The Sociology/Anthropology Department  offers the major in criminology which focuses on the nature and causes of crime, as well as on the analysis of crime control policy. The B.A. in criminology allows students to pursue focused study in criminology within the context of a broad liberal arts education. It offers the dual options of preparation for immediate entry into employment in the criminal justice area or pursuit of advanced studies in criminology and related fields at the graduate level. With appropriate guidance from advisors, students can combine the criminology major with course work in other areas that will prepare them for graduate-level studies in specialty areas such as forensics, computer crime investigation, law, counseling and social work.

Student Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of this program, students will be able to:

1. Acquire a solid knowledge base in the discipline of sociology, the discipline from which criminology emerged.
2. Develop a theoretical and practical understanding of the causes and consequences of, and the range of societal responses to, crime.
3. Collect information necessary to address a research topic or hypothesis through library research, analysis of electronic data sources, and both quantitative and qualitative analytical techniques.
4. Develop an ability to think critically and creatively about the society we live in, and to communicate their ideas and the ideas of others clearly and effectively, both verbally and in writing.
5. Develop an understanding of the relevance of social stratification along class, race, ethnic, gender, disability, sexual orientation and age lines for both criminal behavior and the criminal justice system.
6. Prepare (through course work and experiential learning) for graduate study and/or successful careers in criminology or related fields.

Career Potential

• Law enforcement
• Substance abuse counseling
• Corrections
• Criminal investigation
• Probation
• Social work
• Youth counseling
• Human services