Overview

The major in Criminology provides a comprehensive understanding of crime and the criminal justice system.  The major prepares students to assume roles of leadership in this critical area of modern society.  Courses are designed to review theory, research, and applications of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime, as well as to understand the manner in which offenders are processed.  Students learn about the nature and extent of crime, different types of crime and theories to explain crime.  In addition, detailed analyses are made of the functions of the law, police, courts, and correctional systems and the ways in which these are linked to broader aspects of society.  

Curriculum Requirements

Required Courses
SOC 101Introduction to Sociology3
Select one of the following:3
Introduction to Social Research
Community Program Development and Evaluation EPS 452 for students who are also enrolled in the School of Education
Geographic Research Methods
Select one of the following options:3-4
Quantitative Methods for Sociologists
and Quantitative Methods Lab (Or equivalent 3-credit statistics course with Dept approval)
Introduction to Statistics and Research Design for students who have a mjor or minor in the School of Education
Introduction to Biobehavioral Statistics for Psychology majors or minors who also are majoring in Criminology
Introduction to Biobehavioral Statistics Section B for Psychology majors or minors who also are majoring in Criminology
SOC 371Criminology3
SOC 470Theories of Deviant Behavior3
SOC 271Criminal Justice3
or SOC 370 Juvenile Delinquency
Departmental Electives12
General Education Requirements
Written Communication Skills:
WRS 105First-Year Writing I3
WRS 106First-Year Writing II3
or ENG 106 Writing About Literature and Culture
Quantitative Skills:
MTH 113Finite Mathematics 33
Areas of Knowledge:
Arts and Humanities Cognate9
People & Society Cognate (fulfilled through the major)
STEM Cognate9
Additional Required Courses
Additional Major/Minor15-30
Science Course3
Foreign Language3
Electives42
Total Credit Hours120
1

GEG 306 can be substituted for SOC 210 and EPS 452 can be substituted for SOC 210 only by students who are also enrolled in the School of Education. 

2

PSY 291, PSY 292 can be substituted for SOC 211 only by students who are Psychology majors or minors and also majoring in Sociology or Criminology.  EPS 351 can be substituted for SOC 211 only by students who have a major or minor in the School of Education and Human Development.  

3

3 credit hours in a Mathematics course numbered MTH 108 or higher is required for graduation; MTH 113 is recommended for Criminology students.

*

A minimum final grade of C- in all courses offered by the Department

**

A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.0 in all courses offered by the Department

***

A minimum of 16 credit hours must be earned in residency in the Department; thus, only a maximum of 15 credit hours can be transferred from other institutions as eligible for the CRIMINOLOGY major

Suggested Plan of Study

Plan of Study Grid
Freshman Year
FallCredit Hours
MTH 113 Finite Mathematics 3
Language (first course) 3
Arts and Humanities Cognate (first course) 3
SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
WRS 105 First-Year Writing I 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Language (second course) 3
STEM Cognate (first course) 3
SOC 210 Introduction to Social Research 3
WRS 106 or ENG 106 First-Year Writing II
or Writing About Literature and Culture
3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Sophomore Year
Fall
SOC 211
SOC 212
Quantitative Methods for Sociologists
and Quantitative Methods Lab
4
Arts and Humanities Cognate (second course) 3
Minor (first course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours16
Spring
SOC 271 or 370 Criminal Justice
or Juvenile Delinquency
3
Minor (second course) 3
STEM Cognate (second course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Junior Year
Fall
SOC 371 Criminology 3
Minor (third course) 3
STEM Cognate (third course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Minor (fourth course) 3
Natural Science Course 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Senior Year
Fall
SOC 470 Theories of Deviant Behavior 3
Minor (fifth course)  
Arts and Humanities Cognate (third course) 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
Spring
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
Elective 3
 Credit Hours15
 Total Credit Hours121

Goals

The undergraduate program in Criminology has as its main objectives are to provide students with:

  • A strong component of a social science education, training in analytical and statistical skills that are highly valued by potential employers.
  • A valuable  undergraduate preparation for pursuing careers in such fields as law in society, in the local and state criminal justice systems (e.g., juvenile probation officer, pretrial services officer, crime analyst for criminal justice agencies), or in federal agencies (e.g., DEA).
  •  An excellent and comprehensive training program for students wishing to pursue graduate study in criminology, law school, criminal justice, sociology, or other social and behavioral sciences.

Student Learning Outcomes

  • Students will demonstrate a thorough understanding of Criminology, and the basic criminological theoretical concepts and knowledge base.
  • Students will develop and demonstrate critical thinking skills through the comprehension, analysis and critique of criminlogical theories.
  • Students will demonstrate an ability to understand and critique criminological research methodology. Students will have the ability to design and critique valid research studies and to identify reliable findings from such studies.