The Department of Criminal Justice (CJUS) focuses on social norms, rules, and laws; the causes of their violations; and the social and legal response to these violations. Systems of regulation, including the criminal justice system and dispute resolution processes, are studied and evaluated as organizational, social, and cultural processes.

Criminal justice is an interdisciplinary field that draws on the social sciences, legal studies, and the humanities. Teaching and research are carried out by a diverse group of scholars trained in criminal justice and criminology, law, sociology, psychology, and philosophy. The degree is designed for students interested in studying justice-related issues, including law.