Earn Your Criminology Degree on the Coast of Maine
Are you committed to promoting social equality in law enforcement and criminal justice reform? Curious about how the criminal legal system operates in society as an agent of control? An interdisciplinary major grounded in the liberal arts, Criminology at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í focuses on the study of the social construction of crime and criminals, theories of illegal and deviant behavior, social reaction to crime, and the effectiveness of anti-crime policies. You emerge prepared, through hands-on classroom learning and real-world research and professional experiences, for a variety of rewarding careers in this dynamic field.
Why 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í for Your B.A. in Criminology
Criminology is an exciting field in which to work – and, at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í, it’s an exciting one to study as well. With student engagement as a top priority, we offer hands-on classroom experiences, research opportunities, and internships that make for an incredible student experience as well as an impressive resume for potential employers or graduate/professional schools.
- Emphasis on engaging internships and capstone experience
- Development of in-demand liberal arts skills
- Travel abroad opportunities
- Strong job and graduate school placement rates
Allie Symonds ’18
Experiential Education
During my time at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í, I did an internship at Sweetser in the Crisis Unit working with children ages 5–17. When my internship was over, I was offered a job as a youth and family counselor in the crisis unit where I worked for about a year until moving on to digital research. I am grateful that 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í provides internship opportunities for students while they’re in school because it provides on-the-ground experiences that you aren’t able to get in the classroom. For me, it showed me that I did not want to pursue the counseling/therapy track and instead focus on research.
I took a few research classes but the most influential experience I had was working in the Self and Close Relationship Lab. I started in the lab as a freshman and it opened my eyes to another side of psychology I didn’t know was available. While working in the lab I gained extensive experience in all aspects of the research process and currently use much of what I learned in my full-time job. I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research. The number of hours I spent in the lab along with the ability to work one-on-one with Dr. Peterson afforded me so many experiences and learning opportunities that aren’t available through only classes.
I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research.
What Will You Study? Criminology Degree Curriculum Overview
B.A. in Criminology Courses
The following are examples of the exciting courses that you may take as a Criminology major at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í:
- Deviance and Crime
- The Criminal Legal System
- Theories of Race and Racism
- Crime, Media, Culture
- Human Trafficking
- Juvenile Delinquency
Curriculum
| Nor’easter Core Requirements | Credits |
|---|---|
| Total Credits | 40 |
| Program Required Courses | Credits |
|---|---|
| CRL 205 – The Criminal Justice System | 3 |
| CRL 345 – Critical Criminology | 3 |
| PSC 125 – Understanding Law: An Introduction or PSC 210 – Constitutional Law | 3 |
| SOC 170 – Deviance and Crime | 3 |
| SOC 268 – Practice of Social Science Research | 3 |
| SOC 270 – Classical Social Theory or SOC 280 – Contemporary Social Theory | 3 |
| SOC 300 – Sociology Internship or PSY 300 – Psychology Internship | 3–15 |
| SOC 311 – Theories of Race and Racism | 3 |
| SOC 370 – Applied Field Method in Sociology | 3 |
| SOC 493 – Cap Expt: Internship or SOC 494 – Cap Exp: Thesis | 3–16 |
| Four (4) Program Specific Electives | 12 |
| Minimum Total Credits | 42 |
| Open Elective Courses (as needed to reach 120 credits) | Variable |
| Minimum Total Required Credits | 120 |
|---|
| Program Specific Electives | Credits |
|---|---|
| ANT 312 – Human Trafficking | 3 |
| CRL 206 – Juvenile Justice | 3 |
| CRL 210 – Forensic Eyewitness Interviews | 3 |
| HIS 266 – History of Drugs in the Americas | 3 |
| PSC 241 – Human Rights in World Politics | 3 |
| PSC 278 – Pol Sci Human Trad II | 3 |
| PSC 330 – Theories of Politics and War | 3 |
| PSY 205 – Abnormal Psychology | 3 |
| PSY 236 – Mental Health & Society | 3 |
| PSY 370 – Drugs, Society, and Behavior | 3 |
| SOC 333 – Sociology of Law | 3 |
| SOC 421 – A Just Society? | 3 |
Please note: While some courses can fulfill both core and program requirements, the credits earned do not count twice towards the minimum total required credits for the degree.
Career Paths for Criminology Majors
Criminology professionals may work in a variety of environments, including police stations, courts, prisons, government agencies, and a variety of non-profits, including victim advocacy groups. A degree in Criminology will position you well for careers such as:
- Jury Consultant
- Probation Officer
- Forensic Psychologist
- Criminal Attorney
- Clinical Social Worker
- Criminology Professor
- Criminal Policy Analyst
Career Advising for B.A. in Criminology Students
Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.
Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology Program
Our Criminology major’s emphasis on hands-on learning engages you in problem-solving and provides opportunities for experiential learning via student research and professional experiences.
Internships for Criminology Majors
Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience as an undergraduate student. You may intern with law offices, legal service organizations, social justice non-profits, government agencies, and other community organizations.
