Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Faculty: Associate Professor Hilinski-Rosick, Chair; Professor Branch; Associate Professors Fitch, Hart, Michel, Paez; Assistant Professors Connealy, Dulisse, Osuna, Robinson, Severson, Toohy; Assistant Teaching Professors Genco, Land, Tevlin.
The criminology and criminal justice major leads to a Bachelor of Science degree. Study in this discipline prepares a student to enter graduate school, law school, or secure an entry-level position in the criminal justice field.
Mission Statement
It is the mission of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice to provide criminological education, research and services to students, practitioners, policymakers, and the community through an intellectually challenging environment that promotes collegiality and an educational experience relevant to crime and criminological theory that is meant to engage intellectual inquiry with domestic and international perspectives.
Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Purposes/Goals
1. Students will be able to describe core concepts related to the field of criminology and the three components of the American criminal justice system, including law enforcement, courts, and corrections.
2. Students will be able to describe the nature and extent of crime in the United States.
3. Students will be able to explain the process and function of U.S. courts, including Federal and State courts, and explain the function of criminal law and procedures in the American judicial system.
4. Students will be able to explain the role of law enforcement in America, including the structure and organization of enforcement agencies, the history and philosophy of law enforcement, and the relationship between law enforcement and the community.
5. Students will be able to explain the American correctional system, including the history of corrections, inmates, and the prison experience.
6. Students will be able to describe the micro- and macro-level theories used in criminology to explain crime, deviance, and victimization.
7. Students will be able to describe the quantitative and qualitative methodologies applied in social science research and to analyze data using common descriptive and inferential techniques.
8. Students will engage in experiential learning activities, which may include internships with local criminal justice agencies and organizations, independent studies, or other service-learning opportunities.
9. Students will develop strong critical thinking skills and the ability to communicate effectively both orally and in writing, while in a professional setting.
Transfer Credits
Please note that many institutions offer three-credit hour courses. Any student who is approved to transfer a three credit hour course into the program must understand he or she must still obtain 44 credit hours to complete the major.