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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. Students may apply for an internship.

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

Required courses:

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
PSC 110 American National Government
PSC 316 Civil Liberties & Civil Rights

 

12 credits from the following:

SOC 220 Forensic Evidence
SOC 221 Crime Scene Investigation
SOC 270 Forensic Psychology
SOC 271 Child Abuse
SOC 272 Substance Abuse
SOC 281 Police and Society
SOC 291 Special Topic in Crim Justice
SOC 335 Probation & Parole
SOC 391 Special Topics in Crim Justice
*SOC 400 Internship
*PSC 400 Internship
PSC 417 Seminar in Law
PSY 265 Abnormal Behavior & Experience
PSY 270 Forensic Psychology
*PSY 400 Internship

*A maximum of six internship credits may be counted toward the major.