In the Justice Studies Concentration, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice provides students with a detailed understanding of the basic institutions of the criminal justice system. Students in this concentration take courses that detail all components of the criminal justice system, including law enforcement, the courts, and corrections. Stressing effective writing and analytical skills, the program also exposes students to criminological theory and research courses, which help them better understand the complex relationships between individuals, society, and the criminal justice system. This concentration is perfect for students who are interested in pursuing a career in criminal justice or human services. It is also great for students who have a desire to continue to graduate or law school.

Program Requirements

As one of the only programs in the region to offer a Victimology Concentration, the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice strives to help prepare future criminal justice and victim service professionals to better understand the impact of victimization and the needs of crime victims. Students in this concentration take courses focusing on the types, scope, and consequences, as well as the resources and services available for victims. This concentration is perfect for students who are interested in pursuing a victim-focused career, such as a victim advocate, counselor, or coordinator at a domestic violence center. It is also great for students who simply have a desire to better serve victims in their future criminal justice professions (e.g., police officer, correctional officer, juvenile probation officer).

Program Requirements

The program consists of elective courses such as:

• Sex Crimes
• Crime Prevention
• Crime & Media
• Into to Criminalistics
• Guns, Crime, & American Society
• Bullies & Bullets: Victimization in Schools
• Fraud Examination.

Earning a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology opens many doors for students. Common career paths include:

• Local, state, or federal law enforcement
• Private security
• Loss prevention
• Asset protection
• Adult and/or juvenile correctional, probation, and parole officers
• Victim’s advocate

 A bachelor’s degree in Criminology is also a great stepping stone for graduate studies or law school.

The majority of our students opt to complete either a co-op or service learning experience in the field of criminology or criminal justice. Recent co-op positions have included Hamilton County Pre-Trial Services, Cincinnati Police Department, U.S. Marshals, Federal Probation, Hamilton County Job and Family Services and JACK Cincinnati Casino. Students who participated in service learning have been placed at the Office of Peace, Justice and Care of Creation, EarthConnection, Be Concerned, Bethany House, St. Francis Seraph Ministries, Them Bones and Cincinnati Initiative to Reduce Violence.