Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.

Program Overview

This comprehensive criminal justice program equips students with the knowledge and skills necessary for careers in crime prevention, victim services, and criminal and legal systems. It emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practices, and experiential learning through internships and international opportunities. The program's strong community partnerships and emphasis on professional development prepare students for success in a wide range of criminal justice fields.

Program Outline

Degree Overview:

This program prepares students for careers focused on reducing crime and making communities safer and more just. It teaches students to analyze the causes and effects of crime, preparing them for work in crime prevention, victim's services, and the criminal and legal systems. The program emphasizes critical thinking, evidence-based practices for public safety, and community improvement.

Careers:

Potential careers include:

• Corrections Officer
• Probation Officer
• Investigator
• Victim Services Advocate
• Lawyer
• Paralegal
• Operations Manager
• Police Officer
• Special Agent
• Deputy Sheriff
Workplace settings include:
• Criminal Justice
• Law Enforcement
• Secret Service
• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• State Attorney Generals' Offices
Employers of alumni include:
• Federal Bureau of Prisons
• University of South Carolina
• South Carolina Department of Juvenile Justice
• South Carolina Department of Social Services
• Richland County Sheriff's Department

Other:

• The program offers experiential learning opportunities through internships in criminal justice agencies, organizations, or law-related entities.
• Students can gain international experience and compare criminal justice practices in the United States to other nations through study abroad programs.
• The program has strong community partnerships with criminal justice-related agencies and organizations.
• The program is the largest criminal justice degree program in South Carolina.
• The program emphasizes problem-solving and critical thinking skills, including the ability to understand and interpret scientific literature and access emerging technologies in the field.
• The program prepares students for careers in the workforce or graduate studies, including law school.
• The program develops professional and personal skills such as data analysis, writing, attention to detail, listening skills, problem-solving, and collaboration.
• Alumni salary data is available through Gamecock GradStats, a service of the University of South Carolina Career Center.
• The program offers advanced degree options, including a Master's in Social Work, a Certificate in Cybersecurity Management, a Doctorate in Law, and a Specialist in Counselor Education.