavanaugh, PhD
Director, School of Criminal Justice and Criminology
