Criminology & Justice Studies Major
PROGRAM INTRODUCTION
The Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminology and Justice Studies takes an interdisciplinary approach to the study of crime, law and justice. Faculty members view crime, deviance and society’s response from the fields of sociology, political science, psychology and traditional criminal justice viewpoints. The curriculum provides a firm understanding of the basic institutions of the criminal justice system. Students are also exposed to criminological theory and diversity courses, which help them understand the complex relationship between the individual, society and the criminal justice system. The program stresses effective writing and analytical skills. Students are afforded the opportunity to earn credit through internship placements.
Students select at least one concentration in consultation with an academic or faculty advisor. Consultations with faculty enable students to make informed choices about which combination of courses will maximize their preparation for future careers and graduate education.
Students can complete the Criminology & Justice Studies major in its entirety at Kent State Stark.
CONCENTRATIONS
All students in the Criminology & Justice Studies major select at least one concentration from the seven offered, in consultation with a faculty advisor or the undergraduate coordinator of Criminology & Justice Studies. Consultations with faculty enable students to make informed choices about which combination of courses will maximize their preparation for future careers and graduate education.
Concentrations marked with an ** can be completed at Kent State Stark.
** Corrections
This concentration is for students interested in pursuing careers in institutional corrections for adults or juveniles, or in such community corrections fields as probation and parole.
** Criminology and Deviance
This concentration is for students interested in understanding the origins and nature of deviance and crime, their patterns and societal responses; this concentration is appropriate for students preparing for graduate study in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, public policy or social work.
** General – Criminology and Justice Studies
This concentration is for students who either choose not to pursue specializations within the major or wish to pursue an individualized program of study (through general electives), which does not align with the other concentrations.
Justice and Human Relations
This concentration is for students interested in such fields as social work, counseling, clinical psychology, victimology, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, public/community relations in criminal justice, community organizing, diversity or social justice. (Interdisciplinary training and/or specialized graduate training are necessary for careers in many of those fields.)
** Law and Society
This concentration is for students interested in the social relevance of law and social influences on law; this concentration is appropriate preparation for law school or graduate study in the social sciences.
** Policing
This concentration is for students intending careers in law enforcement and other occupations related to security and public safety.
Victimology
This concentration is relevant for students interested in the scholarly study of crime victims, their treatment in the justice systems and programs that serve victims. It is useful for those interested in victim advocacy.
CRIMINOLOGY & JUSTICE STUDIES GRADUATES WILL
- Communicate orally and in writing
- Have substantive knowledge in specific areas of the discipline, namely law, law enforcement, corrections, courts and diversity
- Demonstrate an understanding of ethics
- Describe theoretical issues related to the causes of crime and development of justice practices
- Find and explain research in the field
- Develop critical thinking skills