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 is a Pennsylvania Certification Board approved program and these courses satisfy the academic requirements for certification. The certificate program consists of twelve (12) credits designed to provide students and human services professionals with up-to-date information on substance abuse and its impact on individuals, families, organizations, and the community. It will enable them to work more effectively with inmates, clients, students, and others who may be affected directly or indirectly by alcohol or other drugs.

There are approximately one thousand substance abuse counselor positions in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania serving both juvenile and adult offenders. The Bureau of Justice Statistics indicates that approximately 70% of individuals who are incarcerated and 62% who are under some type of alternative sentencing (probation, parole, house-arrest, ARD) have offenses that are directly related to substance abuse.

The certificate program is appropriate for current students of all bachelor programs who wish to prepare for human services positions as substance abuse counselors, teachers, school counselors, juvenile delinquent counselors, social workers, educators, health-care professionals, and those who work in the corrections field.

Background Requirements forMost 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.