Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies
The Bachelor of Arts 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, social work 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, including Kent State's fully accredited police academy.
All students in the Criminology and Justice Studies major select at least one concentration from the six offered, in consultation with a faculty advisor or the undergraduate coordinator for Criminology and Justice Studies. Consultations with faculty enable students to make informed choices about which combination of courses will maximize their preparation for future careers and possibly graduate education.
- The Corrections 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.
- The Criminology and Deviance Concentration is for students interested in understanding the origins and nature of deviance and crime, their patterns and society responses; this concentration is appropriate for students preparing for graduate studies in sociology, criminology, criminal justices, public policy and social work.
- The General–Criminology and Justice Studies Concentration is for students who either choose not to pursue specializations within the major or wish to pursue and individualized and program of study (through general electives), which do not align with the other concentrations.
- The Justice and Human Relations 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.
- The Law and Society 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 studies in the social sciences.
- The Policing Concentration is for students intending careers in law enforcement and other occupations related to security and public safety.
Academic Advisor for this program is
Molly Scharping
in the Student Services Office
440-964-4217
Road Maps to these Concentrations:
Law and Society
Corrections
Criminology and Deviance
General
Road Map Archives