CRIMINOLOGY is the scientific study of the measurement, etilogy, consequences, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and deliquency1. Criminology has also been referred to as the study of "making law, breaking of law, and society's reaction to the breaking of law." Coursework in criminology includes a comprehensive treatment of the broad social and political system which serves as the context for criminal justice.
The major in criminology stresses both theory and research; and encourages scientific inquiry, abstract logical thinking, critical analysis, and historical consciousness. Students will gain a comprehensive understanding of the problems of crime and the criminal justice system.
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. 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: Lawyer, Police Officer, Probation Officer, Caseworker in a juvenile detention facility, Corrections Officer, Crime Prevention Specialist, Crime Analyst for criminal justice agencies, and Special Agent with FBI, DEA, and ATF. Some Criminology majors to on to graduate school to study Criminology, Criminal Justice, Law, or Sociology. 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.
1 https://asc41.com/about.htm
REQUIREMENTS FOR THE MAJOR IN CRIMINOLOGY
The Major in Criminology requires 31 credit hours which must include:
Required courses
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SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
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(3 credits)
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SOC 210 Introduction to Social Research
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(3 credits)
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SOC 211 Quantitative Methods for Sociologists
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(3 credits)
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SOC 212 Quantitative Methods Lab
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(1 credit)
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SOC 371 Criminology
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(3 credits)
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SOC 470 Theories of Deviant Behavior
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(3 credits)
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one of the following two courses:
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SOC 271 Criminal Justice
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(3 credits)
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SOC 370 Juvenile Delinquency
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(3 credits)
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Elective courses
Four other courses offered by the Department for a total of 12 credits.
Other requirements
- A minimum final grade of C- in all courses offered by the Department.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all courses offered by the Department.
- A minimum of 16 credits must be earned in residency in the Department; thus, only a maximum of 15 credits can be transferred from other institutions as eligible credits for the CRIMINOLOGY major.
Note:
- PSY 291 or PSY 292 is an approved substitute course for SOC 211 by students who are Psychology majors or minors and majoring in Criminology.
Criminology majors who have satisfied the SOC 211 requirement by taking an approved substitute will not be required to take the corequisite SOC 212.
- PSY 390 can be substituted for SOC 212 only by students who are also majoring in Psychology.
- GEG 306 can be substituted for SOC 210 and EPS 452 can be substituted for SOC 210 only by students who are also enrolled in the School of Education.
MINOR IN CRIMINOLOGY
Fifteen (15) credit hours in criminology courses are required for a minor in criminology including SOC 101 and SOC 371. 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.
Required courses
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SOC 101 Introduction to Sociology
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(3 credits)
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SOC 371 Criminology
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(3 credits)
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Elective courses
Three other courses offered by the Department, of which one must be 300-level or higher, for a total of 9 credits.
Other requirements
- A minimum final grade of C- in all courses offered by the Department.
- A minimum cumulative GPA of 2.00 in all courses offered by the Department.
- A minimum of 9 credits must be earned in residency in the Department; thus, only a maximum of 6 credits can be transferred from other institutions as eligible credits for the CRIMINOLOGY minor.
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 double-major in Criminology. For more information, click here.
