Academic Catalog 2024-25

Criminology (BA)

Criminology studies the etiology, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and criminal behavior. Traditionally, the field of criminology has been closely aligned with the discipline of sociology and focused on the social origins of crime and criminal behavior, as well as societal reactions towards it. The criminology program at Dominican University of California is interdisciplinary in nature. The major consists of courses dealing specifically with the subjects of crime and criminal justice, as well as a combination of sociology, political science, ethics, and history coursework. Coursework is designed to give the students a broad overview of the criminal justice system and an array of theoretical perspectives and methodological approaches to the study of crime, as well as constructive interventions to criminal behavior. The program is concerned with promoting social justice and the common good for those working within the criminal justice system.

The degree prepares students for work in the specific areas of law enforcement or probation, juvenile justice, the courts, corrections, or offender and victim services. The program’s research focus provides a foundation for leadership and analytic positions, as well as graduate work in sociology, forensic and counseling psychology, social work, and criminal justice.

Program Learning Outcomes

  1. Apply criminological, sociological, and psychological theories to analyze and understand crime and criminal behavior.
  2. Critically analyze the social-historical context of crime and criminal behavior, including its legal, social, and economic dimensions within the United States and internationally.
  3. Apply social science research methods to analyze policy responses to crime and criminological research.
  4. Apply criminological knowledge and skills in the community and/or public service.

Required Courses

CRIM 1000Introduction to Criminology

4.00 units

PSY 1100Introduction to Psychology

4.00 units

SOC 1101Introduction to Sociology

4.00 units

CRIM 3001The Criminal Justice System

4.00 units

CRIM 3002Juvenile Delinquency and Juvenile Justice

4.00 units

CRIM 3003Theoretical Images of Crime, Deviance and Social Control

4.00 units

CRIM 4035Forensic Psychology

4.00 units

POL 3411Constitutional Criminal Procedure

4.00 units

SOC 3101Research Methods in Social Science

4.00 units

CRIM 4901Senior Capstone

4.00 units

CRIM 4996Internship: Criminology

1.00 unit

Total Credit Hours:41

Electives:

Select one course from the following:
SOC 3001Racial and Ethnic Issues

4.00 units

HONO 3202Just Learning: Books Not Bars

4.00 units

HIST 3701Ethnicity and Race in United States History

4.00 units

HIST 3724Slavery, Civil War and Reconstruction

4.00 units

Total Credit Hours:4

Total Credit Hours: 45