Academic Spotlight: Criminology

We asked senior criminology major, Nicole, what questions she got asked the most about her major. Not only did she give us the questions, she gave us the answers too! If you’re thinking about majoring in criminology, or even closely related topics like psychology or sociology, keep reading!

What classes does a criminolgy major take?

The core classes you have to take for the major include Introduction to Sociology or Global, Social Problems and Social Justice, Research Methods, Sociology of Crime and Justice, Statistical Analysis for Social Sciences, Criminological Theory or Contemporary Sociological Theory, and Senior Seminar. With some of the core classes, you can choose from two, which allows you to take what is more interesting to you! You are also required to take six elective courses where you can pick from a variety of sociology classes. Some of my favorites are Sociology of Delinquency, Modern Islamic Terrorism, Terrorism and Counter-Terrorism, and Race Relations in Feature Film. 

What can you do with a degree in criminology?

There is a lot you can do with a criminology degree! Some options are working in law enforcement, victim and advocate services, legal services, social research, criminal justice reform, and politics. But it doesn’t end there–I know a lot of students who plan on going to law school or getting a master’s degree to further their career. The major prepares you with professional skills like research and presentation experience, critical thinking, problem solving, and so much more.

What are some opportunities you’ve had while earning your degree at Catholic?

This semester, I have had the opportunity to intern at a non-profit organization that works to eradicate human trafficking and provides survivors with referrals to help them get medical care, an education, jobs, and much more! I’ve been interning for over a month now and I can say that every week I learn something new. I have found a real passion for the cause and plan to work in victim services after I graduate. I have found that my classes for my major have helped me in my internship because I understand why crimes are committed, who is committing them, and who is affected, which allows us to come up with prevention and intervention strategies. 

What is your favorite class that you’ve taken?

I enjoyed taking Sociology of Delinquency because not only did we talk about why juveniles commit crimes, how our society allows certain areas to have resources and programs, and what makes up the juvenile justice system, but we came up with solutions that would help kids stay out of crime and ideas for other options that should be available instead of harsh punishments.

What minor or certificate can be paired with the criminology major?

A lot of criminology majors will double major with politics or psychology. Also, the intelligence studies or Arabic and Islamic world studies certificate programs go really well with criminology. I am in the process of earning the intelligence studies certificate which allowed me to take many politics classes that teach me about the US intelligence community and how it is different from other countries. With this certification, I hope to one day work for the FBI as a Victim Specialist. I have enjoyed taking the politics classes and a lot of them are taught by retired or current employees of intelligence agencies!

Do you still have questions about majoring in criminology? Reach out to your admission counselor or learn more on the criminology website!