Why Study Criminology?

Major/​Minor | Criminology | CAS

Criminology focuses on the causes of a crime, viewing it as a problem that is social in both its origins and its solutions. As a criminology major, you’ll explore the complexities of criminal behavior in an effort to understand and prevent it and become prepared to support both public and private sector agencies in understanding, investigating and predicting patterns in criminal behavior.

8

Living and Learning Communities

76%

Of Students Completed At Least One High-Impact Practice Before Graduation

700+

Students in Honors Programs

Criminology Student Cailey Heiser
All the courses that I’ve taken within my major have been rigorous and have pushed me to challenge my thoughts and presumptions about important social topics. The faculty are truly passionate about what they teach and sincerely care about the well-being and success of their students.
Cailey Heiser

Criminology

cas@uwrf.edu // 715-425-3777

Your Degree:

Undergraduate

Area of Study:

Criminology

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Skills and Learning Outcomes

  • Develop an appreciation for the complexities of criminal behavior, from the diversity of criminals and criminality to the variety of responses by society and the criminal justice system.
  • Cultivate an in-depth, theoretical understanding of the reasons why individuals engage in criminal behavior.
  • Effectively calculate, interpret and analyze data.
  • Develop and apply ethical and moral reasoning skills used to assess and evaluate the actions of individuals, criminal justice agencies and institutions and the implications of policies.
  • Communicate ethically, through conflict, and both verbally and nonverbally.

Types of Courses

  • Criminal Behavior
  • Crime, Justice, and Media
  • Deviant Behavior
  • Restorative Justice
  • Social Policy and Drugs
  • Sociological Inquiry
  • Theories of Crime
  • White Collar Crime
  • Women, Crime, and Justice
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Potential Careers

Criminology graduates find themselves working diverse roles for a wide variety of employers. Many choose to attend graduate school and law school is popular choice among criminology majors. Examples of your potential future roles include:

  • Correctional Officer
  • Law Enforcement, Public Safety or Security Officer
  • Probation or Parole Officer
  • Victim Advocate or Victim-Witness Coordinator

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