Criminology and Criminal Justice

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Slippery Rock University offers students a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system, criminal behavior, and the societal responses to crime. This program is designed to prepare individuals for careers in law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, juvenile justice, and other related fields by providing a solid foundation in the theories, laws, and ethical considerations that underpin the criminal justice system. Students will explore various topics such as criminal law, criminal procedures, juvenile justice, crime prevention, and forensic science, equipping them with the knowledge necessary to analyze and respond to criminal behavior effectively. The curriculum emphasizes critical thinking, research skills, and ethical decision-making, preparing graduates to work in diverse environments that require a nuanced understanding of crime and justice issues. In addition to classroom instruction, students have opportunities for internships, experiential learning, and collaborations with local law enforcement agencies, courts, and community organizations, providing practical experience to complement their academic knowledge. The program also encourages students to develop strong communication skills, cultural competence, and an understanding of social justice issues relevant to the criminal justice field. Graduates of the program are well-prepared to pursue careers in criminal justice agencies, pursue graduate studies, or engage in research and policy analysis to improve the justice system. Overall, the Criminology and Criminal Justice program at Slippery Rock University aims to cultivate knowledgeable, ethical, and compassionate professionals dedicated to promoting justice and public safety.

Detailed Course Facts

• English

Course Content

Program updates shown here are effective Spring 2015

Core Courses - Credits: 33

• SOWK 105 - Human Diversity Credits: 3

OR

• SOWK 107 - Cultural Competency and Human Services Credits: 3
• CRIM 110 - Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice Systems Credits: 3
• CRIM 115 - Proseminar Credits: 3
• CRIM 253 - American Policing Credits: 3
• CRIM 263 - Introduction to Criminal Procedure Credits: 3
• CRIM 273 - American Corrections Credits: 3
• CRIM 301 - Theoretical Criminology Credits: 3
• CRIM 317 - Statistical Methods Credits: 3
• CRIM 318 - Research Methods Credits: 3
• CRIM 345 - Juvenile Delinquency Credits: 3
• CRIM 408 - Capstone: Ethics and Criminal Justice Credits: 3

Major Electives - Credits: 6

Choose 6 credits from the following courses.

• CRIM 190 - Experimental Credits: 3
• CRIM 198 - Selected Topic Credits: 3
• CRIM 290 - Experimental Credits: 3
• CRIM 298 - Selected Topic Credits: 3
• CRIM 321 - Criminal Justice interventions 1 Credits: 3
• CRIM 322 - Criminal Justice Interventions 2 Credits: 3
• CRIM 343 - Criminal Investigations Credits: 3
• CRIM 351 - Fraud Credits: 3
• CRIM 352 - Law and Ethics in the Workplace Credits: 3
• CRIM 353 - Legal Relationships in the 21st Century Credits: 3
• CRIM 354 - Risk Assessment and Fraud Credits: 3
• CRIM 355 - Fundamentals of Terrorism Credits: 3
• CRIM 360 - Police and Society Credits: 3
• CRIM 380 - Women & the Criminal Justice System Credits: 3
• CRIM 390 - Experimental Credits: 3
• CRIM 398 - Selected Topic Credits: 3
• CRIM 404 - Adjudication in Crime and Justice Credits: 3
• CRIM 405 - White Collar Crime Credits: 3
• CRIM 414 - Criminal Justice Policy Credits: 3
• CRIM 416 - Community Corrections Credits: 3
• CRIM 441 - Terrorism, Law, and National Security Credits: 3
• CRIM 442 - Healthcare Law Credits: 3
• CRIM 450 - Internship Credits: Up to 12
• CRIM 468 - Crime and Media Credits: 3
• CRIM 490 - Independent Study Credits: 3
• CRIM 498 - Selected Topics Credits: 1 to 3
• SOWK 334 - Clinical Perspectives on DSM Diagnoses Credits: 3

Optional Specialization: This specialization is not part of the above major core/cognates. This specialization can be taken as part of the free electives component for Criminology majors.

