The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology is intended to prepare students for entry level and certain mid-level criminal justice positions as well as for graduate or professional school. The program has a social justice focus that advances the following four core values:

1. a recognition of the innate worth of all human beings, including criminal offenders;
2. a belief in the potential for criminal offenders to be reintegrated into society;
3. a recognition of the responsibility of the criminal offender to make good faith efforts to change; and
4. a belief in society's responsibility to assist the offender change process by providing reasonable assistance.

This option is available to criminology majors who wish to pursue a wide range of fast-growing careers including work with the IRS, criminal investigation division, FBI, corporate auditing departments, and various law enforcement agencies which deal with financial investigations, white collar crime and forensic accounting.

This program was designed with input from the IRS and meets their requirements for training in accounting and business. Students who choose this option should work closely with their advisors to ensure all college and major requirements are satisfied.

Background Requirements for Most Law Enforcement Positions
Students who wish to pursue a career in criminology should be aware that to secure a position in law enforcement or to teach criminology or criminal justice at most universities and colleges the student is required to pass a background check.

In most states, specifically Pennsylvania, federal law enforcement positions require that the candidate provide reports on his/her background to law enforcement agencies in the particular state they are seeking employment. For example, in Pennsylvania these particular agencies are: the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (if working with children) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Most all state and federal positions require a report from the Federal Criminal History Record Information Department of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the candidate will also undergo future background checks by the particular agency to which he/she applied.

If your background check is unacceptable, you will be disqualified for employment in most law enforcement positions. In Pennsylvania and most states, students can seek a security background check from their state police agency.

Grade Requirements in Major
Students must earn a C or better in all major courses, designated with a CR prefix. Major courses for which a D or less has been earned must be repeated.

Grade Requirements in Concentrations and Certificates
Students must earn a C or better in ALL courses listed for any concentration, minor, or certificate to be awarded the certificate or designation for the concentration or minor on the transcript.