Overview

The Criminal Justice Studies programme at Western Michigan University offers a multidisciplinary approach to understanding the complexities of the legal system and social control. Students engage with theoretical frameworks and practical applications to address crime as a significant social issue. This curriculum ensures graduates are prepared for the evolving demands of the justice sector.

Why Criminal Justice Studies at Western Michigan University?

Students benefit from a curriculum that offers two distinct substantive tracks: criminal justice or justice studies. The criminal justice track focuses on the operation of police, courts, and punishment systems. Alternatively, the justice studies track explores sustainable solutions to socioeconomic, racial, and gender-based problems, emphasizing human rights and social control policies.

The university provides extensive opportunities for experiential learning through service learning and applied research with community partners. Students can pursue law enforcement certification via an affiliation with the Kalamazoo Law Enforcement Training Center. Additionally, the Criminal Justice Student Association hosts an annual career fair, connecting learners with dozens of national agencies and law schools.

Tuition Fee Breakdown

International fee: USD 20525 per year
National fee: USD 20525 per year
Local fee: USD 16449 per year

Visit the Fees and Funding section for a breakdown in your local currency.

Syllabus

Modules may include:

Criminal Justice Structures and Processes
Crime and Delinquency
Police, Courts and Punishment
Socioeconomic, Racial and Gender Justice
Human Rights
Deviant Behavior and Social Control
Cultural Identity
Human Relationships to the Environment

Careers with Criminal Justice Studies

Graduates are well-equipped for diverse roles within local, state, and federal agencies. Common career paths include serving as law enforcement officers, probation or parole officers, and juvenile court counsellors. The programme also supports transitions into social service roles such as child welfare workers, victim advocates, and family service counsellors.

Alumni find employment across various sectors, including government agencies, non-profit organisations, and private security firms. The rigorous academic training also serves as a strong foundation for those intending to pursue professional degrees in law or advanced research in criminology.

Programme Structure

Courses included:

Policing and Society

Courts and Society

Punishment and Society

Juvenile Delinquency and Justice

Sociology of Deviance

Women and Justice

Race, Ethnicity, and Justice

Climate Change and Society

Environmental Justice

Corporate and Governmental Crime

Drugs and Society

Family Violence

Key information

Duration

Full-time
- 48 months

Start dates & application deadlines

Starting 2027-01-11 00:00:00
- Apply before 2026-09-01 00:00:00 , International
- Apply before 2027-01-01 00:00:00 , National
Starting 2027-09-02 00:00:00
- Apply before 2027-06-01 00:00:00

Language

English

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Credits

120 SCH

Delivered

On Campus, Online

Campus Location

Kalamazoo, United States

Disciplines

Criminal Justice View 837 other Bachelors in Criminal Justice in United States

Join for free or log in to access our complete career info list.

Academic requirements

We are not aware of any specific GRE, GMAT or GPA grading score requirements for this programme.

English requirements

Duolingo English Test

100

Take A Free Practice Test!

TOEFL^® IBT

Schedule TOEFL®

PTE Academic

Schedule a PTE test!

IELTS

Prepare for Your English Test

Cathoven AI IELTS Preparation

Learn your IELTS Score

AI-powered IELTS feedback. Clear, actionable, and tailored to boost your writing & speaking score. No credit card or upfront payment required.

Trusted by 300k learners
98 accuracy using real exam data
4.9/5 student rating

Other requirements

General requirements

Copy of passport identification page

Proof of English language proficiency

Complete high school or post-secondary education transcripts

$100 non-refundable application fee

Proof of sufficient funds for the first academic year of study at WMU according to estimated cost of attendance

ACT or SAT Scores

Tuition Fees

Tuition fees are shown in and the most likely applicable fee is shown based on your nationality.

International Applies to you

Applies to you

Non-residents

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Out-of-State

20525 USD / year

≈ 20525 USD / year
Domestic

Applies to you

In-State

16449 USD / year

≈ 16449 USD / year

Additional Details

Local Summer Tuition: 3,768 International Summer Tuition: 4,711

Living costs

Kalamazoo

United States

1000 - 1500 USD / month

The living costs include the total expenses per month, covering accommodation, public transportation, utilities (electricity, internet), books and groceries.

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Get Visa Support

Get personalized guidance from a certified VFS Global advisor and save 20% through Studyportals.

Avoid common visa mistakes and delays
Know exactly what documents you need
Get a clear checklist tailored to your situation

In order for us to give you accurate scholarship information, we ask that you please confirm a few details and create an account with us.

Scholarships Information

Below you will find Bachelor's scholarship opportunities for Criminal Justice Studies.

Available Scholarships

You are eligible to apply for these scholarships but a selection process will still be applied by the provider.

About

Overview

Programme Structure

Key information

Duration

Start dates & application deadlines

Language

Prepare for Your English Test

Credits

Delivered

Campus Location

Disciplines

What students do after studying

Academic requirements

English requirements

Prepare for Your English Test

Other requirements

General requirements

Tuition Fees

International Applies to you

Domestic

Additional Details

Living costs

Kalamazoo

Funding

Need help with your student visa?

Scholarships Information

Available Scholarships

Our partners