There are nine essential skills you should have in order to find, acquire, maintain, and grow within a job.

Essential skills build through majoring in Criminal Justice & Criminology include:

• Career Development
• Professionalism & Work Ethic
• Critical Thinking

Click here to learn more about each essential skill.

Students graduating in Criminal Justice & Criminology often find themselves working in the public sector at Local, State or Federal levels; law enforcement; courts and corrections

Click here to explore career opportunities by major.

Students who choose to pursue a graduate degree often consider graduate pathways at:

• University of Colorado-Denver
• University of Colorado-Colorado Springs
• University of Northern Colorado

Click here to learn more about applying to graduate school.

Major milestones consist of activities students should complete during their first year, middle years and last year at MSU Denver. These milestones will help prospective and current students explore major and career options and create a year-by-year plan to integrate curricular (what happens inside the classroom), co-curricular (what happens inside and outside the classroom, and non-curricular (what happens outside the classroom) experiences. For example, milestones might list specific classes student should take at specific times along their journey or may suggest when students should participate in research opportunities with faculty members.

Simply put, Major Milestones are meant to enhance your student experience and set you up for success.

To use this tool to the fullest, follow these steps

1. Click on your year in school from the list below.
2. Read the steps listed in each category: Cultivate, Engage and Prepare.
3. Complete any necessary steps listed.
4. Check out further resources by connecting with your academic advisor, the Classroom to Career Hub, and your department faculty.

All options listed below are available in-person and online unless noted otherwise.

• Attend orientation and register for classes.
• Meet with your Academic Advisor.
• Complete FAFSA/CASFA/COF and the General Scholarship Application.

• Join a student organization and get connected to support on campus.
• Declare a major, (explore our fully online programs!) or meet with an exploratory advisor to learn about options.
• Attend signature events on campus (Convocation, Fall Fest, Spring Fling, etc.).

• Visit the Criminal Justice & Criminology department in-person
• Explore the Academic Yearly Plan
• Follow the CJC department on social media

• Explore student groups and clubs
• Connect with a current student or faculty member for coffee
• Reach out to the Honors Program to see if you qualify

• Begin to explore possible career pathways
• Add courses to begin building essential skills
• Develop and refine your digital skills

• Consider adding a minor or certificate to your chosen major.
• Explore resources like the tutoring program or the writing center.
• Get familiar with MSU Denver’s Academic Planning Tool.

• Explore student leadership on campus and volunteering in your community.
• Earn credit and gain experience through an internship, study abroad, or community-engaged learning.
• Attend identity or interest-based campus events like the Richard T. Castro speaker series.

• Connect with the Undergraduate Research and Scholarship program.
• Attend an in-person Career Fair to network and secure a professional headshot.
• Connect with the Classroom to Career Hub (C2Hub) for opportunities for professional mentoring and job shadowing.

• Explore Study Abroad &/or Student Travel Opportunities
• Meet with a department advisor to discuss progress to completion
• Consider a specialization or concentration

• Apply for teaching or research assistant positions in your department
• Attend signature department events, like Senior Seminar Conference
• Check out the study spaces near the department in Administration Bldg. 310

• Consider enrolling in electives with a Global or Local focus
• Seek out academic mentors within your departments
• Consider graduate school or other postgraduate training

• Meet with your advisor to complete remaining graduation requirements.
• Ready to Graduate? Check out this guide from the registrar!
• Attend or present in-person at a major-specific or industry-specific conference or networking event.

• Attend in-person alumni and campus-wide networking events.
• Submit a proposal to present in-person at the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Seek to collaborate with local civic organizations.

• Finalize your portfolio of relevant projects and skills.
• Attend in-person career-focused events with an industry-ready resume.
• Identify needs for Professional Certifications or MCAT/LSAT etc. and prepare for professional school admissions.
• Prepare and submit applications for jobs, graduate school, or relevant post-grad training.

• Complete a Senior Capstone course
• Look for and participate in research projects
• Submit to undergraduate publications like The Rowdy Scholar

• Join national professional organizations or subscribe to affiliated publications/newsletters.
• Consider attending a local conference, and/or the Undergraduate Research Conference.
• Consider offering to guest lecture for a local group/school or lower-division course.

• Attend networking events, within department and university
• If applying for graduate school, connect with your faculty for recommendation letters
• Create an academic CV or professional portfolio