Criminology
Bennion
Center
LEAP
Learning Abroad
Office of
Undergraduate Research
40
Average
Class Size
Courses
Getting Started
- Meet with a Criminology Advisor to discuss the major/certificate
- Consider taking an introductory course: CRIM 1010 Intro to Criminal Justice
Making Progress
- Check progress towards graduation with your Degree Audit
- Take CRIM 3561 – Criminology
- Explore electives that support your interests
- Complete required courses such as Diversity and Justice, Research Methods, Statistics
Finishing Up
- Explore for-credit internships up to 6 internship credits can count toward your major
- Explore for-credit research opportunities in the Sociology department
- Apply for graduation within 2 semesters of completing coursework
Community
Getting Started
- Consider enrolling in a LEAP learning community
- Join the Sociology Criminology Student Association (SCSA)
- Get involved at the Bennion Center as a volunteer
- Explore other clubs & organizations
Making Progress
- Consider participating in student leadership opportunities such as the CSBS Ambassador Program or CSBS Solution Scholars
- Attend Learning Abroad Info Sessions
- Plan & attend events in the Sociology Department
Finishing Up
- Get involved with the Alumni Association
- Lead a grassroots community research project for individual research credit
- Mentor incoming Criminology students
Knowledge & Skills
Getting Started
Consider Gen Ed courses like:
- POLS 1100 – American National Government
- COMM 1270 – Analysis of Argument
- PHIL 1001 - Intro to Ethical Dilemmas
Consider joining the Honors program by meeting with the Criminology Honors Advisor
Making Progress
- Become a teaching assistant for a criminology class
- Gain research experience through an independent study and/or working with a faculty member
- Consider adding a minor or dual major – there are many pairings available with this major!
- Utilize the Learning Center for tutoring services
Finishing Up
- Present or publish your research (independently or with a faculty mentor)
- Write an honors thesis based on your community engaged learning, service, or internship experience
- Complete the requirements to become a Community Engaged Scholar or receive the Undergraduate Research Scholar designation
Transformation
Getting Started
- Consider social justice movements you are passionate about
- Take an Diversity & Justice course within the Criminology Major
Making Progress
- Take SBS 2700 Career Exploration
- Consider which Criminology electives align with your passions
- Consider some courses outside the major that will help you develop a niche of interest
Finishing Up
- Attend a social or cultural event you have never experienced before
- Read a book about cultures different from your own or a social justice issue
- Lead a grassroots project to support a social cause that aligns with your interests
Impact
Getting Started
- Meet with a Student Success Coach
- Create a timeline to graduate
- Explore volunteer opportunities at the Bennion Center & with community partners
Making Progress
- Become a CSBS Ambassador
- Complete a service project with the Bennion Center or volunteer with local non-profits, community and social services, or other organizations that align with your interests
- Participate in an Alternative Spring/Fall Break
- Consider a Learning Abroad experience
Finishing Up
- Participate in the democratic process by getting registered to vote
- Reach out to local representatives about an issue you care about
- Present or publish research (independently or with a faculty mentor)
- Write an honors thesis based on your community engaged learning, service, or internship experience
Careers
Getting Started
- Explore the U Career Success on Campus
- Meet with a Career Coach to identify your strengths, interests, personality & values
- Start a LinkedIn profile
- Meet with a Pre-professional Advisor to explore professional programs
Making Progress
- Conduct informational interviews with professionals and identify relevant transferable skills you would like to develop
- Explore the Careers in Criminology Website
- Attend a Careers in Criminology Panel Event
- Research Graduate Programs & application requirements
- Collect letters of recommendation
Finishing Up
- Create or update your resume
- Attend a Career Fair or Expo
- Complete a for-credit internship
- Explore the Careers in Criminology Website
- Research and prepare to apply for Graduate School
Start Your Career Journey
Find support at the Career and Professional Development Center (CPDC)
About the Major
The Criminology major at the U provides you with an in-depth exploration of crime as a social phenomenon. This includes empirical research on crime and criminal behavior, the tools and methods used to study and prevent crime, and the institutions involved in the processing of juvenile and adult offenders. Criminology is a flexible major that is offered by the Department of Sociology and Criminology and can be easily paired with other majors and minors. You can tailor your degree to suit your interests, passions, and future goals by choosing from a wide variety of classes across several departments, including Sociology, Psychology, Anthropology, and Political Science. As a criminology major, you will gain a well-rounded education through courses that cover topics like social deviance, ethics, adult clinical psychology, and corrections administration. You can take advantage of opportunities to expand your skills and gain hands-on, real-world experience with a criminology internship that allows you to work in a community criminal justice setting. The criminology major is also unique in that it can be completed entirely online. This major provides you with a foundation that allows you to recognize the significance of crime at all levels. A major in criminology at the U will empower you to play a meaningful role in criminal justice and provide a valuable opportunity to shape policies that can affect individuals, families, and communities on a daily basis.
Learning Outcomes
- Understand criminology and criminal justice as interdisciplinary, social science disciplines
- Utilize theoretical perspectives to guide criminological/criminal justice research
- Use research methods to better understand and analyze the social world and human behaviors
- Communicate effectively in both written and oral forms about criminological/criminal justice issues
- Employ critical thinking and knowledge of best practices to evaluate issues in criminology and criminal justice including policy implication, criminal justice intervention s victims’ rights, and other relevant issues
- Demonstrate a critical understanding of diversity and inequality as manifested in the criminal justice system locally, nationally, and/or globally
Plan & Prepare
At the U, we plan for our students to have an exceptional Educational Experience identified by four broad categories we call the Learning Framework: Community, Knowledge & Skills, Transformation, and Impact. This major map will help you envision, explore, design, and plan your personalized Exceptional Education Experience with the Learning Framework at the core. In addition to assisting you in planning your coursework and navigating the requirements of your major, this map will help you incorporate other kinds of experiences to expand your knowledge, support your development, and prepare you for the future you want.