Criminology & Criminal Justice, B.A.

About the Program

• Career preparation in law enforcement, courts, corrections, and federal agencies
   

• Training for roles that influence criminal justice policy and reform
   

• Solid academic base for graduate programs in criminology, criminal justice, law, or other related fields
   

• Real-world experience through internships in policing, probation, investigations, and more
   

• Option to tailor your studies with a custom concentration in areas like victim advocacy, forensic investigation, or justice reform
   

• Global perspective through study abroad opportunities at renowned international institutions with justice-focused coursework

Explore Justice. Shape the Future. 

The Criminology & Criminal Justice program equips students with the theoretical and methodological tools to critically examine the structures, practices, and philosophies that shape systems of crime, punishment, and justice—including law enforcement. Rather than simply preparing students to operate within the criminal justice system, the program encourages them to question its foundations, evaluate its effectiveness, and consider its role within broader social and institutional contexts.

Students engage with topics such as policing, incarceration, juvenile justice, and corrections—exploring how these institutions function, how policies are shaped, and how justice is pursued in practice. Those interested in law enforcement careers gain a deep understanding of the responsibilities and challenges of policing, with an emphasis on ethical practice, accountability, and public trust.

The program fosters critical inquiry, ethical reflection, and a commitment to thoughtful engagement with justice—preparing students for professional roles in criminal justice, law enforcement, public service, and graduate-level study. Through this work, students explore both the practical and philosophical questions central to understanding justice in today’s world.

Students don’t just study justice—they experience it. Whether stepping inside a Philadelphia County prison for our transformative Inside-Out course, investigating unsolved cases in the Cold Case Practicum, or exploring the science behind investigations through our Forensic Investigation minor, students have a range of hands-on opportunities to bring classroom learning to life. Add in the chance to intern with real-world agencies or study abroad, and the Criminology & Criminal Justice program becomes more than a major—it’s a launchpad.

Minor in the Forensic Investigation Program. 

Study Abroad

Criminal Justice Without Borders: Study Abroad with Purpose

In a world where justice systems vary widely, gaining international perspective is essential for understanding crime and justice in a global context. That’s why a semester abroad fits seamlessly into the Criminology & Criminal Justice program—and is strongly encouraged. From studying human trafficking policy in Europe to analyzing restorative justice practices in South America, students deepen their criminological insight by seeing firsthand how different societies address crime, punishment, and reform.

Study abroad is ideal during the sophomore year or fall of junior year. The experience not only complements your major but also expands your ability to think critically and comparatively about the complex systems that shape justice worldwide. Early planning is key—so be sure to speak with your adviser, the Program Director or Department Chair, and the Office of Civic & Global Engagement to start mapping out your global criminological journey.

Requirements

(55-60 credits as listed below, with Undergraduate Curriculum requirements and electives as listed below)

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice dives deep into the theories and perspectives that shape our understanding of crime, justice, and the systems built to manage both. Students critically examine how ideas about criminal behavior are formed, challenged, and reinforced—and how social structures, institutions, and inequality influence who gets labeled, punished, or protected. From classic criminological theory to contemporary debates on justice and reform, this program equips students to question assumptions, analyze systems, and seek solutions rooted in evidence and critical inquiry.

Additional Information

With approval of the Director of the Criminal Justice major, students may be able to count other courses taken at Arcadia or elsewhere as electives toward completion of the major.