Criminal Justice Degree Online

The Department of Sociology & Criminology focuses on social relationships in a wide variety of cultural and social settings. Its programs seek to help students achieve an awareness of the world in which they live and of the causes and consequences of human social behavior.

Classes in sociology and criminology range from those covering social institutions such as the criminal justice system and the family to those that make the daily headlines. Recent special topics have tackled the issues of school shootings, terrorism, and drug use in society.
SOCIOLOGY CRIMINOLOGY INTERNSHIPS

Sociology at Valparaiso University is a dynamic major that allows students to explore the social world in which they live. Sociology students at Valparaiso University receive a broad education that combines the best of the liberal arts tradition with the practicalities of job related skills. Our students take courses in both social theory and research design. They learn to analyze social problems using critical thinking skills and they can learn to conduct program evaluations using the latest computer software.

The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a traditional sociology major and the option to concentrate in criminology. The concentration in criminology offers students opportunities to learn criminological perspectives and concepts, conduct research, serve the community, and do internships. We prepare students for a variety of careers related to criminal justice, crime prevention and intervention, or advocacy, or for graduate or law school.

All Criminology students are required to do at least one internship and are encouraged to have more than one. Sociology majors not in the Criminology concentration are also encouraged to participate in one internship.

Undergraduate Degrees

B.A. or B.S. in Sociology
Students will gain an understanding of the dynamics, principles and patterns that govern human interaction. Areas of study include the family, small group processes, large scale organizations, deviance, political protest, race and minority relations, public policy, poverty and social welfare, the rise of cities, crime and delinquency, sociology of culture, media and communications and social work. The Sociology curriculum has three components:
Introductory Sociology and a broad array of electives open to majors and non-majors.
Foundation courses in sociological theory, research methods and cross-cultural analysis open to
majors only.
A Senior Seminar in which majors complete an independent research paper in consultation with a
faculty mentor and classmates.

B.S. in Criminology
The Criminology discipline offers students an understanding of the complexities underlying the social problems of crime and delinquency and provides a foundation that enables them to evaluate the utility of various crime control methods, including legislative policies, policing, incarceration, as well as preventive and restorative solutions. It is highly relevant to those seeking to advance in the fields of law enforcement, corrections, law and intelligence.

Students interested in this degree must apply for admission to the major. The requirements include proficiency in reading and writing and completion of the Introductory Sociology course.
The Criminology Curriculum has three components:
Elective courses in Criminal Justice Administration, Introduction to Criminology, Juvenile
Delinquency, Punishment and Corrections, Victimology, and Computers and Social Statistics, open
to majors and non-majors.
Foundation Courses in sociological and criminology theory, research methods, and cross-cultural
analysis (open to majors only)
A Senior Seminar in which majors complete an independent research paper in consultation with a
faculty mentor and classmates.

Minors

Environmental Studies
Students interested in environmental issues may enhance their knowledge of the interaction of humans with their environment by pursuing a minor in Environmental Studies. This interdisciplinary course of studies exposes the student to both environmental sciences as practiced in biology and chemistry, as well as policy issues, which are explored from a social science perspective. Students who are majoring in the natural sciences may wish to pursue this minor in preparation for a career in environmental research. Students in the Social Sciences and Humanities may want to broaden their knowledge of environmental issues in preparation for a career involving environmental policy or law. Direct participation in environmental agencies and organizations on Long Island or independent laboratory research on an environmental problem is an important aspect of this minor. Sponsoring departments: American Studies, Biological Sciences, Chemistry/Physics, Politics, Economics and Law; Psychology and Sociology

Global Studies
Offered in cooperation with the History & Philosophy and Politics, Economics and Law Departments, the Global Studies minor contains two options. The first option brings together the international and regional courses offered in History & Philiosophy, Modern Languages and Politics, Economics & Law to enhance students’ understanding of the issues and challenges associated with the present stage of economic globalization, and to prepare them for a rapidly changing world. The second option (ML/PEL) recognizes the importance of foreign language study. It requires two years of course work in a foreign language: one year as part of General Education, the second year within the minor.

Pre-Law Studies
Law schools maintain that there is no particular undergraduate major that will best prepare students for admission to the study of the law. In accepting applicants, all use LSAT scores, GPA’s, reference letters, personal written statements, and various indicators of applicants’ interest in and suitability for entry into the profession. However, schools have identified the requisite skills for success in the completion of a law degree. They include analytical and problem-solving skills; the ability to reason, to construct a logical argument, and to present that cogently orally and in writing. A strong liberal arts education is crucial in developing these abilities. Through a curriculum that crosses the disciplines of American Studies, History & Philosophy, Politics, Economics and Law, and Sociology, students access a range of courses which contribute to a knowledge base that is pertinent to law studies. The curriculum of the minor pulls together courses in the liberal arts disciplines of economics, history, philosophy, political economy, political science, and sociology. Sponsoring departments: American Studies; History & Philosophy, Modern Languages; Politics, Economics and Law; and Sociology.

Public Policy
In conjunction with the Health & Society faculty of the Biological Sciences Department and the PEL Department, the Sociology Department offers this minor to give students an opportunity to explore the role of government in addressing current issues of public concern.

