Criminology, B.A.

The study of criminology equips students with the theoretical knowledge, empirical research methods, and critical thinking skills necessary to address complex issues of crime and justice in contemporary society. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology offers students a social science education focused on understanding crime, justice, and the criminal justice system as social phenomena. Students develop analytical and research skills while exploring the causes and patterns of criminal behavior and crime control strategies, why certain activities are criminalized, and the effectiveness of justice institutions. Students choose between two concentrations: General Criminology, which provides comprehensive knowledge of the causes and consequences of crime and crime control, as well as the operations of the criminal justice system, or Public Criminology, which emphasizes community-engaged scholarship and applied research. With opportunities for hands-on learning through practicum experiences in a wide variety of criminal justice and crime-related agencies, graduates are prepared for careers within the criminal justice system as well as professions addressing the broader social issues surrounding crime, or for continued study in graduate or law school.

Computer Requirement

To satisfy the computer requirement for the B.A. degree in Criminology a student must successfully complete CRM 301 (SOC 301 ).

Oral Communication Requirement

To satisfy the oral communication requirement for the B.A. degree in Criminology a student must successfully complete CRM 495 or CRM 496 (SOC 496 ) or CRM 499 .

Applied Learning Requirement

To satisfy the applied learning requirement for the B.A. degree in Criminology a student must successfully complete one of the following: CRM 256 (SOC 256 ), CRM 300 (SOC 300 ), CRM 301 (SOC 301 ), CRM 490 , CRML 490 , or CRM 491 .

Requirements for a Major in Criminology

Core Courses (21 Credit Hours)

CRM 105 - Introduction to Criminal Justice
SOC 105 - Introduction to Sociology
CRM 255 - Criminology (SOC 255)
CRM 300 - Methods of Social Research (SOC 300)
CRM 301 - Quantitative Data Analysis (SOC 301)
CRM 302 - Qualitative Data Analysis (SOC 302)
CRM 360 - Criminological Theory

Concentrations (21 Credit Hours)

In addition, students must complete one of the concentrations below:

Option 1. General Criminology (21 Credit Hours)

This option provides students with comprehensive training in understanding the causes and consequences of crime and crime control. Students will examine theoretical explanations for criminal behavior and why certain activities are criminalized, patterns of crime in society, and the operations and effectiveness of the criminal justice system.

Sociology Electives (6 Credit Hours)

At least one elective must be at the 300 level or higher.

Senior Seminar (3 Credit Hours)

Option 2. Public Criminology (21 Credit Hours)

This option provides students with intensive training in using sociology/criminology to inform real life social issues. Students will engage in activities that seek to address social problems within the local community and disseminate these research findings beyond the academy. In addition to the required core courses, students must complete:

Senior Seminars (9 Credit Hours)

CRM 391 - Public and Applied Sociology and Criminology Seminar (3 hours in fall)
CRM 496 - Practicum in Public and Applied Sociology and Criminology (6 hours in spring)

Total Credit Hours: 42

Additional Information

An overall average of “C” (2.00) or better must be maintained in all criminology courses used to satisfy the major and minor. Students must receive a “C” or higher in all of their core criminology courses. Students may only receive one “D” in their criminology electives. (A D- does not count as a D).