Program Details
Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in Administration of Justice
Bachelor of ScienceThe University of Virginia's College at Wise
One or more Transfer Guides are available in the Resource Center for this Institution. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college. If there is a program-specific Transfer Guide and a general or general studies Transfer Guide, you are advised to follow the program-specific Transfer Guide. Please see your community college advisor for assistance in selecting the best pathway.
The administration of justice major is also designed to prepare students for lifelong learning, professional careers in the public and private sectors of the field of administration of justice (civil justice system, criminal justice system, law enforcement, prisons, probation, parole, counseling, police analysis, law and courts), and graduate study by fostering development of the ideas, insights, values, competencies, and behavior of liberally educated persons in the heritage of Thomas Jefferson. The content of the major focuses on social forces that contribute to social order, social conflict and social change. Issues involving race, gender, ethics and multiculturalism are emphasized throughout the major.
Program Overview & Guidance

Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Considerations for Selecting Degree | This degree is housed in the social sciences so students interested in the human experience and how it relates to criminology, the criminal justice system, courts, constitutional law, policing and the broader system of justice will find a home in this major with courses like criminology, corrections, law enforcement, and special topics courses covering subjects such as family violence, homicides, psychopaths and serial killers. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
There are no specific course requirements prior to entering this program of study.
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Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | Students may also add a minor area of study, including those in the department (government, pre-law, psychology and sociology). |
Program Successes & Highlights | Preparation for professional careers in public and private sectors. Students can easily choose a related minor prior to reaching 120 hours. There is a very wide range of employment opportunities such as local, state, and federal law enforcement including correctional facilities, FBI, US Capitol Police, US Border Patrol, Virginia State Police, and Virginia Department of Corrections. |
Program Credit Requirements

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:
- Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
- View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between The University of Virginia's College at Wise and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.
You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center
What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
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Associate Transfer Degree Completion | Completion of an Associates of Arts or Associate if Science degree will fullfill all general education requirements at Wise with the exception of foreign language and four cultural activity credits. Depending on the major of choice, some general education courses may fulfil major requirements. If you have a completed Associate of Arts or Science degree complete, you will be able to step right into your major and begin the work on completing your bachelor's degree at UVA WISE. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | If you have a completed Associate of Arts or Science degree complete, you will be able to step right into your major and begin the work on completing your bachelor's degree at UVA WISE. |
Credit for Prior Learning | UVA Wise accepts CLEP, AP, IB and Cambridge credits for students who meet specified scores. |
Did You Know That... |
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College Level Information

College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
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Is This College Right For Me? | Yes! We have a place for you at Wise! https://college-life.uvawise.edu/ |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | You can choose your first year of attendance at Wise or two years earlier. |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Your catalog year would be your first year at Wise or when you officially declare your major. |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | Interested students submit an online request form found here: https://www.uvawise.edu/registrar/transferring-courses |
Where Can This Degree Transfer

Institution | Title | Degree | Award Name | Award Level | Delivery Mode |
---|---|---|---|---|---|
Germanna Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | Criminal Justice, A.A.S (formerly Administration of Justice, A.A.S.) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Paul D. Camp Community College | Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police Science | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences - Criminal Justice Specialization | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | Online |
Virginia Highlands Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Roanoke College | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Longwood University | Criminology & Criminal Justice BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BA in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Radford University | BS in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Computer Science | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Wesleyan University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice (Online Program) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online |
Bluefield University | BA in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Bluefield University | BS in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Criminal Justice, Criminology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Ferrum College | B.S. in Criminal Justice Forensic Investigation | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Mountain Gateway Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Eastern Shore Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate in Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Germanna Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Science in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Brightpoint Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Art | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Laurel Ridge Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Northern Virginia Community College | General Studies, A.S. | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Northern Virginia Community College | Liberal Arts, A.A. | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Rappahannock Community College | AA&S Degree in Arts and Sciences | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Wytheville Community College | Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts & Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Southside Virginia Community College | Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Arts and Sciences | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid, Online |
Virginia Peninsula Community College | Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Science - General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online |
Tidewater Community College | Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science) | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, Hybrid |
Virginia Western Community College | Associate of Science Degree in General Studies | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Hybrid |
Richard Bland College | Associate of Science | Associate | Associate of Science | 2-Year | Online, In-Person |
Mary Baldwin University | Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | Online, Hybrid |
Old Dominion University | Criminal Justice-BA | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Old Dominion University | Criminal Justice-BS | Bachelor | Bachelor of Science | 4-Year | In-Person, Online |
Randolph-Macon College | Criminology (BA) | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
University of Lynchburg | BA in Criminology | Bachelor | Bachelor of Arts | 4-Year | In-Person |
Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code | Name | Description | Parent |
---|---|---|---|
25-1111.00 | Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary | Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research. | Educational Instruction and Library Occupations |
19-4099.00 | Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other | All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.01 | Quality Control Analysts | Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-4099.03 | Remote Sensing Technicians | Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
33-1011.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Correctional Officers | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of correctional officers and jailers. | Protective Service Occupations |
33-1012.00 | First-Line Supervisors of Police and Detectives | Directly supervise and coordinate activities of members of police force. | Protective Service Occupations |
11-9199.11 | Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers | Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites. | Management Occupations |
19-3039.03 | Clinical Neuropsychologists | Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.02 | Compliance Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.08 | Loss Prevention Managers | Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.00 | Managers, All Other | All managers not listed separately. | Management Occupations |
19-3039.02 | Neuropsychologists | Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
19-3039.00 | Psychologists, All Other | All psychologists not listed separately. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.01 | Regulatory Affairs Managers | Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures. | Management Occupations |
19-3041.00 | Sociologists | Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members. | Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations |
11-9199.10 | Wind Energy Development Managers | Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects. | Management Occupations |
11-9199.09 | Wind Energy Operations Managers | Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning. | Management Occupations |
Cost To Complete