The Criminal Justice program at SDSU offers a course of study leading to a Bachelors of Science in Criminal Justice. This 120 unit degree appeals to students who are interested in working in the fields of: law, law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections or other social service agencies. This degree also prepares students to undertake law school or graduate school in criminal justice or a related field. The Criminal Justice B.S. program welcomes students returning to school who are interested in earning their degree to assist in furthering their career goals.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology program offers students a unique opportunity to integrate knowledge from the fields of sociology, criminology and criminal justice. The program emphasizes research methods and theoretical perspectives in criminal justice and criminology with substantive course work in international criminal justice, social control systems and criminal justice policy.

The Master of Criminal Justice and Criminology is a joint program offered by the School of Public Affairs and the Department of Sociology. Students earning a MCJC undertake a course of study that prepares them to teach at the community college level; for further academic work in a doctoral degree program; or to work in the field of criminal justice as a researcher or policy analyst. Students in the MCJC program are generally full time students who expect to finish the 30-unit degree in two years. For students who have not had experience in the criminal justice field an internship of up to 12 units may be required. Students will complete supervised independent research leading to a thesis as part of their degree requirements.

The School of Public Affairs at San Diego State University also offers a graduate concentration in Criminal Justice within the MPA program. The primary objective of this degree is to prepare qualified graduate students for a variety of leadership roles in government and community service agencies, as well as to provide a solid educational footing for those interested in an advanced degree. It is designed to develop in students an analytical perspective toward the criminal justice system and its relation to society in general. The program is specifically tailored for those interested in pursuing an administrative/analytical/social policy approach to the study of Criminal Justice.

The Criminal Justice program gives students the opportunity to critically examine how justice is administered, and to confront fundamental issues they will face as law-related employees and responsible citizens. The faculty specialties are diverse and draw on areas of study such as law, police, science, history and sociology. Students can major or minor in Criminal Justice.

Sociology is a vibrant and exciting discipline that prepares you to MAKE A DIFFERENCE in our society. The faculty and staff are committed to helping you develop personally and professionally into the “movers and shakers” that will positively influence the world of tomorrow. Our program focuses on CIVIC ENGAGEMENT, SOCIAL JUSTICE, AND GLOBAL CHANGE.

As a sociology student you can expect to gain a broad understanding of how societies operate, and more in-depth understanding of particular institutions, (e.g., health care, labor and industry, popular culture), and issues (e.g., environment, sex, gender, racism, globalization). Graduates of our program are well prepared for graduate school, medical and law school, and direct entry to the public and private sector.

Cross Cultural Experiential Requirement

Wesleyan’s program requires students to complete one academically supervised cross cultural experience; most often achieved through credit bearing international travel classes, but may take other forms (independent study, internship, etc.).

Department Activities, Off-Campus Trips, and Internships

Wesleyan’s sociology students are provided opportunities to travel to Washington, D.C. each semester. In addition, three community service trips to Bolivia are scheduled during the year as well as Alternative Spring Break experiences. Sociology majors and minors are encouraged to be active in a number of campus organizations and research projects and to complete an internship experience. Students have completed internships as such settings as: Women’s Aid in Crisis, Stockert Youth Center, U.S. State Department, Boy’s and Girl’s Clubs, hospitals, schools, legislative offices, and other human service agencies.

CRIMINAL JUSTICE

Criminal Justice is an interdisciplinary major that includes courses in sociology, political science, psychology, and other disciplines. Students who major in criminal justice will learn to think critically and holistically about their chosen field.

The program prepares graduates for:
careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, and related areas
further study in criminal justice, law, criminology, sociology, social work, and public administration

Career opportunities include police officer, federal law enforcement agent (F.B.I., Secret Service, Treasury, Drug Enforcement, Customs Inspector, Homeland Security), corrections officer, probation officer, parole officer, and with further graduate or professional education, prosecutor, public defender, and forensic scientist.

POLITICAL SCIENCE

Political science majors graduate with an understanding of how political scientists think, gather evidence, process data, and reach tentative conclusions. You will develop an ability to critically analyze the political world, learn effective oral and written communication skills, cultivate problem solving skills, and be exposed to a rich variety of perspectives and ideas.

Department Opportunities

Wesleyan political science majors have the opportunity to complete week-long fellowships with state legislators, attend national political conventions, participate in local political campaigns, and conduct polling research.

Criminal Justice: Criminal Justice

The objective of the department is to provide the student with an understanding of the problem of crime in the United States, the impact of crime on victims, and the systems which identify, process, and treat the offender. Criminal Justice encompasses the areas of law enforcement, prosecution, the courts, and corrections, including probation and parole.

Major requirements include Criminal Justice 1, 3, 9, 22, 30, 31, and four additional courses in Criminal Justice; one semester of American History and Introduction to Sociology. Students who opt to take Criminal Justice 50 Internship will complete six additional courses in Criminal Justice beyond the required courses.

Course Sequence:
Freshman Humanities I Humanities II
Freshman English 103 Freshman English 104
Science Science
Language Language
Criminal Justice 101 Criminal Justice 201

Sophomore Humanities III Humanities IV
Philosophy/Theology Philosophy/Theology
Criminal Justice 231 Criminal Justice 202
Language Language
Intro. to Sociology Liberal Arts Elective

Junior Philosophy/Theology Philosophy/Theology
Criminal Justice 209 Elective
Criminal Justice Criminal Justice
Liberal Arts Elective American History
Liberal Arts Elective Liberal Arts Elective

Senior Philosophy/Theology Philosophy/Theology
Criminal Justice 430 Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal Arts Elective Liberal Arts Elective
Liberal Arts Elective Liberal Arts Elective