• CRIM 321 - Criminal Justice interventions 1 Credits: 3
• CRIM 322 - Criminal Justice Interventions 2 Credits: 3
• CRIM 416 - Community Corrections Credits: 3
• PSYC 276 - Introduction to Abnormal Psychology Credits: 3

OR

• SOWK 334 - Clinical Perspectives on DSM Diagnoses Credits: 3
• PSYC 321 - Drugs and Behavior Credits: 3

Requirements

Slippery Rock University has a strong commitment to student success, and we thoroughly research the academic background of the students who tend to succeed at SRU. We use this information to establish admission guidelines for first year students (new freshmen).

We are seeking students who have attained at least a 3.0 GPA at the time of admission, have demonstrated proficiency in college preparatory coursework, and who have average to above average scores on the SAT or ACT. We will accept either test and use the best scores available. Offers of admission for new freshmen from high school may be made as soon as August following their junior year in high school. High school admitted students are required to submit proof of high school graduation in the form of Official Transcripts upon high school graduation.

In order to apply for admission, the following credentials are required:

• Official High School Transcripts, including a 12th Grade class schedule if applicable
• SAT or ACT Scores
• $30.00 application fee

WAIT LIST: Applicants who do not meet the admission guidelines are still encouraged to apply for admission if they are close to our admission guidelines. Such applicants may be placed on a wait list for admission consideration. Students who are placed on a wait list need to understand it is not the same as being denied admission. Wait list status simply means that an applicant's credentials may require a closer review beyond just the quantitative numbers. Offers of admission will be made to wait listed applicants on regular intervals.

Wait listed applicants should strive to improve their grades and/or test scores and re-submit them to the Office of Admissions as soon as is practical after the next marking period or re-test. Periodic review of the wait list will likely begin in November and offers of admission made on a rolling basis. Our goal is to have most of the wait list offers of admission made in March or April. A final round of wait list offers may be made in mid-May on a space available basis. We encourage students to submit additional information if it improves the academic record.

Work Experience

No work experience is required.

Related Scholarships*

• Academic Excellence Scholarship

  "The Academic Excellence Scholarship can provide up to a 50 % reduction in tuition per semester. These scholarships will be renewed if the student maintains superior academic performance during each semester of their 3-year Bachelor programme. The scholarship will be directly applied to the student’s tuition fees."

• Alumni Study Travel Fund

  Scholarships for students who are already attending the University of Reading.

• Amsterdam Merit Scholarships

  The University of Amsterdam aims to attract the world’s brightest students to its international classrooms. Outstanding students from outside the European Economic Area can apply for an Amsterdam Merit Scholarship.

* The scholarships shown on this page are suggestions first and foremost. They could be offered by other organisations than Slippery Rock University.

Funding

Contact the Office of Financial Aid for detailed information on various financial aid programs and scholarship materials. You can submit your questions regarding financial assistance directly to the Financial Aid Office at financial.aid@sru.edu. Students are encouraged to apply for admission early.

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Criminal Justice at Slippery Rock University provides students with a comprehensive education in the field of criminal justice, focusing on the criminal justice system, crime prevention, law enforcement, and the social sciences. The program aims to prepare students for careers in various sectors, including law enforcement agencies, corrections, juvenile justice, victim services, and criminal justice administration. The curriculum combines theoretical knowledge with practical skills, emphasizing critical thinking, ethical decision-making, and effective communication. Students have the opportunity to engage in internships and field experiences that provide real-world insights into the criminal justice system, fostering a deeper understanding of institutional operations and societal impacts. Courses cover a wide range of topics such as criminological theory, criminal law, juvenile justice, criminal investigations, policing practices, and forensics. The program also encourages research and scholarly activities, often including capstone projects that allow students to explore specific interests deeply. Faculty members involved in the program are dedicated to providing personalized mentorship and support to ensure student success. Graduates of the program often pursue advanced degrees or certifications and are well-equipped to enter the job market with relevant knowledge and skills. The department promotes a strong community of learners and professionals dedicated to justice, ethics, and societal betterment. The program's aims include fostering an understanding of the social and legal systems, developing analytical skills, and preparing students for responsible careers in criminal justice and related fields.