Alumni Profiles

Criminal Justice Major

The criminal justice major combines required courses in sociology and political science to give a well-rounded understanding of the social, psychological, political and legal issues relevant to the problem of crime. Courses analyze how and why various crimes are committed and focus on the crimes of homicide, arson, rape, burglary, robbery, child abuse, organized crime and white collar crime. In addition, the criminal justice system itself is studied. Issues dealing with the constitutional rights of the accused are dealt with extensively in both the sociology and political science courses. Students may also choose to take courses in the areas of substance abuse, juvenile delinquency, and child abuse. An internship is required of all students in the criminal justice program.

Degree Requirements: Bachelor of Arts with a major in criminal justice

Requried courses:

PSC 110 American National Government
PSC 316 Civil Liberties & Civil Rights
SOC 110 Introduction to Sociology
SOC 245 Crime & Criminals
SOC 278 Juvenile Justice
SOC 310 Research Tools for Soc Science
SOC 311 Research Methods in Sociology
SOC 331 Criminology
SOC 333 Criminal Justice
SOC 499 Senior Seminar

Six credits of internship in Sociology, Political Science, or Psychology

Two of:

PSY 265 Abnormal Behavior & Experience
PSY 270 Forensic Psychology
SOC 220 Forensic Evidence
SOC 271 Child Abuse
SOC 272 Substance Abuse
SOC 290 Special Topics
SOC 390 Special Topics