Online Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Completion Program
The University of Saint Mary offers a Bachelor's in Criminology that draws from several disciplines to more
effectively engage with the root causes of human behavior.
Fascinated by how laws are constructed, why they are broken, and how our society responds
to crime? The 花椒直播 online criminology program may be a perfect
fit for you.
Through an industry-focused curriculum, you will learn to think and research critically,
communicate during tense situations, and practice empathetic, human-focused practices.
A Program that Teaches Understanding Human Behavior
Why USM?
Cost-Per-Credit: $425 a credit hour
Average Completion Time:18 months, for students with gen eds completed
People-Focused Learning:Develop ethical leadership skills while understanding the root causes of human behavior
with coursework in psychology and sociology.
Industry Aligned Curriculum:Coursework is built on the recommendations of local law enforcement experts and administrators
on the USM Criminology Advisory Board.
Most criminal justice programs only study technical elements of crime and the criminal
justice system. USM鈥檚 criminology program also examines the nature and function of
crime, including society鈥檚 influence and response to behavior, blending:
Psychology
Sociology
Law
Political Science
Research
The behavioral-focused nature of the online B.A. in Criminology program prompts students
to engage with subjects like psychology, sociology, and political science to understand
the root causes of human behavior. Students learn from experts in the field how to
research, analyze, and draw conclusions from criminal trends and behaviors. Small
class sizes and one-on-one mentorship opportunities withfacultyallow students to gain deeper insight.
One of the most significant challenges currently facing law enforcement and criminologist
professionals is the lack of available training on addressing the motivations behind
human behavior. The online B.A. criminology degree prompts students to engage fully
withinnovative, human-centered practices.
We鈥檒l help prepare you for the field with unique partnership opportunities that other
programs don鈥檛 offer. Graduates with a major in criminology find many and varied career
opportunities in the criminal justice field including, law enforcement, corrections,
juvenile programs, and advocacy.
Undergraduate admissions requirements to the 花椒直播 vary by program.
Some basic requirements include:
A 2.0 GPA on at least 12 credits of previously completed transferrable college coursework
or
A 2.75 high school GPA for students with no prior college experience, or a GED exam
demonstrating college readiness
The 60-credit curriculum of the online criminology degree concentrates primarily on
the behavior of criminals, professionals in the field, and human reactions. A complete USM bachelor's degree requires 120 credits.
The online B.A. in Criminology degree features an in-depth curriculum structured by
recommendations from our Criminology Advisory Board of criminal justice and law enforcement
administrators. Unlike similar degree paths, the B.A. in Criminology showcases a focus
on human-centered behaviors to allow students to understand the motivations behind
human actions. The interdisciplinary nature of the degree enables you to adopt research
and analytical skills that will set you apart as you move into the job market or explore
advancement opportunities.
Courses
Types and functions of law enforcement; the jurisdiction, structure, processes, and
personnel of the judicial system; practices, procedures, and trends in probation,
parole, and other non-incarcerating sentencing alternatives.
Introduction to the case method of studying criminal law, theory, concept, and philosophy
of substantive law and criminal offenses; analysis of court decisions and opinions
through case method.
The course makes students aware of ethical issues in policing, courts, corrections,
and policymaking. These issues are explored using real-world examples, analytical
tools from the social sciences, and a variety of ethical philosophies. A major goal
of this course is to encourage students in the development of a sense of personal
responsibility.
The development of criminal law and definitions of crime, measurement of the incidence
and types of crimes, theoretical explanations of crime, the criminal justice system
and treatment programs, issues and trends in criminal justice.
Crime analysis is a fundamental aspect of successfully identifying and responding
to crime problems, including the underlying contributory elements. In this course,
the practical and theoretical foundations of crime analysis will be covered and explored
through integration of multiple disciplines including criminology theory, data analysis
principles and techniques, applied statistics, and evidence-based decision-making.
Within the course, students will use statistical and analytical techniques to identify
problems, develop research questions and hypotheses, and create responses. Programs
and initiatives will be assessed using these same techniques to determine the effectiveness
of responses.
In this course, students will demonstrate what they learned throughout the Criminology
program by applying critical-thinking and problem-solving skills to real-world situations.
This course is project-oriented with particular focus on assessing students' abilities
to synthesize and retain desired program learning outcomes related to the criminology
curriculum, and application of that knowledge to making critical decisions about professional,
personal, societal, and ethical issues.
An in-depth study of the American tradition of civil rights and civil liberties. The
history of the Supreme Court and the way in which scholars have approached the study
of civil rights and liberties lead to the study of significant court cases in the
key areas of rights and liberties.
Introduction to the academic discipline of Sociology and some of its main specialties:
culture, social organizations and groups, family structures, processes of socialization
and resocialization, deviance and criminal behavior, and inequality and prejudice
on the basis of class, race and gender. Group discussions and projects will supplement
the study of sociological concepts to encourage cultural recidivism, where students
seek to understand a variety of different social and cultural models on their own
terms.
This course is an analytical examination of investigative theory, crime detection
and solution, crime scene procedures, physical evidence, forensic sciences, interview
and interrogation, field notes and reporting. It includes issues concerning rules
of evidence, trial testimony, and other constitutional processes.
