Psychology + Criminology B.S.

The integrated Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology degree is an interdisciplinary program that combines the study of criminal justice systems (i.e., criminology) with a comprehensive understanding of human behavior, mental processes and the factors that contribute to criminal behavior (i.e., psychology). The newly developed curriculum is designed to equip students with a diverse skill set and knowledge base. It encompasses coursework from both criminology and psychology disciplines, allowing students to gain a comprehensive understanding of the causes, consequences and prevention of crime, as well as the psychological factors that influence criminal behavior.

Key topics covered in this major may include currently offered courses including Introduction to Psychology, Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice, Criminological Theory, Abnormal Psychology, Criminological Theory, Memory and Cognition, Statistics, and Research Methods.
The program also includes hands-on experiences, including internships, research projects and fieldwork to enhance understanding of the criminal justice system, human behavior and criminal dynamics.

Students will learn to apply principles of psychological sciences, criminal justice and research and statistical analyses across a variety of contexts. The ability to use techniques, skills and tools necessary for scientific practice will be developed, as well as proficiency in designing and conducting experiments, and analyzing and interpreting data.

Job Outlook

This major provides students a unique opportunity to explore the intersection of law, crime and psychology, providing a solid foundation for careers in law enforcement, legal professions, forensic psychology and related fields. Trends in the combined fields of criminology and psychology suggest a large need to enhance the training surrounding mental health, cognition, emotion regulation, and biopsychosocial factors that are interconnected with crime, criminal justice, and related areas.

Graduates with a degree in Criminal Justice and Psychology can pursue various career paths. They may work in law enforcement agencies, such as police departments or federal agencies, as crime analysts, victim advocates or probation officers. They can also pursue careers in legal professions, such as criminal law, forensic psychology, adult probation or court administration. Other positions may be available in agencies, such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations and Homeland Security.

Additionally, some graduates may choose to pursue advanced degrees in fields like criminology (Ph.D.), forensic psychology (M.A., Ph.D.), prevention science (M.A., Ph.D.) clinical psychology (Ph.D.), law (J.D.) or a combined Ph.D./J.D. program. A combined interdisciplinary major would be highly beneficial for many students who pursue careers and graduate school in related areas.

Curriculum

A minimum of 120 credit hours are required to earn the Bachelor of Science in Psychology and Criminology degree. The major program requires completion of 48 credits in the major.

Required Core [Psychology and Criminology] Courses (39 credits)
These core courses are required for all majors.

• PSY 101: Introduction to Psychology (3 credits)
• CRM 250: Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice (3 credits)
• SOC 354: Quantitative Sociological Research (3 credits)
• SOC 353: Methods of Social Research (3 credits)
• PSY 339: Social Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 345: Abnormal Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 372: Memory and Cognition (3 credits)
• CRM 342: Law and Society (3 credits)
• CRM 347: Policing (3 credits)
• CRM 348: Corrections (3 credits)
• CRM 351: Criminological Theory (3 credits)
• CRM 401: Capstone Course in Criminology (3 credits)
• PSY 412: Psychology Laboratory (3 credits)
• Students are also required to take a minimum of 9 credits of electives from the list below.

Elective Core [Psychology and Criminology] Courses (9 credits)
Nine elective hours are required for students in the Psychology and Criminology degree. Electives:

• SOC 345: Social Control (3 credits)
• SOC 260: Deviance in the United States (3 credits)
• PSY 221: Adolescent Development (3 credits)
• PSY 223: Lifespan Development (3 credits)
• PSY 255: Psychology of Women and Gender (3 credits)
• PSY 349: Survey of Clinical Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 342: Psychology of Personality (3 credits)
• PSY 344: Intellectual and Personality Assessment (3 credits)
• PSY 356: Multicultural Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 385: Psychology of Motivation (3 credits)
• PSY 391: Internship in Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 396: Supervised Research in Psychology (3 credits)
• PSY 482: Biological Basis of Behavior (3 credits)
• PSY 487: Brain and Cognition (3 credits)
• CRM 335: Drugs, Alcohol, and Crime (3 credits)
• CRM 341: Juvenile Delinquency (3 credits)
• CRM 349: Women and Crime (3 credits)
• CRM 355: Race, Class, and Crime (3 credits)
• CRM 360: Interpersonal Violence (3 credits)
• CRM 362: Victimology (3 credits)
• CRM 372: Religion and Crime (3 credits)
• CRM 375: Media and Crime (3 credits)
• CRM 376: Prison and Society (3 credits)
• CRM 394: Special Topics in Criminology (3 credits)
• CRM 491: Criminology Internship (3 credits)
• CRM 496: Independent Study in Criminology (3 credits)