Campus Undergraduate Minor in Criminology & Criminal Justice

Program Description

Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) is an interdisciplinary social science devoted to the study of the crime causation and crime control (Criminology) along with the operations of the legal system (Criminal Justice). Our campus-based undergraduate minor provides students with an introduction to the study of crime, offenders, victims, and the justice system. This includes coverage of criminological theories, research on crime prevention and crime control policy, and current practices in policing, courts, and corrections.

Degree Requirements

Students minoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice complete courses in three distinct categories (this is in addition to meeting other University and major requirements):

Required Courses (12 credit hours)

These three courses provide students with foundational knowledge and skills related to the field of Criminology & Criminal Justice.

• CCJ 200 Criminology and Criminal Justice
• CCJ 320 Theories of Crime
• CCJ 330 Crime Control Strategies

Specialization Course (4 credit hours)

• CCJ 230 Policing in America
• CCJ 240 Punishment and Corrections
• CCJ 310 American Courts

Elective Courses (16 credit hours)

The Department offers a wide range of elective courses each year that allow students to tailor their Criminology and Criminal Justice minor to meet particular interests or career aspirations. Any Criminology and Criminal Justice course not used to satisfy the above requirements counts as an elective. A minimum of 8 of the 16 credits must be taken at the upper division level. Upper division (UD) courses are listed in the range from 300 to 499.

Double Dip! Completing the following Criminology and Criminal Justice elective courses will also satisfy your Junior Cluster requirement in Leading Social Change:

• CCJ 350U Ethical Leadership in Criminal Justice
• CCJ 355U Perspectives on Terrorism 
• CCJ 365U Criminology and Social Justice 

The undergraduate minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires 32 total credits in Criminology and Criminal Justice coursework. All classes used to satisfy Criminology and Criminal Justice minor requirements, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C" (2.00 GPA) or above. In consultation with a Criminology and Criminal Justice advisor, students can transfer up to 16 credits from a regionally accredited college or university toward the Criminology and Criminal Justice minor requirements.

Courses

The curriculum is largely delivered via in-person classes on PSU’s campus. Some of the courses are periodically offered online or as hybrids with reduced seat time.

Please note that the courses and academic terms are subject to change. Students should consult the University’s official classes list for the most up-to-date schedule.

Be sure to visit the Criminology and Criminal Justice Campus Undergraduate Courses page for information about course description and term offerings.

Transfer Credits

The Criminology & Criminal Justice program at PSU has extensive experience with undergraduate transfer students. More than one-half of our students transfer into PSU from the local community colleges and regional Universities so you are likely to run into old classmates. Some of our adjunct faculty also teach at the community colleges making your transition into our program even easier. Articulation agreements with Oregon’s community colleges identify CCJ-related courses that automatically transfer into our Criminology & Criminal Justice major (see list below). Other transfer credits from regionally accredited community colleges, four-year colleges and universities are determined by PSU upon admission.

See how your criminal justice courses from local community colleges transfer into PSU's Criminology and Criminal Justice undergraduate programs.

Advising

The College of Urban and Public Affairs (CUPA), where the Criminology & Criminal Justice department is housed, has professional advisors available to assist students. This includes support for transferring into PSU, understanding BA/BS and general university requirements, course planning for the Criminology and Criminal Justice major, preparing for graduation, and provision of general program information.

Criminology and Criminal Justice majors are encouraged to meet regularly with their adviser to ensure that they are on track to graduate.