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Criminology

The purpose of the Criminology major is to produce students who can use their knowledge for successful careers related to law, law enforcement (corrections, policing, etc.), criminology, government service, homeland security, or social service agencies with prevention programs for at-risk youth or working with populations having criminal behaviors.

The major seeks to create critical thinkers who can analyze the subject of security from multiple perspectives and within local, state, national, and international contexts-all increasingly blurred in today's globalized world.

 

Offered On Campus, Online and at UCG

The B.S. in Criminology is offered through traditional face-to-face and online environments on Lander's main campus in Greenwood and through a blended/hybrid environment at the University Center of Greenville.

At Lander's main campus and online, students can pursue this degree within a four-year timeframe. Students at the University Center of Greenville (UCG) are likely to have 60 hours of coursework or an associate's degree, so the timeframe is likely two years or less.

Lander's main campus offers options for courses that are face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Courses at the UCG are in a hybrid mode, but a full course load of 12-15 hours would likely involve some online courses for progress toward completing the degree. UCG students also have the option of taking courses on Lander's main campus.

While the entire program is offered online, an advantage of pursuing this program on the main campus is the closer relationships and mentorship by faculty as well as opportunities for undergraduate research. Students in any degree mode are encouraged to pursue internships and experiential learning.

 

Goals and Objectives:

Criminology majors will:

  1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, processes, and institutions;
  2. demonstrate the ability to think critically;
  3. demonstrate written and oral communication skills; and
  4. demonstrate the ability to apply concepts and theories.

 

 

PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS1 CREDIT
HOURS
A. Core Skills

 

  ENGL 101 Writing and Inquiry I 3
  ENGL 102 Writing and Inquiry II 3
  MATH 211

Statistical Methods I

3

B. Humanities and Fine Arts
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)

6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)
  SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
    Behavioral and Social Perspectives elective 3
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
    Approved Science or Mathematics 3
    Approved Lab Science 4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
  POLS 101

American National Government

3
F. World Cultures 3
G. LINK 101 1
University Requirement
  FALS 101 15 FALS-approved events (Temporarily suspended)

0

Total General Education Requirements 35

1 For approved courses see the General Education section

 

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
CRIM 101 Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice 3
CRIM 298 Introduction to Research Methods 3
CRIM 399 Juvenile Delinquency 3
CRIM 499 Capstone Experience 3
HUS 300

Program Evaluation in Human Services
OR SOCI 398 Methods of Social Research

3

 

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS

Category #1 (select 2)
CRIM 210, CRIM 214, CRIM 221CRIM 235, CRIM 250, CRIM 271, POLS 217

6


Category #2 (select 1)
LEG 308 or POLS 308, LEG 311 or POLS 311, LEG 312 or POLS 312, LEG 313 or POLS 313, POLS 318POLS 325, POLS 386POLS 391, POLS 445

3


Category #3 (select 1)
SOCI 317SOCI 328, SOCI 499

3


Category #4 
Choose 3 hours from any CRIM 200-level or above
Choose 6 hours from any CRIM 300-level or above

9
 
Total Major Program Requirements 36
Additional Electives 49
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE 120

 

  • Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
  • See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses