Criminology
Criminology is a broad and interdisciplinary field of study that promotes an understanding of crime and the criminal justice system and how they relate to human behavior, social environments, and government policy. Examples of topics studied in criminology are: the causes and consequences of deviant and/or criminal behavior; the structure and functions of the criminal justice system; societal and individual reactions to crimes and criminal justice processing; the spatial and geographical elements associated with crime and poverty; and the dynamics of criminal justice policy making.
Degree Types: Bachelor of Arts, Bachelor of Science
Explore Interests Related to Criminology
Understands criminal behavior, law enforcement, and justice systems to manage risk, ensure compliance, and develop strategies for ethical business practices.
Examines criminal behavior, law enforcement, and justice systems. Prepares students to apply AI in areas like predictive policing, cybersecurity, and analyzing trends in crime and justice.
Explores the justice system, criminal behavior, and societal impacts of crime. Equips students to reform criminal justice policies, advocate for fair treatment, and address systemic inequalities in the legal system.
Degree Options
Degree Concentrations
- B.S. options: Business/Public Administration
- Computing and Statistics
- Legal Studies
- Social Science Research
Popular Double Majors or Minors
- Psychology
- Sociology
- Human Development and Family Studies
- Political Science
- World Languages
About the Program
Why should I pursue this degree?
You might like this program if…
- You are interested in studying human behavior through an interdisciplinary lens.
- You are fascinated with deviance and/or criminal behavior.
- You would like to study the functioning of the criminal justice system.
- You’re passionate about issues of social justice.
- You would like to go to law school or graduate school.
- You want to pursue a career in policing, corrections or government.
Transferable Skills
- Oral and Written Communication
- Critical Thinking
- Problem-Solving Skills
- Analytical Skills
- Interpersonal and Interviewing Skills
Coursework
Opportunities to explore the following topics:
- Criminology
- Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Bias, Prejudice, and Hate Crime
- Introduction to the Law
- Solving Social Wicked Problems
Out-of-Classroom Experiences
Internships
- Federal Bureau of Investigation
- Office of the Pennsylvania Attorney General
- Aflac
- California Innocence Project
- Liberty Mutual Insurance
- Pennsylvania Department of Corrections
- Various District Attorneys’ Offices
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Homeland Security
- Various Police Departments
- Various Law Offices
Education Abroad Destinations
Australia
Curaçao
Italy
Netherlands
Spain
Career Paths
Continuing Education
- Law school
- Medical school
- Graduate school to study criminiology, psychology, sociology, forensic psychology, public administration, public policy, biology, forensic mental health counseling, social work, paralegal, health administration, and terrorism studies
Job Titles
- Criminal Investigator
- Forensic Data Analyst
- Information Security Analyst
- Counter-Intelligence Officer
- Probation Officer
- Operations Specialist
- Jury Consultant
- Data Protection Officer
Industries
Consulting, Education, Government, Insurance/Risk Analsysis, Intelligence/Investigation, Law Enforcement, Management, Security, Service (Americorps)
Employers
- UPMC
- PNC
- U.S. Army
- Vertical Screen
- U.S. Department of Justice
- U.S. Department of Defense
- U.S. Air Force
- CACI International
Have questions about this program?
Future students, contact the Liberal Arts Recruitment Team.
Current students, contact your academic adviser.
This program is housed
in the Department of Sociology and Criminology
at Penn State University Park.