With over 500 majors and minors, the Criminology (CRM) Program is designed to provide an opportunity for understanding delinquent and criminal behavior along with the operation of the criminal justice system. Knowledge and investigation in these areas contributes to an appreciation of crime and justice as aspects of public affairs. Included in this understanding is an awareness of the societal, political and economic implications of various approaches to crime control policy. Furthermore, the CRM program renders a solid liberal arts education essential for either working in some aspect of the criminal justice system or pursuing further schooling, such as law school or graduate school.               

The CRM major introduces students to basic criminal justice terms, procedures and concepts. We are dedicated to informing citizens of issues involved with crime and crime control. We strive for a healthy balance between academic analysis and needed education for careers in the criminal justice field.

After completing the Criminology Program, students will gain knowledge in:

1. criminological theory
2. research methods in criminology and criminal justice.
3. policing and law enforcement.
4. criminal courts.
5. both institutional and community-based corrections.
6. diversity issues in the field of criminology and criminal justice, consistent with the cultural competence aspect of the University's public affairs mission.
7. community engagement with a criminology/criminal justice agency, consistent with the University's public affairs mission.

To graduate with a Bachelor's degree in Criminology, students must complete the University's General Education requirements, the  Criminology major program, a minor in a related area (chosen in consultation with an academic advisor), and earn a minimum of 125 total credit hours.

The following courses are required for the Criminology major:

Core Courses (21 credit hours)

• CRM 210: Introduction to the American Criminal Justice System
• CRM 320: The Causes of Delinquency and Crime
• CRM 340: Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
• CRM 350: The Police in American Society
• CRM 360: Criminal Law and the Courts
• CRM 370: Institutional and Community-Based Corrections
• CRM 598: Senior Seminar in Criminology

Criminology Electives (15 hours)

Students select CRM electives courses.  Topics include:

• Criminal Typologies
• Deliquency and the Juvenile Justice System
• Gender and Justice
• Race, Social Class, and Justice
• Comparative Criminal Justice
• Victimless Crime
• Homeland Security
• Gangs
• Drugs in Society
• Internship in Criminology

The CRM faculty have a wide range of experience in various aspects of the criminal justice system. They teach progressive, innovative and stimulating courses, conduct academic research in their respective areas, publish in scholarly outlets, give presentations at professional conferences, and provide a variety of services throughout the community.

CRM courses are taught in Strong Hall, a state-of-the-art facility for college instruction. Strong Hall contains high-tech classrooms bringing computer-assisted techniques into the learning environment.  We also offer many of our courses through online delivery.

Internship

Preferably in their senior year, students have the opportunity to become involved with an internship experience in a criminal justice agency.  In the past, CRM students have interned with law enforcement agencies, aspects of the court system, the juvenile justice system, as well as jails, prisons, and probation and parole offices.  We also encourage students to do an internship with agencies related to the justice system including victim centers, domestic violence shelters, and various social services providing assistance to both offender and at-risk populations.

The Criminal Justice Society

CRM majors and minors may get involved with the Criminal Justice Society, an extra-curricular student organization. The Society provides experiences not possible in the traditional classroom, such as "ride-alongs" with police departments, tours of area prisons, along with special guest speakers arranged by the Society.

The Criminal Justice Honor Society

Students may be eligible for membership in Alpha Phi Sigma, a national honor society for criminal justice students. To be eligible, a student must be a CRM major or minor, have completed at least 45 college credit hours with a cumulative grade point average of 3.0 or higher, and have taken at least 12 hours of CRM courses with a grade point average of 3.2 or higher. Membership in this honor society creates opportunities for community service and career networking.