Criminology and Criminal Justice

Courses in the major emphasize social scientific theories and research methods while examining a range of topics pertinent to crime and justice: race, class, and gender disparities; structural and institutional racism; criminalization; punishment and reentry; criminal justice ethics; mental illness; substance abuse; immigration; politics; and reimagining criminal justice as a response to crime and deviance.

In this program, you will:

-Learn the ins and outs of the criminal justice system, including its history, structure, and operation, as well as its impact on individuals, communities, and society as a whole,

-Explore theories and concepts from sociology, psychology, and political science as they relate to crime and justice issues,

-Develop an appreciation for the ways in which social science knowledge can be applied to pertinent career fields, and how sociological knowledge can be applied to important life choices, regardless of your career path.

Serve your community as a police officer or detective. Advocate for victims of crime as a legal or victim advocate. Or, delve into the world of intelligence analysis and policy-making. Whatever your passions may be, a degree in criminal justice equips you with the tools you need to make a difference.