Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology

Prepare professionals for a career in service to their community.

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology prepares students for jobs that help others. Whether that is in criminal justice, social work, or sociology, we have the program that you are looking for. The department is housed in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences.

Many courses in the Department of Criminal Justice, Social Work, and Sociology rotate on a 2 year schedule. Check the Course Rotation Page to see when the courses you want to take are offered.

Academic Programs

Find the degree or training in Criminal Justice, Social Work, or Sociology that helps you find the job that makes a difference.

90-Hour Criminal Justice Degree

SEMO’s 90-hour criminal justice bachelor’s is Missouri’s first, cutting 30 credits without cutting a single competency while moving you into advanced CJ courses faster. Whether you choose on-campus or 100% online, you get a respected curriculum that works around real shifts, family, and service—so you keep your paycheck and your progress at the same time. Your experience, your schedule, and your goals all count here.

Keep your momentum with the 90-hour CJ degree See how the online CJ bachelor’s works around you

An instructor in the Criminal Justice program at SEMO teaching about real world experienes in the field

Undergraduate Programs

Ready to make a difference? Earn your bachelor's degree in social work or criminal justice - the first 90-credit-hour CJ program in Missouri. You'll build the skills to change lives and strengthen communities.

Criminal Justice Social Work Criminal Justice Online

Graduate Programs

Take your career to the next level with our online master's programs. Perfect for working professionals who want to move into leadership roles.

Online Master's in Criminal Justice

Student studies on their laptop in Kent Library.

Minors

Add useful skills to any degree with our minors. These shorter programs let you learn about criminal justice or sociology while studying something else.

Criminology and Criminal Justice Minor Social Work Minor Sociology Minor

Criminal Justice, Social Work and Sociology student studying for Minor Classes

Certificates

Quick, focused programs that teach specific job skills. Earn a certificate to show employers you have special training in a key area.

Law Enforcement Certificate

students attend law enforcement classes.

FOP University

Fraternal Order of Police members receive a 10% tuition discount on select programs designed to advance careers in law enforcement and public service. SEMO is proud to be a member of the National FOPU Consortium!

NFOPU Consortium Partnership

Student receives recognition as a graduate at SEMO after the NFOPU Consortium 10% discount

Learn while doing!

With internships and real-world experiences, you do the work and learn in exciting places outside of the classroom.

Explore More Learning Opportunities

Criminal Justice student practicing CPR.

Determined. Committed. Fearless.

From her very first Intro to Criminal Justice class, Emilie knew she was stepping into more than a major, she was stepping into the work she was meant to do.
Guided by professors whose expertise spans law enforcement, the courts, and criminal justice research, Emilie built the confidence to begin making her own mark on the field.
That support from her faculty opened doors to internships, like working with the University Police Department, that will shape Emilie’s career for years to come.
Her experience at SEMO has challenged Emilie to think sharper, work harder, and enter the field of criminal justice prepared to serve her community.
The courage Emilie found in her first class has only grown stronger through every experience, preparing her to enter the field of criminal justice with integrity and grit.
Like Emilie, students in SEMO’s criminal justice program know the system they’ll serve and graduate ready to protect and lead their communities.