Bachelor of Arts - Criminology and Justice Studies

The Criminology and Justice Studies major is offered through the Sociology Department. This major draws on the intellectual traditions of sociology and critical criminology to understand the social correlates of crime and justice. The major provides students with a theoretical and practical foundation for building a lifelong understanding of crime and social justice and the myriad social processes surrounding both. Students majoring in Criminology and Justice Studies will be able to evaluate critically issues of crime and justice and to pursue solutions for positive social change. The degree also provides students with the requisite skills for graduate study and/or entry-level practice in the areas of social justice, administration of justice, and criminal justice systems.

Students who graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies will be able to:

The degree prepares students to pursue careers in criminal justice and social service agencies, as well as graduate study in such fields as criminology, law, criminal justice, and justice studies. Students with a bachelor’s degree in Criminology and Justice Studies can pursue a wide variety of job opportunities which include government as well as community service agencies geared toward youth and families, law enforcement and correctional agencies, and non-profit organizations that examine social and legal justice practices both at home and abroad. Students pursuing careers in traditional criminal justice fields such as law enforcement, probation and prisons will have a solid foundation to work and effect social change in these fields. Our program prepares students to be transformative leaders in a variety of locations, from probation and legal advocacy to community activism and policy research. Students should consult with advisors in appropriate areas as they plan their studies.