B.S. Criminology
Program Description
The Criminology program at the State University of West Georgia is located in the Department of Sociology and Criminology. The Criminology program is widely conceived to include not only the study of crime and society's reaction to crime but also the areas of crime and justice that traditionally make up the disciplines of criminology and legal studies. The faculty members who specialize in Criminology represent broad and varied backgrounds in working with the criminal justice system, dealing with offenders and victims, and conducting research on a wide range of criminal justice issues.
Declaration Requirements
To be admitted into the B.S. program in Criminology, students must first complete Core Areas A-E with a cumulative GPA (including all transfer credit) of 2.5 or better. To graduate with a degree from this program, students must receive a grade of "C" or better in CRIM 3240, CRIM 4284, and at least one methods course (SOCI 4000, SOCI 4003, or SOCI 4613).
Learning Outcomes
- Knowledge of the basic structure and functions of the main components of the criminal justice system - law enforcement, courts, corrections and juvenile justice.
- Knowledge of the main theories in criminology that offer various ways of understanding why people commit crime.
- Knowledge of the basic research methods in the social sciences.
- Knowledge of how the major criminal justice institutions respond to crime, criminals and victims.
- Ability to ask relevant questions and engage in research to explore special issues in criminology/criminal justice and their effects on the larger society.
- Knowledge of the roles of race/ethnicity, class and sex in criminal behavior and societal response to crime.
- Ability to apply criminology theories, principles and concepts to address "real life" problems and situations in the criminal justice field; ability to engage in critical thinking/analysis.
- Demonstration of strong oral and written communication skills.
- Ability to utilize appropriate technology in the study of criminology/criminal justice issues.
- Knowledge of career options in criminology/criminal justice, including pursuit of advanced degrees.
- Ability to engage in ethical behavior in a professional work setting.
Minor in Criminology
Complete 15 hours including CRIM 1100 and four upper division Criminology courses.
Extra-curricular activities
For students who wish to get involved, we currently host Lambda Alpha Epsilon, the Co-Ed Criminology Fraternity as well as the Chi Omega Phi Chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma (the National Criminal Justice Honor Society).
