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Juvenile Justice Minor

Take an in-depth look into all aspects of the juvenile justice system in the University of Central Missouri’s Juvenile Justice minor. UCM is one of the only universities in the region to offer an entire program dedicated to developing your skills in this important field.

Instead of just one or two broad courses, you can take a wide variety of focused juvenile justice classes at UCM to prepare you for success in your career. Study topics ranging from childhood development to youth legal issues to ensure you have a strong foundation of knowledge upon graduation.

Experienced faculty mentors

Every faculty member you’ll learn from in this undergraduate program has practical experience in the juvenile justice field. Because of that, they’ll be able to pass along first-hand accounts of what it’s like working with justice-involved youth — and what you can expect when you enter the workforce.

Flexible online program options

UCM’s Juvenile Justice program meets you where you are by offering both in-person and fully online program options for the minor. Whether you’re remote or in the classroom, you’ll get the same level of focused attention from faculty, engaging classes and the opportunity to attend virtual or face-to-face speaking events.

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Flexible online program options

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25 students per class, on average

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All faculty have field experience

 

What you will study

The University of Central Missouri’s Juvenile Justice minor prepares you to enter a field that is shifting its focus from punishment to trauma-informed care and rehabilitation. Through your coursework and experiential learning opportunities, you’ll study addiction, resilience, law and policy, health care, international policies and human services to inform your professional approach in this evolving field.

As part of UCM’s commitment to provide you with an education that spans the entire system of criminal justice, you’ll take juvenile justice courses that give you a well-rounded understanding of the field and the issues present within it. Your undergraduate classes may include:

  • Family Systems and Lifespan Development
  • Youth Culture and Development
  • Introduction to Juvenile Justice
  • Juvenile Corrections
  • Dynamics of Delinquent Behavior

 

Excellence in Juvenile Justice

  • A Highest Paid Bachelor's Degree among Criminal Justice & Corrections Graduates in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
  • #2: Best Criminal Justice School in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
  • #2: Best Value College for Criminal Justice in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
  • #1: Most Popular Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
  • Top 7.5%: Most Popular Colleges for Criminal Justice & Corrections (College Factual, 2022)
  • Among the Best Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting Schools in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)
  • Among the Best Value Bachelor's Degree Colleges for Homeland Security, Law Enforcement & Firefighting in Missouri (College Factual, 2022)

 

Unique learning opportunities in juvenile justice

See classroom concepts brought to life at the University of Central Missouri. The Juvenile Justice minor program includes learning opportunities that show you how textbook lessons apply to real life through engaging experiential activities.

  • Field trips: Some of your courses will take you into the community to visit places such as juvenile courts, correctional facilities and other organizations that serve youth. This allows you to get a sense of the sights, sounds and operations of a juvenile justice agency.
  • Internships: Add an internship to your learning plan. Work in school districts, the Missouri Division of Youth Services and more to get a sense of what it’s like to focus your career in the juvenile justice field.
  • Study tours: Learn how the correctional system and law enforcement operate around the world in faculty-led study tours to countries such as South Korea, Italy, France, Japan, Turkey and more.
  • Juvenile Justice Association: This student group gives you the opportunity to volunteer within the juvenile justice system and start making a difference even while still in college. You’ll also talk about what you learned in group discussions and develop professional resources and networks to help your career growth after graduation.

 

What can you do with a minor in Juvenile Justice from UCM?

UCM alumni who have completed a minor in Juvenile Justice have found successful employment at organizations such as:

  • Compass Health Network
  • Juvenile courts
  • Juvenile probation offices
  • Missouri Department of Mental Health
  • Missouri Division of Social Services - Children’s Division
  • Missouri Division of Youth Services
  • Youth social service agencies

If you choose to continue your education before entering the workforce, the Juvenile Justice minor paired with a related major will prepare you to enter a graduate program that focuses on providing youth services.

Juvenile justice jobs

Explore job possibilities in juvenile justice using the interactive tool below. You can also learn about projected job growth in the field, salary details and career paths.

 

 
 


 

Financial assistance options for your  Juvenile Justice minor

The University of Central Missouri sets you up for success right from the start. We offer affordable, competitive tuition and a wide range of options to help you finance your college education. That means you’ll graduate with a high-value degree and fewer student loans than students at other institutions.

Work with our financial aid counselors to explore educational funding for your undergraduate degree. You may be eligible for scholarships, grants, tuition awards, federal financial aid and more.

Additionally, UCM’s Alumni Association offers scholarships specifically to students in certain undergraduate programs and majors. You can learn more about program-specific scholarships at the UCM Scholarship Finder.

 

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Explore programs related to juvenile justice.

 

If you’re interested in the juvenile justice system, youth services and trauma-informed care and rehabilitation, you may also want to explore the following undergraduate minors at UCM.

 

Request Info   Visit   Apply Today!

 

 

 

 

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