COURSE CURRICULUM

The Criminology and Justice Studies undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a thorough understanding of crime, law, and justice through an interdisciplinary approach that integrates sociology, psychology, and legal studies. Core courses introduce students to the foundations of justice studies, criminological theory, and the social, cultural, and legal contexts in which crime occurs. Students explore critical topics such as minorities and women in crime and justice, emphasizing how societal structures, inequality, and systemic factors shape criminal behavior and justice outcomes. Research and data analysis courses equip students with essential quantitative and qualitative skills, preparing them to conduct rigorous social research and evaluate evidence-based policies and programs. Electives and upper-division courses allow students to tailor their studies to specific interests within criminology and justice, whether that involves law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, or policy analysis. The program also incorporates experiential learning opportunities, giving students practical experience through internships, research projects, and applied studies, which help bridge theory and practice while developing professional competencies. In addition to major-specific courses, students complete a robust set of general education requirements, including Kent Core composition, mathematics, humanities, social sciences, and basic sciences, as well as foreign language study, ensuring a well-rounded academic foundation. General electives further allow students to pursue interdisciplinary interests and broaden their academic and professional perspectives. Graduates of the program emerge with strong analytical, communication, and problem-solving skills, well-prepared to enter diverse roles in the criminal justice field, such as law enforcement, probation, corrections, policy research, or advocacy, or to continue their education in graduate programs. With its combination of academic rigor, experiential learning, and interdisciplinary study, the Criminology and Justice Studies program equips students to make informed, ethical, and impactful contributions to the understanding and administration of justice in contemporary society.