Answer the call to help protect our communities and uphold the law as a Rocket in the Criminal Justice Program. We make sure you’re ready for action, whether your career goal is in the justice system holding positions in law enforcement, probation, parole, social service or forensics, or serving public sector agencies like parks and government organizations.
UToledo criminal justice graduates are in high demand, often receiving multiple job offers before graduation. That’s because we deliver the kind of focused instruction, personalized support and professional connections that help you stand out to employers.
Top Reasons to Study Criminal Justice at UToledo
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Accelerated police academy track.
Significantly improve your chances of being hired by an Ohio law enforcement agency when you choose our accelerated police academy option as a junior or senior. Upon successful completion, you’ll receive your Ohio Peace Officer Training Academy (OPOTA) certification as an Ohio police officer.
Already work in criminal justice but still need to earn your degree? Our Prior Learning Assessment (PLA) program can help turn your knowledge into college credit, so you can fast-track your completion.
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Renowned in the region.
Ask anyone: UToledo criminal justice graduates have an outstanding reputation as the most skilled and qualified candidates in the job market. Employers trust UToledo to find the valuable team members they need to fill important roles like police officers, federal agents and crime scene investigators.
Our alumni hold positions with a dynamic range of employers, including:
- Ohio Department of Natural Resources
- Ohio Department of Rehabilitation and Correction
- Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives
- Juvenile Residential Center of Northwest Ohio
- City of Sylvania Police Department
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Huge annual job fair.
Each year at our on-campus job fair, up to 100 employers offer internships and career opportunities to our students. Our strong relationships with local, state and federal agencies and law enforcement create a pathway for you to start the career you want. Explore all the ways you can make an impact with your degree and find the opportunities that speak to you.
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Strong preparation through immersive simulations.
Test your analytical skills and prepare for real-world scenarios through active learning experiences, such as mock homicide investigations and simulated ballistic and blood splatter analysis. Our emphasis on building your investigative strengths will position you for success in the field. You’ll learn searching methods, fingerprint analysis, photography, sketching and how to gather physical evidence at crime scenes.
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Help solve real cold cases.
When area law enforcement agencies need support with breakthroughs in cold cases, they turn to us. Our students reexamine evidence, scour reports and contribute fresh perspectives to uncover new developments. UToledo criminal justice students have helped solve one cold case with a conviction and several more pending, thanks to the strong investigative skills they develop in our program.
What jobs can I get with a Criminal Justice degree?
Students with a degree in Criminal Justice from The University of Toledo go on to graduate school or to pursue careers at the local, state and federal levels in the areas of probation, parole, corrections, law enforcement and social services throughout the United States.
Hands-On Learning Opportunities
At UToledo, we take you beyond the textbooks and the four walls of a classroom. These real-world experiences are what help our graduates gain professional skills and land jobs.
Internships
UToledo’s Criminal Justice program has a dedicated internship coordinator who helps juniors and seniors land internship placements.
Students gain experience and earn college credit while working for agencies such as the U.S. Marshals, the Toledo Correctional Institution, victim assistance programs, police departments, sheriff's offices and others.
Internships help you:
- Gain practical experience
- Build your resume
- Refine your skills
- Cultivate contacts
Research
UToledo is known for its undergraduate research opportunities. Start as early as your freshman year. Work with faculty who enjoy collaborating with students.
Our Office of Undergraduate Research can:
- Connect you to faculty mentors and projects
- Help you find funding
- Help you present your research at conferences and other events
Study Abroad
Travel, experience new cultures and meet new people — all while earning college credit.
UToledo's Education Abroad Office can help you find the perfect opportunity. You can apply for grants, scholarships and financial aid to help fund study abroad.
- Semester at Sea
- Short-term, summer and faculty-led trips
- Direct exchange programs with other universities
- Teach English abroad
- Global health program (med student clerkships)
- Rocket Kids (work with youth around the world)
Rocket Kids Semester
The Rocket Kids program offers University students a fall, spring or summer semester internship providing recreational programming to U.S. military youth while experiencing the world in locations such as Germany, Italy, Belgium and The Netherlands.
Rocket Kids interns will gain practical experience in programming, leadership, health and wellness, creative arts, performing arts, cultural and literary arts, team and individual sports, adventure and outdoor recreation and STEM education.
On-campus and Part-time Jobs
- Learn skills that prepare you for a career after graduation.
- Build your resume.
- Earn money.
If you want to work, there are plenty of opportunities on campus and at businesses near campus. If you demonstrate financial need, you may qualify for the federal work-study program.
Student Organizations
Our most successful students get involved.
UToledo has 400+ student organizations that will help you:
- Make friends.
- Build your resume.
- Network.
- Be a leader.
- Serve your community.
- Have fun!
Tuition and Scholarships
Most new students don't pay full price. 94% of new UToledo students receive scholarships or other state and federal aid.
Keep in mind: Your cost will vary by college, program and a host of other options. This is the average amount full-time students pay per year.
Tuition and Fees
Living Expenses (Housing & Food)
per year
How to pay for collegeInternational Student - How to Pay for College
Honors College
The Jesup Scott Honors College at The University of Toledo offer our best and brightest the resources and opportunities needed to unlock your fullest potential. Whether you aspire following graduation to cure disease, innovate technology, advance statecraft, redefine markets, or express creatively, together we can fuel vibrant and promising tomorrows.
Honors students come from a variety of countries, backgrounds and cultures. While we may bond over a tough class, our differences make us blossom.
Benefits of Honors
The Honors College is a community of academically gifted students from all majors on campus. Students take unique Honors classes taught by dedicated Honors faculty and complete an Honors thesis or capstone project in their major, earning the Honors medallion at graduation within their normal program of study. Honors students are challenged to think more deeply and broadly about what they learn. With special academic, cultural, and professional development opportunities, their education extends beyond the classroom.
Honors students can also choose exclusive housing in the Honors Academic Village or President's Hall.
Explore more about what the Honors College can offer you as a budding professional, inquisitive scholar, and engaged person.
Visit Campus
A campus visit is the best way to figure out if UToledo is a great fit for you.
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