Criminology and Criminal Justice Frequently Asked Questions
What is the CCJ major about?
The BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a foundation of knowledge for students interested in a variety of careers both in and out of the formal justice system. This degree covers a variety of aspects relating to the study of crime and society’s reaction to it. The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS) sets forth standards for all undergraduate criminology programs. These standards include the study of policing, courts and adjudication, corrections, research methodology, justice administration and criminological theory. We designed the coursework for the Slippery Rock major with these standards in mind.
How can I become a criminology/criminal justice major?
The change of major forms (for both first and second major) are available on this Blackboard site (see link under “Course Documents”) and here (http://www.sru.edu/pages/768.asp). Hard copies are available in 04 Spotts, 204 Spotts, and in most of the departmental and Deans’ offices. Fill out your name and other requested information on the front, check the Criminology and Criminal Justice (BA) box (under College of Business and Social Sciences), and sign the back in the space for the student’s signature. Hand in to the departmental secretary (Debra Moors) or student worker in 04 Spotts offices.
What is the difference between criminology and criminal justice?
Some academics do not really distinguish between criminology and criminal justice; others do. Traditionally, criminal justice has been interpreted to refer to the systemic and policy aspects of the field, including the study of policing, corrections, courts, and other real-world applications. Criminology has been thought of more as a behavioral/social science that explores the origins of criminal behavior and the social response to crime. However, others believe that the two are so inter-related that they should be considered as one discipline. The SRU program in Criminology and Criminal Justice, in accordance with the standards set forth by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences (ACJS), includes study of all recognized components of the discipline.
What kind of job can I get with this degree?
Majors in criminology and criminal justice can go on to a variety of careers in the field, including police officer, detective, federal agent, corrections officer, corrections counselor, criminal investigator, community correctional worker, juvenile treatment worker, probation officer, parole officer, and private security/investigations. Many of these careers will require additional training and qualifications specific to the agency. Furthermore, this program prepares students who wish to seek higher degrees in criminology, justice studies, or related fields. See the career links section of this web page for further information.
How do I know what classes to take?
Your faculty advisor will assist you with this, but there are also resources for you to look at on your own, so when you go to your advising session you will be better informed and ready to plan your academic career at Slippery Rock.
- Slippery Rock liberal studies requirements:
http://academics.sru.edu/liberalstudies/liberal_studies_guide.pdf
- Criminology and Criminal Justice Major Progress Sheet
- Suggested class rotation schedules for Freshman through Senior grade levels
Although your faculty advisor will help you as much as possible, remember that it is ultimately the student’s responsibility to schedule the right classes for timely graduation.
What are the goals of this program? How will they be assessed?
There are four major goals, or “outcomes” for the Criminology and Criminal Justice Major. Every Crim/CJ student should be acquainted with these outcomes. You will see them in your class syllabi, on our bulletin boards, the criminology office areas, and the major Blackboard website. All of your coursework is designed to add to your knowledge base as reflected by these outcomes. You should know about these outcomes. Please take some time to study them.
In addition, we will assess how well students are learning these outcomes in a variety of ways. These goals were crafted in accordance with the standards set forth by the Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences, the University, and the State System of Higher Education. Assessment methods will consist of a Capstone class, a major field test, and other methods to determine how well we are doing in our mission of educating students about the field.Criminology Program Outcomes:
- To gain proficiency in the field of crime, justice, and criminology.
- To understand the role of diversity and human experience in the application and study of criminal justice.
- To develop skills in critical thinking, synthesis and analysis of informational sources about criminal law, policing, corrections, research, and social justice.
- To gain knowledge of the role of ethics, morals and values in the field of criminal justice
Are there opportunities for internships and/or service learning?
We currently offer an optional internship for qualified students. More information about internships is available elsewhere on this Blackboard site, and on the Internship Blackboard site. We will also be developing new service learning opportunities as we continue to build the program.
Is there a criminology club for students?
We would like to form one. If you are interested in being part of a criminology club, email Dr. Champion.
Who are the criminology faculty, and how can I get in touch with them?
The CCJ faculty members are Dr. Katherine Hardesty, Dr. David R. Champion, Dr. Youngyol Yim, and Dr. Michael Stowe. Drs. Hardesty and Stowe also teach in the social work major. Contact information is available on the faculty web pages and elsewhere on this site.
Does this major have online classes available?
Yes. Currently, Introduction to Criminology, Human Diversity and Crime Justice and Society are periodically offered online. Our goal is to make all of the major classes available through distance education.
Will I get a chance to do research?
Criminology faculty members are active in the academic discipline and often conduct research to publish and present in professional forums. Students have the opportunity to assist faculty with these projects. In addition, this major regularly holds student research symposia and offers other chances for students to conduct and showcase their own research. Students who are interested in the research and publication records of the SRU CCJ faculty can check the faculty web pages and CCJ college website.