Message from the Department Chair

Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice!

As the Department Chair, I welcome you to our program and to the study of criminal justice. There has never been a more important time to understand our criminal legal system and its workings. I invite you to explore, think, and increase your understanding of this topic with us here at the University of Louisville.  As one of the oldest programs focused on criminal justice issues, we have a proud history of preparing criminal justice practitioners for their life’s work.  As part of the College of Art and Sciences, we offer a Bachelor of Science, Master of Science and a Doctor of Philosophy in Criminal Justice. Our department is comprised of dedicated staff and award-winning faculty who are student-centered, research-oriented, and dedicated to community engagement.

We offer both our Bachelor’s and Master’s degrees online as well on campus. Our curricula consist of core courses that will prepare students for careers in criminal justice while offering specialized electives to understand cutting-edge justice issues. The doctoral program, which began in 2012, continues to produce the next generation of well-rounded scholars who excel in both teaching and research. We also have two active criminal student justice organizations – Lambda Alpha Epsilon and Alpha Phi Sigma – supported by students and staff who work to keep our students engaged academically and prepared professionally. We are also have a strong alumni network of individuals working in a wide variety of criminal justice organizations at the local, state, and federal level.

In addition to our degree programs, the Department houses the Southern Police Institute (SPI). Established in 1951, SPI continues to provide high quality training and educational programs for law enforcement professionals. SPI’s Administrative Officers Course (AOC) is a leading management program providing law enforcement education at the bachelor’s and master’s levels. SPI also has a strong Continuing Education component offering training on areas such as: homicide investigation, intelligence-led policing, and managing the media in law enforcement.

On behalf of our department I invite you to study and work with us as we seek to understand and work to improve the administration of justice in the United States.  

CJ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Justice.Administration/

CJ Twitter: @JusticeUofL

SPI Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/SPI.Louisville/

Tom “Tad” Hughes, JD, Ph.D.