Criminology, Law and Society Majors

Criminology, Law and Society

The distinctive, interdisciplinary undergraduate major in Criminology, Law & Society (CLS) focuses on the problem of crime and on understanding the social, cultural, political, and economic forces that interact with the law. Basic courses present overviews of legal systems with particular emphasis on criminal and juvenile justice, forms of criminal behavior, the role of law in understanding social and psychological phenomena, and the applications of sociological theory in understanding law and legal systems. Subsequent course work provides a deeper understanding of the causes and consequences of crime, criminal justice policy, and socio-legal theory. In addition, substantive areas of law, such as criminal, environmental, and family law, are introduced.

Students are provided with opportunities to become acquainted with the varieties of behavior that society chooses to control or regulate, the methods and institutions used to achieve that control or regulation, and the approaches aimed specifically at altering sanctioned behavior. The course of study provides excellent preparation for law school and for graduate study in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, and other disciplinary and interdisciplinary programs. Students who complete their University education at the baccalaureate level may pursue careers in criminal justice and regulatory agencies, in public policy organizations, and in social service organizations, in law and legal services, or in a wide variety of other areas.

Resources for CLS Students

Major in Criminology, Law and Society

The major in Criminology, Law and Society is designed to provide students with an overview of the American legal system and in-depth focus on the regulation of behavior, the problem of crime, and responses to crime within this system. Students explore these topics through multiple disciplinary perspectives, including anthropological, economic, historical, political, and sociological approaches to the study of law, behavior, and institutions of social control. In addition to learning to apply social science techniques to analyzing social problems, students in this course of study will be especially well-prepared for careers in criminal justice and regulatory agencies, public policy organizations, and direct service provision to people involved with the legal system as well as for pursuing graduate studies in law, sociology, criminology, and criminal justice.

 

Interested in declaring Criminology, Law and Society as a major? Check out the Change of Major requirements.

MINOR IN Criminology, Law and Society

The minor in Criminology, Law and Society is designed to provide students with an overview of the American legal system and in-depth focus on the regulation of behavior, the problem of crime, and responses to crime within this system. Students explore these topics through multiple disciplinary perspectives, including anthropological, economic, historical, political, and sociological approaches to the study of law, behavior, and institutions of social control. In addition to learning to apply social science techniques to analyzing social problems, students in this course of study will be especially well-prepared for careers in criminal justice and regulatory agencies, public policy organizations, and direct service provision to people involved with the legal system as well as for pursuing graduate studies in law, sociology, criminology, and criminal justice.

Criminology, Law and Society Minor Requirements