North Carolina Central University

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Welcome to the Criminal Justice Department

Justice in Action. Leadership in Service.

Jessica S Davis-Ganao Chair and Associate Professor, Criminal Justice

Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice at North Carolina Central University, where academic excellence, access, and service converge. Guided by our student-selected motto — "Justice in Action. Leadership in Service." — the department advances NCCU’s mission by preparing students to become ethical leaders, critical thinkers, and engaged citizens committed to the pursuit of truth and service.

As one of the university’s largest academic departments, Criminal Justice offers academically rigorous and flexible programs designed to support student success. Our offerings include traditional on-campus programs, two fully online undergraduate programs, and a Master of Science in Criminal Justice delivered through HyFlex instruction, allowing students to engage in learning environments that meet their academic, professional, and personal needs. The department is proud to be the only HBCU endorsed by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), reflecting our national recognition and commitment to academic quality.

Consistent with NCCU’s mission to foster civic engagement and leadership, the Department of Criminal Justice places students at the center of the learning experience. We host more student-led organizations than any other academic department on campus, providing meaningful opportunities for leadership development, service, and professional growth. These organizations are supported through our Leadership Hub, a dedicated smart space designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and student-led initiatives.

The department is also a leader in experiential and applied learning, sponsoring more study abroad and experiential learning opportunities than any other academic department at NCCU. These high-impact practices allow students to apply theory to practice while engaging with local, national, and global communities. Our two departmental institutes further support research, interdisciplinary learning, and community partnerships aligned with the university’s commitment to public service.

Consistent with NCCU’s mission to foster civic engagement and leadership, the Department of Criminal Justice places students at the center of the learning experience. We host more student-led organizations than any other academic department on campus, providing meaningful opportunities for leadership development, service, and professional growth. These organizations are supported through our Leadership Hub, a dedicated smart space designed to promote collaboration, innovation, and student-led initiatives.

The department is also a leader in experiential and applied learning, sponsoring more study abroad and experiential learning opportunities than any other academic department at NCCU. These high-impact practices allow students to apply theory to practice while engaging with local, national, and global communities. Our two departmental institutes further support research, interdisciplinary learning, and community partnerships aligned with the university’s commitment to public service.

The Department of Criminal Justice is led by Dr. Jessica Davis Ganao, the first woman and first alum to serve as chair of the department. Her leadership reflects NCCU’s mission-driven focus on excellence, accountability, and student success.

We invite prospective students, current students, alumni, and community partners to engage with a department that exemplifies NCCU’s commitment to truth and service, academic excellence, and transformative education in criminal justice.