Criminology & Criminal Justice BA

In the Criminology & Criminal Justice program, students study the root causes of crime and deviant behavior in society. They further examine what motivates individuals who break the law, and the impact of crime on victims and society as a whole. Our courses also focus on the various mechanisms of law enforcement and control at the local, state, federal and international levels. By studying the causes of crime, students will be prepared to offer practical, evidence-based solutions for crime prevention and improving the quality of life, and to evaluate the effectiveness of crime policies.

The Criminology & Criminal Justice degree has two concentrations that students may pursue. The concentration in Justice Systems closely examines the functions and operations of the three main components of the criminal justice system – the police, courts, and corrections – and helps students develop the practical skills needed for a wide variety of criminal justice professions. The concentration in Crime, Law and Society closely examines social problems and their implications for crime and the criminal justice system, as well as the impact of crime on society. In both concentrations, students may examine the growing implications of cybercrime, terrorism, and transnational crime.

Criminology & Criminal Justice graduates, with the combination of a strong theoretical background and a practical skill set, will be well-prepared for advanced graduate studies and law school, as well as a variety of careers in state and federal law enforcement, investigation, victim advocacy, policy research and analysis. This degree offers students the opportunity to pursue a future in one of the most exciting, diverse and fastest growing fields.

Potential Career Paths

Law enforcement (Local, State, Federal)
Investigation
Forensics
Cyber security
Private security
Emergency management
Law
Government
Human rights
Research (Non-profits, Private foundations, Government agencies)
Social Services / Case Management
Victim Advocacy
Child Welfare
Corrections

Program Learning Outcomes

Knowledge and Understanding: Consistent with the criteria established by the Academy of Criminal Justices Sciences (ACJS), students will acquire a thorough knowledge and understanding of administration of justice; corrections; criminological theory; law adjudication, law enforcement; and research and analytic methods.
Critical Thinking: Students will learn and demonstrate critical thinking, skeptical inquiry, and the scientific approach to problem solving by selecting and organizing information, identifying assumptions and causal relationships, distinguishing between verifiable facts and value claims, determining the credibility of sources, distinguishing between warranted or unwarranted reasons or conclusions, detecting biases, and evaluating appropriate problem solving strategies, their feasibility and efficacy.
Effective Communication: Students will be able to communicate effectively, in writing and verbally, in a clear, concise, articulate, literate, and professional manner consistent with the conventions of the English language, of college writing, and with those specific to the discipline of criminology and criminal justice.
Information and Technological Literacy: Students will be able to demonstrate information literacy and technological competency utilizing the most current computer-based library computer systems and academic databases, governmental resources, and other bona-fide informational resources to facilitate the study of criminal justice and criminology.
Identify, assess, and propose policies to improve crime outcomes and criminal justice systems.