About This Program
Criminology is the study of crime and society's response to crime. The criminology program focuses on crime as a social phenomenon and the causes of criminal behavior. The major provides an overview of institutions, issues, and causes of crime, and social control; it also offers a strong foundation in liberal arts, a basic knowledge of behavioral sciences, and a strong professional growth potential for those pursuing a career in criminology or the criminal justice system.
Our focus is on the critical examination of crime in the U.S. and other countries, and on the mechanisms of crime control in society. Our program is not technical training for criminal justice careers but teaches fundamental skills necessary to those careers.
Program Highlights
- Our Criminology program is housed in an interdisciplinary department allowing for cross-over in terms of courses offered and faculty who may teach in multiple disciplines including forensic psychology, anthropology, sociology.
- Our faculty engage in timely, scholarly research that is relevant to students and the broader community. Faculty background and research areas include:
- A Forensic Clinical Psychologist working with the courts and police in the area. They train law enforcement on how to work with people with severe mental illness and conduct competency and sanity evaluations for the courts
- Cybercrime, cyber bullying, and fear of crime
- Media and crime
- College students’ use/misuse of drugs such as prescription stimulants and opioids
Research & Experiential Learning
- All majors are required to complete an internship with agencies in the community, providing the opportunity to network in the field of criminology or social services and gain real-world experience
Student Internships
- State of MN, Sixth Judicial District, Board of Public Defense
- First Witness Child Advocacy Center
- The Duluth Bethel
- Arrowhead Regional Corrections
- Northwood Children's Services
- Safe Haven Shelter & Resource Center
- UMD, Women's Resource & Action Center
- Men as Peacemakers
Potential Careers
- Careers in criminology or the criminal justice system such as law enforcement (federal, state, and local) or corrections (probation, parole)
- Criminology majors also go on to advanced education such as law school or graduate school
Scholarships
The department offers three scholarships to criminology students:
• Walter Baeumler Award in Criminology
• James L. Otto Memorial Scholarship
• Arthur Pulford Scholarship in Criminology
CAHSS is proud to be able to offer over 90 alumni and donor funded scholarships to our students each year. Each department facilitates the process for their specific scholarships and students are also encouraged to apply for CAHSS-wide scholarships offered to students in any field.
Get Involved
- Criminology Club is a student run organization with a faculty sponsor
Requirements
Refer to the link below for more detailed information about the program, admission requirements, sample plans, and contact information.