COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology major at St. Thomas University is a well-structured program that introduces students to the key areas of criminological theory, criminal justice, research methods, and specialized topics through an interdisciplinary lens. To begin the major, students must complete two introductory courses: CRIM 1013, Introduction to Criminology, and CRIM 1023, Introduction to Criminal Justice. These foundational courses are prerequisites for all other Criminology courses and provide essential insights into the nature of crime, the functioning of the justice system, and their interrelation within society. Students must also take one theory course—either CRIM 2013, Early Criminological Theory, or CRIM 3013, Contemporary Criminological Theory—along with one course in research methodology, choosing between CRIM 2103, Introduction to Qualitative Research Methods, or CRIM 2113, Introduction to Quantitative Research Methods.The core of the major is organized into six thematic course streams: Cultural Studies, Criminal Justice Studies, Law and Society Studies, Vulnerable Populations Studies, Police and Security Studies, and Theoretical and Methodological Studies. Students are required to take at least three credit hours from each of these six streams, amounting to 18 credit hours. These streams cover a broad range of subjects, from media portrayals of crime and green criminology to youth justice, corporate crime, and feminist legal studies. Additionally, students must complete another six credit hours of Criminology electives from any of the streams, bringing the total requirement for the major to 36 credit hours.This diverse structure allows students to gain a broad and deep understanding of crime and justice while focusing on areas of personal or professional interest. The curriculum also encourages critical thinking about systemic issues in justice and equips students with the analytical tools and research skills necessary for careers in law enforcement, policy development, social advocacy, or graduate studies in related fields.