Minors in Criminal Justice

The J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice offers four minors to students who are interested in the field but who are majoring in other subjects. A minor can be a hidden weapon in your future career — minors widen your field of knowledge and give you added flexibility in the career search or in future education. The Department offers the following programs:

• Forensic Science - perfect for anyone interested in the fundamental concepts and principles used in analysis of crime scene evidence 
• Criminal Justice - for students interested in combining an interest criminal justice with majors in the social sciences, the natural sciences, computer science, information systems, or business
• Forensic Psychology - for students interested in a general background in the intersection of law and psychology
• Legal Affairs - a multidisciplinary program for students interested in combining a background in law with a political science, philosophy, sociology, psychology, or criminal justice major
• Urban Affairs - explores metropolitan areas, ideal for students who want to work in a variety of social service and technical areas in public and private organizations

Forensic Science

A minor in forensic science is perfect for anyone interested in the fundamental concepts and principles used in analysis of crime scene evidence. While the minor is open to all undergraduates, when paired with a degree in criminal justice, it will introduce the student to careers in crime scene investigation. When paired with a major in the natural sciences, it prepares students for a job in a forensic crime lab or a Master of Science program in forensic science.

Please note: A minor in forensic science is not sufficient background to be hired for a crime lab position. The department recommends that you combine this minor with a major in Chemistry or Biology. Students with other majors should consult with their advisor in conjunction with the forensic science program.

Criminal Justice

The minor in Criminal Justice is designed for students who seek to combine a relevant major in the social sciences, the natural sciences, computer science, information systems, or business with courses in criminal justice. Students choosing the minor in criminal justice take a set of core courses in criminal justice, criminology, policing, the courts, and corrections.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the minor. At least six hours of the minor must be completed at UAB, including three hours at the 300-level or above.

Forensic Psychology

Forensic psychology is the professional practice by psychologists of certain areas of psychology, when they are engaged as experts and represent themselves as such in an activity primarily providing professional psychological expertise to the judicial system. (Read the American Psychological Association's description of forensic psychology.)

The minor in forensic psychology provides students a general background in the intersection of law and psychology. It may be combined with a number of relevant majors including psychology, sociology, social work, and criminal justice. Students interested in a career in forensic psychology will need to pursue graduate studies (a masters degree or doctorate) in clinical or forensic psychology.

Legal Affairs

Law increasingly permeates almost every aspect of our lives, including our transportation systems, food distribution networks, and the health care system. Because law is such an important aspect of everyday life, it is important that you have an opportunity to learn more about it.

Students choosing the minor in Legal Affairs are typically interested in combining a background in law with a relevant major including political science, philosophy, sociology, psychology, or criminal justice to prepare them for graduate or professional study, or for a career in the public sector. Students who are interested in attending law school should especially consider this minor as it exposes them to a variety of courses in different types of law and procedure, including criminal, civil, administrative, etc. The minor in legal affairs is one part of the academic component of the Pre-Law Program at UAB, which also includes academic advising and experiential learning. 

Because the program is interdisciplinary and presents law as the subject of liberal inquiry, students in the program examine law from various perspectives. The minor exposes students to both general and specific aspects of both substantive and procedural law, civil and criminal; helps them understand not only litigation, but alternatives to it; and provides students the opportunity to enhance their legal research and writing skills.

Urban Affairs

Urban Affairs provides a broad examination of the development, functions, and problems of metropolitan areas. This interdisciplinary minor focuses on the social, health, and spatial characteristics of neighborhoods and cities, and studies what forces influence urban people and communities. The minor crosses the disciplines of Urban Studies, Criminal Justice, Social Work, Sociology, Political Science/Public Administration, Public Health, Anthropology, History, Geography, and others.

A grade of C or better is required in all courses applied to the minor. Students must complete 18 hours from the selected courses found in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog.

Course Catalog

A complete list of courses and requirements for all minors in the J. Frank Barefield, Jr. Department of Criminal Justice is available in the UAB Undergraduate Catalog.

Ready to Apply?

All the information you need to apply can be found on UAB's Undergraduate Admissions Hub.