How do I become a CJ Studies major? There are course and GPA prerequisites to the CJ Studies major. For complete information and an application, visit the Application and Admission section of our website. I want to go to law school. Is this a good major for me? Yes. We have a number of graduates each who go to law school, with most specializing in criminal law. To learn more about how the CJ Studies major fits into law school plans visit the “Criminal Justice and Pre-law Student” section of our web page. Is there a forensics component to the CJ Studies major? What about training in police tactics? No, the CJ Studies program at UGA does not offer training in forensics. Nor do we offer technical training in police tactics or other specialized fields. Instead of focusing on training, which provides students with a narrow set of skills for a specific job, we offer our students a broad-based liberal arts education that prepares them for a wide variety of careers and graduate school opportunities. Can I participate in a study abroad program as a Criminal Justice Studies major? Yes, there are numerous study abroad options for UGA students, including a summer study abroad program tailored to criminal justice students in Liverpool, England. Please see Study Abroad in the sidebar menu. Can Criminal Justice Studies students earn a double-major or a dual-degree? Yes, CJ Studies students often earn degrees in a second major. This is easier to accomplish with some majors, however, and it always requires additional planning. If you are considering a second major, please discuss your plans with the Academic Advisor. How do I get a POD? Permission of Department (POD) for restricted access classes is given to CJ Studies majors and intended majors during their advising appointments. Will the course I took at another school count toward my criminal justice studies major? A certain number of courses taken at another institution may count toward your CJ Studies degree if the content and level of the course are equivalent to courses offered at UGA. Course equivalency for major courses is determined by the Program Director. Your options for transfer credits will be covered during your initial advising appointment. What Can I Do with a CJ Studies Degree? The B.A. in Criminal Justice Studies is a flexible degree that offers students a number of career options. Many of our students go directly into careers in criminal justice. Such students work, for example, as probation/parole officers, victim advocates, loss-prevention specialists, or as officers in federal, state, or local law enforcement. Other students choose related careers in social service agencies or seek advanced degrees to prepare them for careers in counseling, research, or the law. POLS 4905 (a required, one-hour S/U class), is designed to introduce students to the field of criminal justice with speakers and panels from various occupations. This course will also include a panel with information on graduate degree programs that may be of interest to CJ students. Students should also plan on attending the annual alumni panel each fall. Finally, students will find speakers sponsored by the CJ Society to be an invaluable source of information on career choices. There are a number of resources on campus to assist CJ Majors with career decisions. The UGA Career Center has prepared an information sheet for Criminal Justice Studies majors in their "What Can I Do with a Major in ... ?" series.
