Criminology Program Curriculum

The major in criminology (Bachelor of Arts in Criminology) at the University of Miami affords the student a comprehensive understanding of the problems of crime and the criminal justice system. Criminology has been described as the study of "making of law, breaking of law, and society's reaction to the breaking of law". Criminology coursework includes a comprehensive treatment of the broad social and political system which serves as the context for criminal justice. The program stresses both theory and research; encourages scientific inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis, and historical consciousness.

The Criminology Program at the University of Miami prepares students for many possible careers and provides a basis for further education in graduate or professional schools.

EMPLOYMENT: The program provides students with the knowledge and skills to enter the profession of criminal justice in a wide range of careers including, but not limited to: Juvenile Probation Officer; Caseworker in a juvenile detention facility; Drug and Alcohol Abuse Counselor: Probation (adult) officer (state/federal), Adult Parole Officer (state/federal); Correctional Treatment Specialist (prison systems); Corrections Officer (local/state/federal); Pretrial Services Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist; Crime Analyst for criminal justice agencies; Special Agent with - FBI, DEA, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms, IRS, U.S. Treasury, Secret Service.

GRADUATE SCHOOL:  Some Criminology majors to on to graduate school to study Criminology, Criminal Justice, or Sociology.  The major provides a solid basis for those wishing to pursue the M.A. or Ph.D. degree.  The Department of Sociology at the University of Miami also offers the M.A. and Ph.d. degrees in sociology with a concentration in Criminology.

LAW SCHOOL: Increasingly graduates have entered law schools, utilizing the analytic and writing skills obtained in their criminology education. The Sociology Department also offers the M.A. and Ph.D. degrees in Sociology with a concentration in Criminology.

 

Requirements for the Major in Criminology

The Major in Criminology requires 31 credit hours which must include:

• SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology (3)
• SOC 210 Introduction to Social Research (3)
• SOC 211 Quantitative Methods for Research (3)
• SOC 212 Quantitative Methods Lab (1)
• SOC 371 Criminology (1)
• SOC 470 Theories of Deviant Behavior (3)

The remaining 15 credit hours may be selected from any of the Sociology courses. However, it is strongly suggested that the remaining 15 credit hours be selected from the list below:

• SOC 103 Social Problems
• SOC 270 Deviant Behavior
• SOC 302 Social Psychology
• SOC 365 Internship in Criminal Justice
• SOC 368 Violence in America
• SOC 370 Juvenile Delinquency
• SOC 372 Criminology: Police & Community
• SOC 373 Criminology: Courts & Society
• SOC 374 Criminology: Corrections
• SOC 375 Sociology of Mental Disorder
• SOC 376 Sociology of Alcohol Abuse
• SOC 377 Sociology of Drug Abuse
• SOC 378 Criminology: Law & Society
• SOC 387 Race and Ethnic Relations
• SOC 487 Minorities: Crime & Social Policy
• SOC 488 Women & Crime

Minor in Criminology

Fifteen (15) credit hours in criminology courses are required for a minor in criminology including SOC 101 and SOC371. A student majoring in Sociology may not minor in Criminology. SOC 101 is the prerequisite to all other courses. All courses taken for major or minor credit must be passed with a grade of C- or higher with an overall GPA of 2.0.  

Double Major

Many students choose criminology as a second major. The second major degree requirements are identical to those required of a first major. Students majoring in Sociology may not double-major in Criminology.