COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Criminal Justice degree program requires 36 credits within the major and provides students with a strong foundation in criminological theory, criminal justice systems, sociology, research, and professional practice. The core curriculum includes Introduction to Criminal Justice, Introduction to Sociology, and Criminology and Social Theory, which help students understand crime, deviant behavior, and the structure and functions of the justice system. Students also complete Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice to develop analytical and evidence-based research skills, a Criminal Justice Internship that provides practical field experience, and a Capstone course that integrates academic knowledge with professional application. In addition to the core courses, students complete 18 elective credits by either selecting any six courses within the Criminology and Criminal Justice major or choosing one of two specialized concentrations: Justice Systems or Crime, Law, and Society. The Justice Systems concentration focuses on the operational and professional aspects of criminal justice institutions such as policing, courts, corrections, homeland security, investigations, and forensic science. Students in this concentration may study subjects including criminal law, criminal investigation, juvenile justice, cybercrime, homeland security, criminal procedure law, victimology, negotiation and conflict management, intelligence studies, terrorism and counterterrorism, rehabilitation strategies, forensic investigations, and criminal justice ethics. This concentration prepares students for practical careers in law enforcement, investigations, corrections, and related justice professions. The Crime, Law, and Society concentration examines the relationship between crime and broader social issues, emphasizing topics such as inequality, race, gender, mental health, violence, deviance, public health, media influence, wrongful convictions, gangs, organized crime, terrorism, forensic psychology, hate crimes, and social justice. Students explore how crime affects individuals and communities while evaluating social and legal responses to criminal behavior. Both concentrations also address contemporary issues such as cybercrime, domestic violence, mass shootings, and global terrorism. Overall, the program combines criminological theory, sociology, legal studies, research methods, practical training, and social analysis to prepare graduates for careers in criminal justice, law enforcement, policy analysis, victim advocacy, homeland security, forensic services, community organizations, and advanced graduate or law studies.