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    Criminology, Law and Society

    As the name for this new program implies, it aspires to be much more than a traditional criminal justice major. CLS will feature a curriculum that is challenging and broad-based. It will give students a solid foundation in the theoretical core of Criminology, a thorough understanding of the legal system that enacts criminal laws and processes cases through the investigative, prosecutive and corrections phases, and a broad, societal context for the criminal system that only a rigorous liberal arts regimen can supply.

    Those who complete this curriculum will recognize that they have enjoyed a true liberal arts experience while learning the art of practical scholarship. Students will become scholars, learning to critically analyze problems, conduct effective research and write with clarity and force. They will appreciate the important specifics of their discipline but never lose their appreciation of the larger societal, political and scientific contexts in which the issues they will study arise. 

    • Demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system and its components
    • Demonstrate an understanding of criminological theories and their application to contemporary public policy
    • Demonstrate an ability to integrate and apply analytical skills and substantive knowledge to specific problems in criminology
    • Demonstrate an ability to use skills in critical thinking, synthesis and analysis of informational sources about criminal law, policing, corrections, research, and social justice
    • Demonstrate knowledge of the role of ethics, morals, and values in the field of criminology
    • Demonstrate an understanding of basic research methodology

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Law, and Society
    B.A. Criminology, Law, and Society Requirements: (42 credits)

    Requirements for a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology, Law, and Society (42 credits)  

    Required Courses (30 credits)
    CLS 101 Introduction to Criminology
    PY 203 Statistics I
    CLS 215 Juvenile Justice
    CLS 227 Criminal Law and Process
    CLS 230 Constitutional Criminal Procedure
    CLS 245 Corrections, Probation, and Parole
    CLS 265 Ethical Decisions & Dilemmas in Criminal Justice
    SO 356 Social Research Methods
    CLS 410 Criminological Theories
    CLS 490 Criminology, Law, and Society Capstone    		 Electives (choose 12 credits)
    SO 200 Race and Ethnicity 
    SO 204 Deviance
    SO 235 Inequality and Social Problems
    PS 341 Global Terrorism
    PY 320 Forensic Psychology
    CLS 320 White Collar Crime
    CLS 330 Investigations and Forensics
    CLS 340 Homeland Security
    CLS 345 Private and Corporate Security
    CLS 150 Criminal Trial Evidence
    CLS 155 American Judicial System
    CLS 405 Fraud Investigation Techniques
    CLS 540 Internship


    Requirements for a Minor in Criminology, Law and Society: 18 Credits
    CLS 101 Introduction to Criminology
    SO 204 Deviance
    CLS 215 Juvenile Justice
    CLS 227 Criminal Law and Process
    CLS 265 Ethical Decisions & Dilemmas in Criminal Justice

    One of the Following Electives
    CLS 230 Constitutional Criminal Procedure
    CLS 245 Corrections, Probation, and Parole
    CLS 320 White Collar Crime
    CLS 340 Homeland Security
    CLS 345 Private and Corporate Security
    CLS 150 Criminal Trial Evidence
    CLS 155 American Judicial System
    CLS 405 Fraud Investigation Techniques
    CLS 540 Internship*

    *Internships with various social/criminal justice agencies are available for qualified students.