Bachelor in Criminology

Why pursue a criminology degree at North Central College?

Criminology is the study of crime and criminal behaviors. Students majoring in Criminology will learn theories of criminal behavior related to understanding why people commit crimes, potential prevention methods, and where and against whom crimes are most frequently committed.

Students will develop an accurate sense of the historical developments of discipline—exploring the evolution of the justice system and lessons society has learned over time.

The program is designed to provide a comprehensive analysis of the complexities of the criminal justice system. Students will assess the impact of legislation, examine the disconnect between research and practice, and evaluate the inequities that permeate the justice system.

Students can enhance their studies in a variety of ways:

• Conduct undergraduate research and present your findings at the College’s Rall Symposium for Undergraduate Research
• Network with industry experts and complete competitive internships
• Join the North Central Criminal Justice Association student organization
• Take your education abroad in one of our many studies abroad programs
• Enroll in Chicago Term to experience living in the city while taking courses from North Central professors

Courses include:

• Community & City Life
• Community Psychology
• Crime, Law, and Society
• Criminal Justice System
• Drugs and Behavior
• Gender: Patterns/Privileges/ Possibilities
• Intersections of Crime
• Law and Order in Cross-Cultural Perspective
• Law, Politics, and Society
• Policing & Corrections
• Power-Based Personal Violence
• Race/Ethnicity: Conflict & Change
• Social Class: Get Ahead/Fall Behind
• Rights, Liberties, and Justice
• Youth Justice, Crime, & Law

Graduates work in a number of industries, including:

• Social Services
• Courts
• Policing
• Institutional Corrections
• Community Corrections
• Juvenile Justice
• Intelligence
• Private Sector
• Legislative Offices
• Law Offices

Students are also well-prepared for law school and graduate school.