From Law School Aspirations to Civic Leadership—Students Gain Skills to Serve and Transform Their Communities
Most people learn about criminal justice through popular media—from the evening news and true-crime podcasts to television’s endless iterations of Law & Order and streaming hits like Mindhunter and Tiger King. These portrayals often distill justice into a simple narrative of heroes and villains. But the realities of justice—and the way students prepare to engage with it—are far more complex, nuanced and deeply connected to the communities they serve.
At the University of Wisconsin–Green Bay, a Criminal Justice education goes well beyond just catching the criminal. “Unlike programs that focus narrowly on enforcement,” said Christopher Kleps, UW-Green Bay assistant professor of Criminal Justice, “ours is rooted in social justice and interdisciplinary learning. We want students to understand the system from every angle—policing, courts, corrections, and the broader social structures that shape outcomes.”
A Degree Rooted in Social Justice and Community Engagement
It’s that broader approach that appealed to Green Bay native Cece Williams. She was already pursuing criminal justice at UW-Green Bay as a minor but immediately upgraded to the major when it became available. “I was more interested in the criminal justice aspects of law. I thought I should totally start now and just switch my major.” For Williams, the program offered a chance to pursue law while keeping doors open to other opportunities.
Williams’ decision to move from the minor to the major reflects the broader goals of a program that officially launched in August 2025 after several successful years as a minor. Built to meet a growing regional need, the major develops professionals who understand the full criminal justice system—law, policy, investigation and advocacy—and prepares them to serve the community’s evolving needs beyond traditional law enforcement.
For Williams, one of the early turning points was Democracy and Justice Studies 101. The course is team-taught by several professors, each bringing a different disciplinary lens to the subject. The course also emphasizes “high impact” experiences that ask students to connect theory to real-world problem-solving and civic engagement. “That class made me feel very secure where I see myself going in the next few years,” Williams said. The experience also confirmed her interest in criminal justice and encouraged her to commit fully to the new major.
She has also begun to apply what she’s learning outside the classroom. A short-term internship at a private law firm gave her the chance to experience the environment where Williams hopes to build her career. “It was a chance to see what it’s like to be in a law firm, to shadow and understand what the work involves.”
Support from her parents reinforced her decision. “They told me I was always more interested in criminal justice than political science,” she said. “They gave me that extra push to make the decision.”
Connecting Classroom Learning with Community Leadership
Beyond having a diploma in hand, UW–Green Bay’s Criminal Justice major is designed to prepare graduates for on-the-street impact, equipping them to step into roles where they are most needed. That mission has earned strong support from Green Bay’s civic leadership.
In a letter of endorsement, Mayor Eric Genrich wrote that “UW–Green Bay’s new Criminal Justice major will help prepare graduates who understand that community engagement and public trust are essential to lasting public safety. This program is an investment not only in students, but in the wellbeing of our city.”
Green Bay Police Chief Chris Davis offered a similar perspective, noting that “our community needs professionals who can bring diverse perspectives to the challenges of modern policing and justice. UW–Green Bay’s focus on equity and problem-solving will make a meaningful difference in how future leaders serve Green Bay.”
Students also benefit from direct engagement with community professionals. Guest speakers—judges, lawyers, victim advocates, police officers, and juvenile justice experts—connect classroom learning with current practice and challenges in the field. It’s this blending of academic preparation and community connection that appealed to Williams, who sees the major as a pathway toward a meaningful career.
Looking Ahead: Law School and Leadership
Williams is already planning her next steps. She hopes to take the LSAT and apply to law schools in Chicago or elsewhere after completing her degree. “My plan is to go to law school after I graduate,” she said. “I’m working on taking the LSAT soon, and then I’ll decide on the next steps.”
She also encourages others considering the major to think carefully about their goals. “The only advice I have is to make sure it’s something they really want to do,” she said. “If you’re confident in what you want, then go for it. Try it out.” And even if your primary experience with criminal justice comes from binge-watching Brooklyn Nine-Nine, UW–Green Bay’s new major offers the chance to see the system clearly—beyond the screen, and in the real world where justice is lived and shaped.