GREEN BAY, Wis. — In response to a growing regional need and call for more community-minded justice professionals, the University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has launched a new criminal justice major.

This new program builds on the success of UW-Green Bay’s high-enrollment criminal justice minor, introduced in 2021, that currently serves more than 100 students.

“There is a need in Wisconsin for individuals with specialized knowledge in areas like juvenile and criminal law, drug use and abuse, forensic science and human trafficking. UW-Green Bay is stepping up to meet the moment and will play an important role in meeting this community need,” UW-Green Bay Assistant Professor Christopher Kleps said. “This major is more than a career pathway — it’s an opportunity for students to become leaders and ensure collaboration and positive change in their worlds.”

UW-Green Bay’s criminal justice major curriculum pairs theory with real-world application, emphasizing critical analytical skills, equity in practice and lifelong community well-being. Students will explore how to prevent crime not just through enforcement but by enhancing social opportunity and fostering trust.

The new major is ideal for current high school seniors and working professionals in the field who are seeking to advance their careers or expand their skill sets. A recent report shows that earning a criminal justice degree can lead to a 9.5% increase in lifetime earnings, along with access to a wide range of careers in law enforcement, security, criminal justice reform and other specialized fields.

“We want to do more than just quickly fill jobs,” Kleps said. “Our focus is on preparing thoughtful, ethical leaders who can help build safer, stronger and more just communities through critical thinking and evidence-based policies.”

Applications are now open. To learn more about the bachelor’s degree in criminal justice and how to apply, go to the home page at https://www.uwgb.edu/criminal-justice/.