Criminal Justice B.S., Criminology Concentration

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Deepen Your Expertise with Our Criminology Concentration

If you're a Criminal Justice major looking to deepen your understanding of crime causes, patterns, and today’s key issues in crime and policy, this is the perfect fit for you. Designed for those who want to explore graduate studies in Criminology or pursue careers in crime analysis, policy, and control, this concentration offers a detailed and focused approach. It’s open to all Criminal Justice majors who are enthusiastic about engaging with and addressing the complexities and evolving challenges in the field of criminology.

Program Highlights

  • Study topics like Deviance, Organized Crime, and Victimology
  • Select from electives such as Comparative Justice Systems and Crime Policy
  • Apply up to 6 credits from Field Practicum or Independent Study

Master the Future of Criminology

Gain the skills and knowledge to analyze crime patterns, shape policy, and drive change in the field of criminology.

Discover What Makes Our Criminology Concentration Unique

  • Two students working on a project in a criminal justice class.

    Cutting-Edge Courses

    Our comprehensive criminology classes offer an in-depth look at the latest theories, emerging trends, and real-world issues. This curriculum is crafted to provide a thorough understanding of the field, equipping you for advanced study and impactful careers.

  • intern

    Hands-On Experience

    Build practical skills through immersive real-world opportunities. Through independent projects and internships, you'll apply classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios, gaining valuable experience that will enhance your expertise and prepare you for a successful career in criminology.

  • Three À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ students sit in a group of desks while discussing and working on classwork.

    Focused Exploration of Crime Patterns and Policy

    The Criminology concentration offers a comprehensive exploration of crime causation, patterns, and contemporary issues. This concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of how crimes develop and manifest in different societies.

What Can You Do with a Criminology Concentration?

A concentration in Criminology opens up a diverse range of career paths for graduates, leveraging their specialized knowledge in crime causation, patterns, and crime policy. Here’s an overview of potential career opportunities:

  • Corrections Specialist
  • Crime Analyst
  • Policy Analyst in Criminal Justice
  • Researcher in Criminal Justice
  • Specialized Consultant
  • Victim Advocate
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Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Criminology concentration is designed to provide Criminal Justice majors with a more in-depth and focused understanding of crime causation, crime patterns, and contemporary issues in crime and crime policy. This concentration will be particularly relevant for students who are interested in graduate study in Criminology and those who are interested in crime analysis, crime policy, and crime control. The concentration is open to all Criminal Justice majors.

Requirements for the Criminal Justice Major

The Criminal Justice major consists of 42 credits. All students must complete at least 21 credits of Criminal Justice coursework at À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ. There are six required courses in the major (Major Core) that comprise 18 of the 42 required credits. All Criminal Justice majors must complete the Major Core courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and no grade in any of the Major Core courses may be below a C-. Students may repeat any of these courses in order to meet this requirement, in accordance with the University's Course Repeat Policy.

  • Students are not required to take a concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree
  • Students may take only one concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree, even if they have completed the coursework for more than one concentration

Major Core Courses

  •  ENGLISHCriminal Justice Majors must take ENGL 0204 - Composition II: Rhetoric and Research (3 credits), preferably during their Sophomore year.
Requirements for Criminology Concentration

UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVES

Students choose upper-level electives in the major to complete 21 credits for the major, 18 of these upper-division elective credits must be from the courses listed below, to complete the 42-credit requirement. Students may take any other 3 upper-division credit Criminal Justice elective to complete the 21-credit upper-division credit requirement for the major.

  • Any CRJU Special topics course with content appropriate to Criminology
  •  Students may petition the department chair to apply relevant courses from other majors to be applied to Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice, Criminology Concentration.
Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the  and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in  or .

Get big school features with small school advantages.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Largest Criminal Justice, Government, and Non-Profit Career Fair in the Northeast held on campus

  • 92%+ of faculty hold doctorates 

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Learn from industry experts

The Criminal Justice Department is made up of 12 full-time faculty who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching. You’ll learn from professors who have expertise in homeland security, religious extremism, law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, criminal law, juvenile justice, gangs, multinational crime, crime mapping, and more.

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Frequently Asked Questions

Is À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ accredited?

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the  established by the  in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ cost?

À¶Ý®ÊÓƵ offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Criminal Justice B.S., Criminology Concentration