B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Criminology and Criminal Justice Program prepares students for careers in the fields of corrections, law enforcement, juvenile justice, and private security—and in other areas ranging from private security management to private investigation. The program provides students with a rewarding academic experience in and out of the classroom. Coursework in the major covers the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, criminal law, criminal justice administration, and the relationship of these topics to the larger society. Specialized courses (or symposia) are offered to address specific needs and interests in areas such as homicide investigation, terrorism, and women and minorities in the criminal justice system. In addition, all students participate in internships with criminal justice agencies. These internships provide real-work experiences that can lead to jobs in the field following graduation. Students benefit from classes taught by award-winning faculty who hold doctorates in criminal justice, jurisprudence, sociology, and psychology. Many have experience in the field as police and correctional administrators, prosecutors, probation officers, criminal investigators, correctional counselors and therapists, and criminal justice planners. Facilities include a forensic laboratory, which offers opportunities for hands-on investigations. The department sponsors activities and conferences that enable students to interact with other students and professionals in the field—and also sponsors a chapter of Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the national criminal justice professional fraternity. Additional opportunities are available through the department’s partnerships with agencies, universities, and organizations located in Indiana—and throughout the world. In addition, the department participates in an annual career fair that enables students to explore employment opportunities with recruitment representatives from criminal justice agencies in Indiana—and throughout the United States. Careers Our graduates are prepared for a variety of careers in law enforcement and corrections agencies—and in other areas ranging from private security management to private investigation. The program also is preparation for law school or for advanced degrees in criminology and criminal justice or a related discipline. Our students pursue careers in local, state, and federal criminal justice agencies, as well as in the private sector. Graduates of our program are employed as police officers and police administrators, professionals in adult and juvenile correctional programs, probation and parole officers, federal agents, security officers and consultants, criminal justice trainers, and educators. Others serve as professional staff in the offices of medical examiners, prosecutors, and courts. Many have found careers in the private economy as security professionals and as investigators for insurance companies, banks, and law firms.