This course examines ways to identify, obtain, qualify, and admit evidence for criminal
investigation and prosecution. Students examine the rules and procedures of the criminal
justice system pertinent to the Fourth, Fifth, and Sixth Amendments, and evaluate
criminal procedures and evidence as they pertain to law enforcement principles. Learners
also synthesize constitutional issues, criminal procedure concepts, court testimony,
and their real-world application.
Course description coming soon.
This course introduces students to the cultural and structural components of gang
activity. It is an examination of the history of gangs, socio-psychological aspects
of individual and group behavior, and the major theories and socio-economic reasons
why gangs exist. Included in this course are descriptions of all types of gangs, as
well as a review of social programs and law enforcement techniques designed to combat
gangs.
Course description coming soon.
Concepts and problems associated with crisis and emergency management. Study of natural
hazards and threats posed by domestic and international terrorist groups. Reorganization
of relevant government agencies, civil preparedness measures, law enforcement responses,
and changes to the law will all be examined in context.
Major theoretical issues and debates in victimology. Victim blaming and defending,
research and victim statistics, legal and policy dilemmas, bureaucratic responses
to victims, and evaluation of victim compensation and restitution.
This course examines theories of juvenile delinquency. We will examine these theories
in depth. The course will begin by focusing on how the system works and then take
a broad overview of why juveniles become delinquent behavior. This course is an Idea
Seminar. As such, we will examine juvenile delinquency under the theme of global interdependence
through diversity, change, and interconnectedness in the ever-increasing international
scope of juvenile justice.
Study of the emergence of jails, prisons, and youth facilities; structures and functions
of correctional facilities; staffing and personnel training; programs and services;
administration of correctional facilities; prison overcrowding; legal and political
issues confronting corrections.
Examination of global terrorism, nationalism, and revolution. The course covers not
only theoretical models used to examine this material, but also provides a historical
view of each phenomenon. Focus on identifying possible political interventions that
would produce the best results for the world community.
A study of the relationships, processes, behaviors, functions, and structures involved
in marriage and family over the lifespan.
A study of the cognitive, social, physical, and emotional development from the prenatal
period through adolescence. Personality development in cultural contexts is explored
through current research. Field observations or interviews may be required.
Studies in the historical and contemporary perspectives of psychological disorders
and human deviance and approaches to treatment.
The focus of this course will be to provide students with a unique orientation to
the study of criminals and criminal behavior, which shares some affinity with the
fields of deviance, abnormal psychology, criminology, forensic psychology, and victimology.
This class will explore biological, environmental, sociological, and especially psychological
factors that impact criminals and their behavior. Students will also be exposed to
some of the principles and methods used in the profiling of criminals and violent
crimes.
The study of how people think about, influence, and relate to one another. Such topics
as attitudes, social beliefs, cultural and group influence, persuasion, conformity,
prejudice, aggression, attraction, and altruism are considered.
The 花椒直播 makes it easy for online students to ask questions and
find the answers they need. Below are many of the most frequently asked questions
about the online Bachelors in Criminology program. You are encouraged to ask any other
questions you may have!
How fast can I complete the online criminology degree? Students take, on average, 18 months to complete the program, with gen eds complete.
Is the online bachelor's degree in criminology a full- or part-time program? The online BA in Criminology is offered in both full- and part-time formats.
What is the total tuition for the online degree in criminology? The online BA in Criminology degree costs $425 a credit hour
For more information about tuition, additional costs, and financial aid options, please
visit our tuition page.
Does the online criminology degree require work experience? No, the degree does not require work experience.
Which classes are required to complete the BA in Criminology program? The online criminology program requires 60 credits. USM bachelor's degrees require
120 credits. Coursework includes a focus on human behavioral science, crime and media,
juvenile delinquency, and research methods. The degree-completion program is ideal
for students who have completed roughly two years of college or have an earned associate
in arts or associate in science from a regionally accredited institution.
Career Outlook
Through a behavioral focused approach, students prepare to enter positions to serve,
protect, and better their communities. Theonline criminology degreewill prepare you to apply an empathetic approach to your career.
As a result of understanding more about human motivations and mastering the de-escalation
practices explored in the online Bachelor's in Criminology, you'll qualify forindustry-leading positionsin law enforcement as officers, detectives, administrators, and more. The B.A. in
Criminology path features a novel approach to law enforcement through a focus on human
behavior and research. You will be equipped with the tools to become a leader in the
field. According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, police officers and detectives
earn anaverage salary of $67,290 per year.1
Additional roles graduates of theBA in Criminologyqualify for include:
Federal, state, local law enforcement officer
Corrections officer
Juvenile probation officer
Criminologist
Victim advocate
Sociologist
Many graduates pursue advanced criminology, criminal justice, sociology or psychology
degrees, which can immediately increase your salary potential.
1Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
Police and Detectives, on the Internet at(visitedMarch 31, 2022).
2Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
Police and Detectives, (visited July 29, 2020).
3Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
Private Detectives and Investigators, on the Internet at (visitedOctober 16, 2020).
4Bureau of Labor Statistics, U.S. Department of Labor, Occupational Outlook Handbook,
Probation Officers and Correctional Treatment Specialists,(visitedJuly 29, 2020).
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