Criminology and Law
About the Major
Students seeking a degree in criminology and law will study the complexities
of relationships among the legal, social, political, historical and psychological
influences affecting legal processes. Courses focus on explanations for
the development of law within society, why people break laws and how society
reacts to law-breaking. Interdisciplinary breadth is considered essential
and students are encouraged to enroll in relevant courses
offered outside the department. Criminology and Law majors often pursue
careers within the criminal or juvenile justice
systems, such as courts, law enforcement, and corrections. Other students
go on to attend law school or to conduct
research on criminological issues at a graduate level.
Our graduates have gone on to become...
- A criminal attorney in private practice
- A research analyst for the US Department of Justice
- A loss prevention and security director for a major US retail chain
Possible Careers for this Major
Prehealth & Prelaw
Any CLAS major may prepare you for admission to professional schools such as medical school, vet school, law school, etc.
For more possibilities visit the Career Resource Center Web Site
- Police Services
- Probation Officer
- Professor
- Researcher
- Security Director
- Social Worker
- Victim Services Specialist
- Attorney
- Correctional Planner
- Counselor
- Criminologist
- Government Agent (DEA/SBI/FBI/CIA)
- Juvenile Court Advocate
- Litigation Manager
- Loss Prevention Specialist
Cool Courses You Might Take
- Corrections (CJC 4010)
- Criminal Law (CJL 4110)
- Criminal Procedure (CJL 4410)
- Drugs and Alcohol (CCJ 4934)
- Homicide (CCJ 4934)
- Law and Society (CJL 3038)
- Law Enforcement (CCJ 4940)
- Juvenile Justice (CJJ 4010)
- Juvenile Law (CCJ 4050)
- Psychology and Law (CJL 4037)
- White Collar Crime (CCJ 4644)
- For more course descriptions, please visit the course descriptions page in the Undergraduate catalog
Some Unique Opportunities in this Major
- The program offers internship opportunities in law, law enforcement, corrections, juvenile justice, victim services and court administration. It also allows students to work with faculty and instructors on research and teaching.
- For more opportunities, please refer to the department website
