Sociology—Criminology Major (B.A.)

Print Degree Planner (opens a new window) |

Special curriculum; major code BA4253

The criminology program is designed for students who plan to pursue a career in some aspect of the criminal justice system (e.g. corrections, probation, parole, or law enforcement), yet wish to receive a liberal arts education. Possibilities after graduation include employment in criminal justice or further study in law, criminology, or criminal justice. You will receive a degree in sociology with the specialization in criminology noted. You are encouraged to enter the program as a freshman to help ensure completion in four years.

College-level Requirements

Please see the appropriate college listing for college-level academic requirements.

Required courses (25 credit hours)

C or Better in the Following

SOC 101 - Introduction to Sociology Credit Hours: 4
SOC 260 - Criminal Justice Credit Hours: 4
SOC 351 - Elementary Research Techniques Credit Hours: 4
SOC 362 - Criminology Credit Hours: 4
SOC 403 - Development of Sociological Thought Credit Hours: 4
or
SOC 404 - Modern Sociological Theory Credit Hours: 4
(SOC 403 is preferred to 404)

Select one course from the following:

COMS 301 - Empirical Research Applications in Communication Credit Hours: 4
MATH 251 - Introduction to Probability and Statistics II Credit Hours: 4
PSY 221 - Statistics for the Behavioral Sciences Credit Hours: 5
QBA 201 - Introduction to Business Statistics Credit Hours: 4

Criminology options: Take four courses for 16–22 credit hours

SOC 261 - Deviant Behavior Credit Hours: 4
SOC 363 - Juvenile Delinquency Credit Hours: 4
SOC 364 - Police and Society Credit Hours: 4
SOC 365 - Sociology of Mental Illness Credit Hours: 4
SOC 366 - Sociology of Correction Credit Hours: 4
SOC 367 - Corporate and Governmental Crime Credit Hours: 4
SOC 462 - Sociology of the Courts Credit Hours: 4
SOC 464 - Law and Social Control Credit Hours: 4
SOC 467 - Violence Against Women Credit Hours: 4
SOC 471 - Gender and Justice Credit Hours: 4
SOC 495 - Internship in Criminology Credit Hours: 5 to 10

Collateral sociology courses: Take three courses for 12 credit hours

SOC 201 - Contemporary Social Problems Credit Hours: 4
SOC 210 - Introduction to Social Psychology Credit Hours: 4
SOC 211 - Collective Behavior Credit Hours: 4
SOC 230 - Sociology of Poverty Credit Hours: 4
SOC 327 - Sociology of Education Credit Hours: 4
SOC 331 - Class and Social Inequality Credit Hours: 4
SOC 424 - Urban Sociology Credit Hours: 4
SOC 429 - Sociology of Race, Ethnicity, and Class Credit Hours: 4
SOC 450 - Data Analysis Credit Hours: 4

Suggested Courses

The following courses are highly recommended, and you are encouraged to take some of them to satisfy the College of Arts and Sciences 18-hour social sciences requirement. Check the courses for prerequisites.

POLS 404 - Civil Liberties Credit Hours: 4
POLS 409 - Criminal Procedure Credit Hours: 5
PSY 332 - Abnormal Psychology Credit Hours: 4
PSY 337 - Social Psychology of Justice Credit Hours: 4

Ohio University