The Criminal Justice/Criminology major develops in students an understanding and appreciation of the various dynamics related to criminality, the law, and its enforcement. Grounded in an interdisciplinary approach to examining crime as a social phenomenon, the major combines an emphasis on theoretical learning with professional field-based education.
Criminal Justice/Criminology majors learn the theoretical foundations for comprehending the occurrence of criminality in society. They receive professional instruction regarding the operating structures and processes of the various social agencies charged with the control of criminality in society, and they have the opportunity to research in greater detail the diverse issues related to criminality and the criminal justice system.
The Maryville student who majors in Criminal Justice/Criminology is prepared for a variety of career trajectories. For students interested in working within the criminal justice system upon graduation, the Criminal Justice/Criminology major prepares them for jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, and community service. For students interested in pursuing a graduate degree, the Criminal Justice/Criminology major with its grounding in the social sciences has proven to be excellent preparation for future success in graduate school or law school. Students complete the major’s senior seminar experience, where they work more directly with a faculty member in the development of an independent research project. In the project the student explores in greater detail an area of interest in the student’s chosen field of study. All students in the major are exposed to excellent learning opportunities in preparation for a career beyond graduation.
Student in interested in pursuing a career in law enforcement, should view the Criminal Justice/Criminology, B.A. with Police Academy Training catalog page. For students interested in working within the criminal justice system upon graduation, the Criminal Justice/Criminology major prepares them for jobs in law enforcement, probation and parole, and community service. To assist students in achieving their career goals, the Criminal Justice/Criminology major offers a number of unique learning opportunities. The Criminal Justice/Criminology program maintains a programmatic partnership with the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy. Students who meet the entrance standards for the Academy and choose to pursue Academy training can use that experience to earn college credit toward completion of the major. Students outside the metro St. Louis area may be able to earn credits toward graduation after successfully completing academy training from a local police academy. Students must contact the Director of the Criminal Justice program to determine if this is an option with any academy other than the St. Louis County and Municipal Police Academy.
A minor is not required for the B.A. in Criminal Justice/Criminology.
Mission Statement
The Mission of the Criminal Justice/Criminology program is to provide a rigorous learning environment focused on experiential and practical learning. The program is focused on police issues, courts and corrections so students can better understand our society, diversity, equity, and inclusion in order to become more civically engaged, ethical leaders.
Consistent with this mission, the Criminal Justice/Criminology program is committed to providing students
- an active learning environment to develop the needed knowledge base to understand the field of criminal justice and criminology.
- hands-on research opportunities/field experiences that emphasize the field of criminal justice/criminology.
- opportunities to develop an understanding of diversity, broadly defined as it impacts the field criminal justice.
- the basis for understanding why we must take an ethical approach to the study of and interaction with the field of criminal justice/criminology.
- opportunities to develop communication skills applied to the field of criminal justice.
- professional development opportunities related to criminal justice/criminology.
- opportunities to develop the critical thinking skills required to thrive in our world today.
