Criminal Justice & Criminology

Program Overview

Lycoming College's Criminal Justice & Criminology program combines theoretical knowledge with real-world experience to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, court services, and corrections. Through internships, networking, and research opportunities, students develop critical thinking and leadership skills while gaining a comprehensive understanding of crime and victimization. The program's interdisciplinary curriculum and small class sizes foster personalized learning and access to local, state, and federal-level opportunities.

Program Outline

Criminal Justice & Criminology Program at Lycoming College

Degree Overview:

• Focus: Understanding the causes of crime and victimization with an emphasis on developing a more efficient and equitable justice system.
• Approach: Combines theoretical knowledge, real-world experience, and a strong liberal arts foundation.
• Outcomes: Graduates develop critical thinking and leadership skills for a range of careers in law enforcement, court services, and corrections.
• Student Opportunities:
• Internships at law enforcement agencies, probation offices, prisons, and residential treatment centers.
• Networking with potential employers like the Pennsylvania State Police, U.S. Supreme Court Police, and United States Customs and Border Protection Services.
• Learning outside the classroom through police ride-alongs, court hearings, correctional institution tours, and agency volunteering.
• Collaborative and independent research projects with faculty and presentations at national conferences.
• Engagement with prominent researchers, practitioners, and alumni through events like the Strauser Lecture in Criminal Justice.
• Membership in Alpha Phi Sigma, the national criminal justice honor society.

Outline:

• Program Content: Criminological theory, research, and practice, covering areas like crime causation, policing, court processes, corrections, and victimology.
• Structure: Includes courses in criminal justice, criminology, and related fields like psychology, sociology, and political science.
• Course Schedule: Not specifically provided in the context, but likely consists of a combination of core courses, electives, and opportunities for independent study and research.

Assessment:

• Methods: Likely employs a combination of written assignments, exams, presentations, and possibly practical assessments depending on specific courses and projects.
• Criteria: Evaluation likely focuses on students' understanding of criminal justice concepts, their ability to apply theoretical knowledge, and their development of critical thinking and research skills.

Teaching:

• Methods: Primarily utilizes interactive lectures, discussions, and small group activities to foster an engaging learning environment.
• Faculty: Experienced professors and adjuncts with expertise in various areas of criminal justice provide a well-rounded perspective.
• Unique Approaches: May involve guest lectures, case studies, simulations, and other active learning strategies to enhance the learning experience.

Careers:

• Potential Paths: Graduates are qualified for diverse careers in law enforcement, court services, corrections, social services, research, and policy analysis.
• Outcomes: Lycoming College alumni have achieved success in a variety of relevant occupations, including as police officers, probation officers, parole officers, court administrators, legal assistants, social workers, victim advocates, researchers, and policy analysts.

Other:

• Interdisciplinary Curriculum: Students can delve deeper into specific areas of interest or pursue double majors in other disciplines complementing criminal justice.
• Small Class Sizes: Facilitate rich discussions and personalized learning.
• Location: Provides access to local, state, and federal-level opportunities, including internships.
• Research Training: Students gain valuable skills in conducting independent or applied research projects in the field.