The Bachelor’s program in Criminal Justice and Criminology is designed to provide students with the skills and knowledge necessary to pursue a career in the diverse and rapidly evolving field of criminal justice. This program offers a comprehensive curriculum that covers a wide range of topics related to law enforcement, criminal justice, and criminology. The program emphasizes practical, hands-on learning experiences by exposing students to a variety of learning opportunities, including internships, and research projects, which allows them to apply what they have learned in real-world settings. Additionally, the program offers flexible learning options, including a web-enhanced program and part-time study. Delta State also offers a Master of Science in Criminal Justice and Criminology.
11:1
Student-Faculty Ratio
90
Employment Rate
(within the first 6 months of graduation)
3
Award-winning Documentary Film
“Voices from the Sit-in,” a student driven-project in collaboration with the Digital Media Arts program.
Why Choose Criminal Justice and Criminology at DSU?
Our faculty members are experts in their field and are dedicated to providing students with up-to-date knowledge and practical skills that are in demand in today’s job market. We offer flexible course scheduling options, making it easier for students to balance their academic commitments with their other responsibilities. We also offer student advisement online if needed, allowing students to receive support and guidance no matter where they are.
- Applications accepted year round
- Wide variety of elective courses
- Latest expertise in criminal justice
- Combines theory with practice
- Hands-on activities
- Wide range of student support
- Internship opportunities
- Research opportunities
- Real-world scenarios and discussions
- Interactions with guest criminology experts
”I have had the honor of meeting many respected professionals, from FBI Agents to Forensic Psychologists. The courses have given me a better understanding of how the "real world" is essentially put together, combining theory with practice. I have also received great career insight and opportunities to network.
Mathilde (Tilly) Skovbakke, Criminal Justice and Criminology majorClass of 2024
Concentrations in Criminal Justice and Criminology
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice concentration in the Criminal Justice and Criminology program offers a robust curriculum tailored for students eager to deeply explore the criminal justice system. This concentration is structured to provide an in-depth understanding and comprehensive knowledge of various aspects of criminal justice. It includes five core courses: Psychology and Criminal Justice, Juvenile Delinquency, Criminal Investigations, Drugs and Society, and Criminal Forensics. These courses are carefully selected to cover a wide range of topics, from foundational principles to specialized areas within criminal justice. In addition to these core courses, students are required to select electives from the Criminal Justice and Criminology (CRJ) course offerings. This elective component provides students with the flexibility to tailor their education according to their interests and career aspirations within the criminal justice field.
Social Justice
The Social Justice concentration within the Criminal Justice and Criminology program is a comprehensive curriculum designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social justice issues in the context of criminal justice. This concentration includes core courses such as Victimology and Family Violence, which are essential for building foundational knowledge in the field. Students are also required to select electives from a range of Criminal Justice and Criminology (CRJ) courses, offering flexibility and the opportunity to tailor their learning to specific areas of interest within criminal justice. Additionally, the program emphasizes a broad understanding of social sciences; students must choose advanced-level electives from a variety of social science disciplines, including Sociology (SOC), Political Science (PSC), History (HIS), or Social Science (SSC). This diverse selection of courses allows students to gain a multidimensional perspective on social justice, equipping them with the skills and knowledge necessary to address complex issues in today’s criminal justice system.
What Can I Do With a B.S. Degree in
Criminal Justice and Criminology?
At Delta State University, the goal of the Criminal Justice and Criminology program is to provide students with the knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in a variety of careers within the criminal justice field. We strive to prepare our graduates to leave our program feeling skilled, confident, and equipped to handle real-world situations. Our graduates are ready to pursue graduate school or a Criminal Justice and Criminology career with many options, such as:
- Police officer
- Detective
- Federal agent
- Correctional officer
- Probation officer
- Parole officer
- Private investigator
- Warden
- Attorney
- Bailiff
- Criminologist
- Drug enforcement agent
- Litigation manager
- Paralegal
- Penologist
- Teacher
Criminal Justice and Criminology Scholarships
We understand that the cost of higher education can be a barrier for many students, which is why Delta State University is committed to making our programs as affordable as possible. We offer a variety of financial aid options to help students fund their education, including scholarships, grants, loans, and work-study programs. For students interested in pursuing the major in Criminal Justice and Criminology, there are several scholarship opportunities available at Delta State. These scholarships are typically based on academic achievement, financial need, or specific career goals within the criminal justice field. Students may also be eligible for non-program specific scholarship opportunities.
Program Goals
The goal of the Delta State University Criminal Justice and Criminology program is to provide students with a comprehensive understanding of the criminal justice system and its many components, including law enforcement, the court system, and corrections. The program aims to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to pursue careers in criminal justice or related fields. Students will also develop critical thinking and analytical skills, as well as an understanding of ethical and social justice issues within the criminal justice system. The program seeks to prepare students to become knowledgeable and ethical professionals who can contribute to the betterment of their communities and society as a whole.
Admission Requirements
Applicants of this program must meet Delta State University’s undergraduate admission requirements.
There are no additional program admission requirements.
Curriculum
The following courses are required to complete the major in Criminal Justice and Criminology (core courses plus a concentration).
Criminal Justice and Criminology (Core)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CRJ 200 | Introduction to Criminal Justice Policy and Practice | 3 |
| CRJ 405 | Introduction to Criminology Theory | 3 |
| CRJ 407 | Criminal Law | 3 |
| CRJ 414 | Race, Crime, and the Law | 3 |
| CRJ 431 | Gender, Law, and Crime | 3 |
| CRJ 455 | Ethics in Social Justice and Criminology | 3 |
| CRJ 480 | Criminal Justice Practicum | 3 |
| PSC 440 | The Judicial Process | 3 |
| PSC 442 | Civil Rights Law | 3 |
| SSC 469 | Quantitative Methods for the Social Sciences | 3 |
| SSC 470 | Methods of Social Research | 3 |
| CIS 235 | Microcomputer Information Systems | 3 |
| ENG 250 | Workplace Writing | 3 |
| TOTAL | 39 | |
Social Justice (Concentration)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CRJ 426 | Victimology | 3 |
| CRJ 475 | Family Violence | 3 |
| Criminal Justice and Criminology electives – Select 15 hours from any CRJ course not already listed. | 15 | |
| Social Science electives – Select 12 hours from any 300-level or 400-level SOC, PSC, HIS, GEO, or SSC course not already listed. | 12 | |
| TOTAL | 33 | |
Criminal Justice (Concentration)
| Course Number | Course Title | Credits |
| CRJ 321 | Psychology and the Criminal Justice Process | 3 |
| CRJ 336 | Juvenile Delinquency | 3 |
| CRJ 410 | Applied Criminal Investigation | 3 |
| CRJ 461 | Drugs and Society | 3 |
| CRJ 470 | Family Violence | 3 |
| Criminal Justice and Criminology electives – Select 18 hours from any CRJ course not already listed. | 18 | |
| TOTAL | 33 | |
Degree Requirements
To earn this degree, you must successfully complete at least 120 credits, including your general education requirements and the major requirements below. No grade below C in a required major course or special degree requirements may be applied toward graduation. Any grade below C must be removed by repeating the course and earning a C or better grade.
| General Education | 39-41 |
| University Requirement | 1 |
| Major | 72 |
| Electives | 3-8 |
| TOTAL DEGREE REQUIREMENTS | 120 |
For more information on degree requirements and specifics on courses needed to complete the degree, consult the Undergraduate Academic Catalog. For a semester-by-semester breakdown on how you can complete this degree in 4-years, visit academic maps.
