Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology offers substantive studies in criminal justice and criminology in conjunction with a liberal arts education.  It prepares students for a broad range of careers in criminal justice institutions, government agencies at local, state, and federal levels, private support and welfare organizations, private security work, and domestic and international corporations, as well as for the pursuit of graduate study or law school; develops leadership qualities; and promotes the ideal of professional achievement in public service.

Criminal Justice and Criminology is the interdisciplinary study of the problem of crime and of the institutions, policies and practices by which society responds to the problem of crime, as well as theories of human behavior and normative philosophies directly related to the maintenance of social order, the control of crime and the achievement of a just society. Specific courses in the program focus on social control issues and policies, substantive and procedural criminal law, the organization and workings of criminal justice institutions (police, courts, corrections, juvenile justice), issues relevant to groups in American society (gender, minorities), research and evaluation skills, theories of crime and delinquency, ethics, and the evaluation of management, programs, and policies conducted by justice system institutions.

Students are also required to complete related courses on the larger political, legal, economic and social environments in which crime and the criminal justice system operate. Taught by a multi-disciplinary faculty, courses cover such areas as public administration, American public policy, constitutional law, and gender and politics. Additional elective courses are offered by departments within the College of Arts and Sciences.

The course of study leads to the Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice and Criminology, and the Master's Degree (thesis and non-thesis tracks) and Ph.D. Degree in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Transfer Students

Students planning to transfer to Washington State University at the end of the first year or sophomore year should follow as closely as possible the general and core course requirements set forth in the schedule of studies. If this is done, there should be no difficulty in completing the requirements for the bachelor’s degree within the normal period of four years.

Preparation for Graduate Study

Undergraduates who are pursuing their studies at other institutions or through other curricula at this institution and who contemplate graduate work in this program will do well to elect courses similar to those required in the schedule of studies.

Student Learning Outcomes

The B.A. in Criminal Justice and Criminology empowers students to be innovative problem-solvers, ethical decision-makers, and effective communicators in the field of criminal justice. Through interdisciplinary coursework and experiential learning opportunities, students will develop a comprehensive understanding of crime and criminal justice at the local, state, national, and international levels, including justice administration, crime determinants, emerging technologies, and global perspectives. Graduates are well-equipped to address the challenges of a rapidly changing criminal justice and public safety landscape by emphasizing evidence-based decision-making, policy analysis, community engagement, and creative evaluation.

Goal 1: Criminal Justice Inputs, Outcomes, and Institutions

Understand common theoretical perspectives on crime as well as general trends, correlates, and measurement issues related to the criminal justice system. Comprehend how criminal justice organizations are organized and managed, and the legal principles upon which criminal justice actors must operate to protect the rights of all members of society. 

 Goal 2: Quantitative, Scientific, and Technological Literacy

Read, understand, analyze, and synthesize social scientific data and legal doctrines relevant to the study of crime, the administration of justice, and associated public policies.

Goal 3: Institutional and Public Communication 

Be able to effectively present, convey, and discuss ideas and issues orally and in writing.

Goal 4: Diversity, Equity, and Justice 

Understand and effectively articulate issues related to diversity as they relate to crime, victimization, and the criminal justice system.