Criminology
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Understand crime, examine justice and develop the skills to help strengthen communities.
About the Program
Criminology is the study of crime and its many dimensions. Students examine why people commit crimes, why certain acts are defined as criminal, and why laws and punishments differ across people, places and time periods. The program also explores the criminal justice system, including police, courts and corrections, and how these institutions operate in society.
Through the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, students develop an understanding of criminal behavior, crime prevention, public policy and the experiences of offenders and victims. They also learn to conduct research, analyze data, evaluate information and communicate clearly, skills that can be applied in criminal justice, government, legal, community service and research settings.
Why Study Criminology at CSU?
Understand Crime
Examine why people commit crimes and how laws, policies and social conditions shape definitions of crime.
Examine the Justice System
Learn how police, courts, corrections and other parts of the criminal justice system operate in society.
Develop Research and Analytical Skills
Learn to conduct research, analyze data, use statistical applications and evaluate information.
Gain Professional Experience
Apply what you learn and explore potential career paths through internship opportunities in criminal justice and related settings
Prepare for Diverse Career Paths
Build knowledge and skills applicable to criminal justice, government, legal, victim-service and research settings.
What Will You Learn?
As a Criminology major, you will learn to:
- Examine why people commit crimes and how certain acts become defined as criminal.
- Understand how police, courts and correctional systems operate in society.
- Explore why laws and punishments differ across people, places and time periods.
- Apply criminological theories to specific issues and problems.
- Identify and evaluate policies designed to reduce and prevent crime.
- Understand issues affecting criminal offenders and victims.
- Conduct research, analyze data and use statistical applications.
- Evaluate information and communicate conclusions clearly and concisely.
Criminology Careers
A degree in criminology can prepare you for opportunities in criminal justice, law enforcement, corrections, government, victim services, research and community organizations. Graduates may work directly with offenders or victims, support criminal justice agencies, investigate crime or fraud, or collect and analyze criminal justice data.
Potential career paths include:
- Probation or parole officer
- Correctional officer
- Police officer or deputy sheriff
- Victim advocate or victim specialist
- Crime data or intelligence analyst
- Background or fraud investigator
- Case manager or youth advocate
- State or federal agency positions
- Transportation or border security
- Legal careers
Some careers require additional education, professional training, certification, background investigations or other qualifications. Becoming an attorney, for example, requires completing law school and meeting state licensing requirements.
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Frequently Asked Questions
Criminology is the study of crime and its many dimensions. It examines why people commit crimes, why certain acts are defined as criminal, how crime affects society, and why laws and punishments may differ across people, places and time periods.
Criminology focuses on understanding crime, including its causes, consequences and prevention. Criminal justice focuses more directly on the institutions that respond to crime, such as police, courts and corrections. CSU’s Criminology B.A. examines both crime and how the criminal justice system operates in society.
Students develop skills in critical thinking, research, data analysis, concise writing and communication. They also learn to apply criminological theories, use statistical applications, evaluate information and assess policies designed to reduce and prevent crime.
Criminology graduates may pursue opportunities in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, victim services, government agencies, research, crime and intelligence analysis, investigations, case management and community organizations. Some careers require additional education, training, certification or other qualifications.
Criminology can provide a strong foundation for students interested in law school by developing their understanding of crime and the justice system, as well as their research, writing, analytical and critical-thinking skills. Becoming an attorney requires completing law school and meeting state licensing requirements.
Program Contact
Please contact Dr. Jane Doe (j.doe@csuohio.edu or 216.687.2000) for any questions about this program.
Next Steps
Contact Information
Mailing Address
Cleveland State University
Department of Criminology and Sociology
2121 Euclid Avenue
Cleveland, OH 44115
Campus Location
Urban Building
1717 Euclid Avenue, UR 238B
Cleveland, Ohio 44115
Program Director
Dr. Rongjun Sun