Senior Capstone Experience
You will choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. We offer three options:
- Study abroad with a focused concentration in your coursework
- Complete an additional internship (This 360-hour experience often leads to a job offer after graduation)
- Write a senior thesis (with the goal of publishing a professional article)
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology? Get started today.
Bachelor of Arts in Criminology FAQ
What is a criminology major?
Criminology is the study of crimes, criminals, victims, theories explaining unlawful behavior, society's response to crime, anti-crime policies, and the wider social and political context of law enforcement. Criminology programs draw from various disciplines, especially sociology and other social sciences and humanities.
911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í offers a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology. It is an interdisciplinary major grounded in the liberal arts. Criminology at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í explores how society defines crime and criminals, theories explaining unlawful behavior, society's response to crime, and the impact of anti-crime measures.
911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í’s Criminology program in Maine offers a comprehensive overview of crime, law, justice, and punishment. It helps you build critical skills like reading, writing, and analysis in criminology. You can study how crime and the law influence our world and gain hands-on experience through research and professional opportunities.
Learn more about the Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í
What can you do with a criminology degree?
Degrees in criminology can open doors to various professions, including roles as paralegals, police officers, and forensic psychologists. Criminology professionals may work in a variety of environments, including police stations, courts, prisons, government agencies, and a variety of nonprofits, including victim advocacy groups.
Criminology can also be a good first step toward roles in urban development, political science, investigative journalism, cybersecurity, and more. Graduates with a bachelor’s degree can pursue a master’s degree or move on to attend law school.
911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í Criminology graduates have pursued careers such as jury consultants, probation officers, forensic psychologists, criminal attorneys, clinical social workers, criminology professors, and criminal policy analysts. Our students have the ability to work with our Academic and Career Advising Center. It doesn’t matter if you have a clear career goal or just a general interest in a field.
How much does a criminology major make?
As of August 2023, the average salary for a criminology major in the U.S. was about $46,597, as reported by . Common salary breakdowns by job according to * include:
- Loss prevention officer: $15.93/hour
- Private investigator: $23.66/hour
- Jury consultant: $47,328
- Probation officer: $55,265
- Corrections officer: $56,806
- Criminology professor: $57,104
- Forensic science: $61,101
- Clinical social worker: $62,328
- Police detective: $70,931
- Lawyer: $91,525
- Forensic psychologist: $96,294
- Criminal profiler
How long does it take to get a criminology degree?
It takes about four years for a full-time student to earn a Bachelor's degree in Criminology. A Master's in Criminology typically takes one to two years. It can take anywhere from three to four years to earn a Ph.D. in Criminology depending on the program you choose.
911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í’s B.A. in Criminology requires a minimum of 120 credit hours. This includes:
- 42–46 credits of College of Arts and Sciences (CAS) core curriculum
- 42 program minimum required total credits
- Open elective courses as needed to reach 120 credits
How much does a criminology degree cost?
The cost of a four-year criminology bachelor's degree is influenced by:
- Where you live – in-state or out-of-state.
- The kind of school – public in-state or private.
- Extra expenses like housing, food, and other charges.
Learn more about the tuition and fees for undergraduate degree programs at 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í in Maine
911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í is Maine's biggest private university. We give scholarships based on merit, regardless of your chosen major. We're dedicated to making education affordable. Some important facts:
- 98% of undergraduates receive merit scholarships.
- Our students receive about $26,000 in award packages on average.
- We award $42 million in scholarships every year.
Learn more about grants and scholarships available for 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í students
Is a criminology degree worth it?
Studying criminology allows you to understand society’s relationship with crime and criminals. This includes how society defines crimes, the societal factors that lead to high rates of crime, and how we can best prevent and rehabilitate criminals. You’ll encounter ideas and theories about the role of race and class in crime and punishment which will hone your research skills and provide fresh insights. Each effort contributes to making our society more just.
Criminology is a great major for students who want a career in law enforcement, or who want to work to make our justice system more equitable, with an understanding grounded in scientific evidence. Criminology provides a research-oriented foundation in policing and social justice. While it may not qualify graduates to become lawyers or judges, it can serve as a valuable stepping stone for those considering law school.
Besides being rewarding and stimulating, a criminology degree from 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í opens doors to diverse job options in intriguing settings. Many of these opportunities are with government agencies, offering job security as well.
According to the , the field of sociology, which includes criminology, will grow by 4% by 2030. This aligns with the national average, indicating that employment opportunities in this field are likely to remain stable.
What colleges offer the best criminology degree program?
Criminology is offered as a major at colleges and universities across the U.S., including 911±¬ÁÏÍøºìÁì½í in Maine. There are many factors to consider when choosing which college or university has the best criminology degree program for you.
Faculty
Identify the criminology professors who match your areas of interest, whether it's criminal behavior, law enforcement, criminal justice, or criminological theories. Check if