Journalism + Criminology B.A.

The Journalism and Criminology B.A. program provides an integrated degree that brings together the analytic and public policy-oriented study of crime and its related fields, with the communication-oriented theory, history and skills of journalism.

Journalism plays a critical role in democratic societies. It highlights the disparate treatment of underserved populations. Journalists play a critical role as watchdogs who oversee government activities, which often spurs actions to address inequities and unfair outcomes.

Criminology provides an understanding on how societal biases and systemic processes result in disparities in outcomes including incarceration, arrest and prosecution rates. Criminologists research causes of crime as well as outcomes involving police misconduct, restorative justice, and conditions of confinement.

There is a clear parallel between the work of the investigative journalist and the criminologist. A combination of classes in the two fields will provide students both the knowledge about these longstanding problems and the skills to do something about them, and robust opportunities for immediate employment or graduate training.

Job Outlook

Journalism offers skill development in digital content creation (e.g. podcasting, video editing), reporting, writing, interviewing, effective use of social media and research. Criminology offers skill development in critical thinking, information literacy, and provides a strong foundation in applied research. These skills are not only in great demand, but are expected to grow 6% from 2021-2031 according to the Bureau of Labor Statistics.

Graduates will be able pursue career opportunities in media outlets of all types, nonprofits focusing on issues of interest, government agencies serving those communities, community relations, survey and public opinion agencies, among others at the intersection of journalism, criminal justice/criminology, and/or social justice.

Career options include staff positions with media outlets of all types, institutes for non-profit news, philanthropic research positions and criminal-legal system grant writing positions.

Students who pursue the Bachelor of Arts in Journalism and Criminology may alternatively wish to pursue careers in the criminal justice system (e.g., juvenile and adult probation officers, nonprofit rehabilitation agencies for people with criminal-legal system involvement, police officers, court personnel, parole and correctional officers, and victim advocates).

Finally, the B.A. in Journalism and Criminology provides strong preparation for professional schools, including law and social work, and for graduate training in Criminology, Journalism, Sociology and other social science disciplines.

CURRICULUM

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to earn the Bachelor of Arts Journalism and Criminology degree. The major program requires completion of 39 credits in in the major.

Required Core Journalism and Criminology Courses (10 courses)

• CRM 250: Introduction to Criminology & Criminal Justice
• CRM 351: Criminological Theory
• SOC 353: Methods of Social Research
• COM 102: Adobe CC: Digital Content Creation in Communication
• COM 224: Foundations of Journalism and Promotional Communication
• COM 225: Media Writing
• COM 326: Advanced Reporting and Editing
• COM 335: Multimedia Storytelling
• COM 358: Media Law, Economics, and Ethics
• COM 427: News Media Lab: The Stater (Criminology + Journalism capstone, taken concurrently with semester 1 of the existing journalism capstone)

Electives (3 courses required):

• SOC 260 Deviance in the United States
• CRM 335 Drugs, Alcohol and Crime
• CRM 341 Juvenile Delinquency
• CRM 342 Law and Society
• SOC 345 Social Control
• CRM 347 Policing
• CRM 348 Corrections
• CRM 349 Women and Crime
• CRM 355 Race, Class and Crime
• CRM 360 Interpersonal Violence
• CRM 362 Victimology
• CRM 372 Religion and Crime
• CRM 375 Media and Crime
• CRM 376 Prison and Society
• CRM 384 Incarceration and Health

Internship Elective: Students are strongly encouraged to take an internship in either Criminology or Journalism:

• COM 490 Internship in Communication
• CRM 491 Criminology Internship