Undergraduate and Postbaccalaureate Courses

Criminology and Criminal Justice Division

The Division of Criminology and Criminal Justice is designed for students who are interested in studying the causes, prevention, and control of criminal activity. The division's curriculum provides students with a broad base of knowledge about crime, criminals, victims, and the criminal justice system. This includes coverage of theories, programs and research on crime prevention, policing, courts, and corrections within the context of sustainable communities. Examination of these issues occurs at individual, community, and societal levels. Moreover, the curriculum is designed to foster student skills in critical reasoning, problem solving, and written and oral communication.

Reflecting the philosophy of the university as a whole, the program emphasizes the importance of diversity, ethical treatment, and involvement in the community. Specifically, the program provides students with opportunities to apply what they have learned in the classroom to community settings.

Students in this dynamic program have the opportunity to debate some of the most controversial issues facing our nation. Are people born deviant or do they become deviant through environmental influences? Are minorities treated fairly in the criminal justice system? Should we "get tough on crime" or does this lead to tougher offenders? Does the death penalty deter crime? Is plea bargaining corrupting our judicial system? Can serious crime be prevented by mobilizing neighborhoods, redesigning cities, and creating sustainable communities?

Criminology and criminal justice is an interdisciplinary major, a fact demonstrated by the diverse backgrounds of our full-time and adjunct faculty. Students graduating from our program have a wide range of choices when they look for employment or post-graduate education. Our graduates work in local and federal law enforcement, in corrections (probation and parole, correctional administration), in human services (offender counseling, victim assistance), and in fields like security and investigation within the business community. Graduates from our program also go on to pursue advanced degrees in such areas as law, criminal justice, psychology, social work, public administration, and urban planning.

Admission Requirements:

Admission to the division is based on general admission to the University.

Degree Requirements:

The requirements below became effective Fall 2004.

Drop-In Advising for Fall 2008:
Mondays and Wednesdays 9:00 AM -12:00 and Tuesdays 9:00 AM - 10:00 AM

Bachelor degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice (B.A./B.S.)

In addition to meeting the general University degree requirements, students who major in criminology and criminal justice (CCJ)* must complete core and elective courses within the division. Some of these courses have prerequisites, and students should read course descriptions in the current PSU Bulletin before registration. In consultation with a CCJ advisor, students can apply up to 20 credits from a regionally accredited junior college toward the CCJ major requirements.

All core and elective courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or above. A course grade of C- (1.67) does not satisfy this requirement. Course taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling division major requirements. The CCJ degree requirements are:

*Program was formerly called Administration of Justice (AJ) and course titles will continue to use the AJ prefix until fall 2009.

**As of Fall 2006, we will suspend offering AJ490. Substitute an additional upper division (300/400) elective course.

Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice

Students who minor in criminology and criminal justice must complete core and elective courses within the division. Some of these courses have prerequisites, and students should read course descriptions in the current PSU Bulletin before registration. All core and elective courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a minor, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or above. Course taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling division major requirements. The CCJ degree requirements for a minor are:

Postbaccalaureate certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice

To earn a postbaccalaureate certificate in criminology and criminal justice students must complete core and elective courses within the division. Some of these courses have prerequisites, and students should read course descriptions in the current PSU Bulletin before registration. All course and elective courses submitted to satisfy the requirements for a major, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or above. Course taken under the undifferentiated grading option (pass/no pass) will not be accepted toward fulfilling division major requirements. The CCJ degree requirements for a postbaccalaureate certificate are:

Course Listings

• For current term course listings, please go to the Schedule of Classes.