Criminology, B.S. Degree

Degree Type

Bachelor of Science

School

School of Arts and Sciences

Department

Sociology

The Criminology major is offered by the Sociology Department and draws extensively from the sociological discipline to prepare students for understanding crime and delinquency. This major leads to the Bachelor of Science (B.S.) degree. The program provides students with tools to critically evaluate the structural, cultural, and institutional social forces affecting lawmaking, lawbreaking, and societal reactions to deviance and lawbreaking. It is highly relevant to those seeking to advance in fields such as law enforcement, corrections, and legal professions.

The Criminology Major Components

• Basic courses: Introduction to the discipline for those with no training in sociology.
• Foundation courses: Grounding in sociological and criminological theory, analysis, and methods.
• Elective courses: Allow students to delve more deeply into specific areas of criminology and sociology.
• Senior Seminar Capstone: A research project and senior thesis.

Curriculum Requirements

A total of 120 credits is required for the B.S. degree, including a minimum of 60 credits of liberal arts. A minimum grade of C- or higher is required for all courses counted toward the major. A minimum 2.0 GPA is required in the major.

A. Liberal Education Curriculum

Refer to the Liberal Education Curriculum Bulletin for specific requirements.

B. Major Requirements: 40 credits

• Introductory Courses (2 courses) 8 credits:
  • SY1500 Introductory Sociology
  • CR1500 Introduction to Criminology
• Elective Courses (3 courses) 12 credits. Options include:
  • CR2090 Juvenile Delinquency
  • CR3092 Victimology
  • CR3093 Criminal Justice Administration
  • CR3094 Drugs and Society
  • CR3099 Sociology of Violence
• Foundation Courses (4 courses) 16 credits. Courses include:
  • SY4520 Research Methods I
  • SY4530 Sociological Theory I
  • SY4570 Research Methods II
  • CR4550 Theories of Crime
• The Capstone Course 4 credits:
  • SY5990 Senior Seminar

C. General Electives

Students may choose from a wide range of general elective courses to complete the 120-credit requirement. These electives offer students the opportunity to explore additional interests and supplement their major coursework. Elective choices should be made in consultation with academic advisors to ensure they align with the students' educational and career goals.