UWL launches criminology major

New program blends research, experiential learning to meet critical need

UW-La Crosse is introducing a new major designed to meet growing student interest and regional workforce needs. 

Criminology will be added as an offered major starting this spring, after the Board of Regents approved the program during its September meeting. The major is a long-requested addition that will give students a deeper understanding of crime, criminal behavior and their impact on communities. 

“Where our current criminal justice minor focuses on the agencies of the criminal justice system, students of the criminology major will gain in-depth education on criminal behavior itself and its ties to factors such as poverty, discrimination, trauma, mental illness and substance use disorders,” says Professor Tim Gongaware, chair  of the Sociology & Criminal Justice Department.

The program will prepare students to assess and engage criminal justice institutions, interpret research on crime and apply findings as they work with clients and organizations throughout the community. Students gain practical experience through course-embedded research, collaborative projects, community-based learning, extensive writing and a senior capstone focused on real-world, community-engaged experiences. 

Workforce demand was a key factor in developing the program. 

“Criminology research identifies risk factors that can inform preventative measures,” the proposal to the Board of Regents states. “Employers in these areas need professionals who are equipped with the knowledge, skills and compassion to address criminogenic risks identified in communities.”  

Graduates may pursue careers in law enforcement, courts and corrections, but also in health services, counseling centers, schools, private industry and community-based prevention programs. 

“For many years, we’d heard from our current students that they wished we offered a major in either criminology or criminal justice,” Gongaware explains. A survey of UWL criminal justice minors found that approximately 75% would likely declare a criminology major if available, and some had considered transferring to schools that offered the program. 

“Faculty have also heard from a variety of regional employers that they are seeking to hire people in crime-related fields of study,” Gongaware adds. “As the number of community partners related to criminology grows, adding this program will more adequately meet the needs of these employers and those of our students by increasing opportunities for internships, community-engaged learning and employment.” 

With its combination of hands-on learning, research opportunities and community engagement, the new criminology major positions UWL students to make meaningful contributions in a wide range of fields while addressing complex social challenges and meeting the evolving needs of the region.