Green Bay Reporter

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay has announced the launch of a new Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program. The initiative aims to address the regional demand for justice professionals who are engaged with their communities and prepared to serve in diverse roles.

Building on its existing Criminal Justice minor, which was introduced in 2021 and currently enrolls over 100 students, the university is expanding its offerings to provide a full major. The program is designed to prepare students for leadership positions by focusing on critical thinking about justice, equity, and law enforcement.

“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,” said UW-Green Bay Assistant Professor Christopher Kleps. “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.”

The curriculum emphasizes social justice, interdisciplinary learning, analytical skills, equity in practice, and community wellbeing. Students will study methods of crime prevention that go beyond enforcement by promoting social opportunity and building trust within communities.

Local law enforcement leaders have expressed support for the program’s approach to broadening perspectives among criminal justice professionals while strengthening community engagement.

The major targets both high school seniors considering careers in criminal justice as well as working professionals seeking advancement or new skills. According to recent data, earning a degree in Criminal Justice can result in higher lifetime earnings—an estimated increase of 9.5%—and provides access to various fields such as law enforcement, security, reform initiatives, and other specialized areas.

Graduates are expected to pursue careers not only as officers but also as advocates, analysts, or other roles that require understanding complex social issues related to justice. The university expects that about half of current minors will transition into the major program with 25–30 new students enrolling annually.

“We want to do more than just quickly fill jobs,” said Kleps. “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 for the new bachelor’s degree are now open through the university’s website.

The University of Wisconsin-Green Bay serves over 11,000 undergraduate through doctoral students each year across four campuses in Northeast Wisconsin. It offers approximately 200 academic degrees along with certificates and continuing education programs.