Work in all forms of law enforcement, corrections, probation, parole, counseling and administration.

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 certificate program consists of twelve (12) credits designed to give students and law enforcement personnel a foundation in crime scene investigation, evidence collection and preservation, and profiling. This certificate will enable current students to better prepare to enter the workforce in many law enforcement positions that involve criminal investigations and will also provide current law enforcement personnel the opportunity to augment their training with specialized knowledge regarding important legal and evidentiary procedures.

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.