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The Criminology and Criminal Justice Department prepares students to address the challenges of crime and justice in society as criminal justice professionals, researchers and educators. Students examine different aspects of crime and criminal justice — law enforcement, the courts, juvenile justice and corrections — with the goal of understanding human behavior in a broader social context. Our interdisciplinary undergraduate degree equips students with the problem-solving and critical-thinking skills necessary to succeed in the workforce or graduate studies, including law school. 

Our department offers a number of degree options, including an Accelerated Bachelor’s and Master’s Degree program. The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice gives students the option to continue on to earn a graduate degree, such as a master’s, Ph.D., or a dual master’s and Juris Doctor. The criminology minor is a particularly beneficial addition for students studying psychology, sociology, or political science. 

Degree Offered

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a four-year program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in criminology and criminal justice. The degree requirements are based upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the social sciences. An array of professional criminal justice courses is offered to support the particular interests of various students. Students also are encouraged to participate in community service activities. Pursuant to this, the department provides information on opportunities for volunteer work and involvement in the criminal justice field through internships.

Entrance Requirements

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice follows the general admission policies of the University. Should there be more applicants for the degree program than the number of spaces available, admission decisions will be competitive and may take into account the applicant’s grade point average as well as other factors deemed indicative of the student’s potential for success in the program.

Transfer Students

Transfer students from other institutions, other USC campuses, or other degree programs must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 and a semester GPA of 2.00 in the last semester enrolled. Official transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the admissions office. These transcripts will be evaluated by the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice for possible transfer credits. Only collegiate courses completed at accredited institutions will be considered, and transfer credit will be approved only where an analysis of the course level and content indicates that the work is appropriate for inclusion in a program of study offered by the department.

Progression Requirements

Admission to the upper division is based upon a minimum 2.00 cumulative UofSC GPA.

Programs

Courses