Sociology Faculty
The interdisciplinary curriculum for this major examines criminology, crime data analysis and mapping, and the contexts in which crime is rooted, or conversely, communities flourish.
With a degree in Criminal Justice, you’ll graduate with an understanding of criminal behavior and the procedures and institutions within the criminal justice system. You'll see the links among the criminal justice system and criminal behavior and larger social forces. You will understand alternative approaches to address crime and related social problems and how to apply Christian values and ethical principles to criminal justice practices.
This major provides the academic foundation for a career in law enforcement, social work, mental health services, or corrections, as well as graduate work in criminology, sociology, social work, or law.
- A minimum 68 credits are required for this major, including at least 30 upper-division credits.
- A maximum 10 credits of URB 4940 “Internship in Criminal Justice” can apply to this major.
entering and completing the major
In order to earn a degree, you must complete an academic major. SPU encourages students to explore various academic paths, and students are not required to enter a major immediately upon admission to the University. However, you should enter a major by the end of your sophomore year to help ensure your timely completion of a degree. Students who transfer as juniors and seniors should identify and enter their major within their first two quarters at SPU.
- If this is your first quarter at SPU and you wish to enter a major in this department, you may select a program by using the online Major or Minor Application form. You will receive an email notification of acceptance.
- If you are an SPU student with an SPU cumulative GPA of 2.0 or better, use the online Major or Minor Application form to select your major. You will receive an email notification of acceptance. Students on academic probation (with an SPU cumulative GPA below 2.0) will not be permitted to enter a new major or minor until they regain good academic standing.
- The University requires a grade of C- or better in all classes that apply to a major or minor; however, programs may require higher minimum grades in specific courses. You may repeat an SPU course only once for a higher grade.
- With the help of your major advisor, you should create a plan that includes the combination of elective courses that will best prepare you to achieve your career and life goals.
- To advance in this program, meet with your faculty advisor regularly to discuss your grades, course progression, and other indicators of satisfactory academic progress. If your grades or other factors indicate that you may not be able to successfully complete the major, your faculty advisor can work with you to explore options, which may include choosing a different major.
- You must complete the major requirements in effect in the SPU Undergraduate Catalog for the year of admittance to the major.