Criminology is the study of crime. Students learn about the processes and institutions of the criminal legal system.
Specifically, students learn how law enforcement, courts, corrections and community organizations address crime in society. In addition, Criminology teaches students to examine structural challenges, behavior patterns, and criminal trends. Criminologists study the frequency, location and causes of crime. They collect data, analyze their findings and present policy recommendations. Students in Criminology pay particular attention to societal definitions of crime and public responses to perceived criminality. In short, Criminology prepares students with the analytical, research and organizational skills to improve the criminal legal system for both victims and offenders.
Students in Criminology seek professional opportunities as:
- police officers
- lawyers
- judges
- correctional officers
- probation officers
- crime scene investigators
- criminal profilers
- FBI, CIA, ATF, DEA, etc. agents
- community service managers
- alcohol/drug case workers
- mental health counselors
- victim advocates
- community developers
- youth development specialists
- family service workers
Criminology students can also seek employment opportunities as consultants, liaisons, or employees for government agencies, policy advisory boards, think tanks or private security companies.
The Criminology degree also provides a foundation for graduate work in Law, Social Work, Sociology, Public Policy and​ Public Health.