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Criminology

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The purpose of the Criminology major is to produce students who can use their knowledge for successful careers related to law, law enforcement (corrections, policing, etc.), criminology, government service, homeland security, or social service agencies with prevention programs for at-risk youth or working with populations having criminal behaviors.

The major seeks to create critical thinkers who can analyze the subject of security from multiple perspectives and within local, state, national, and international contexts-all increasingly blurred in today's globalized world.

 

Offered On Campus, Online and at UCG

The B.S. in Criminology is offered through traditional face-to-face and online environments on Lander's main campus in Greenwood and through a blended/hybrid environment at the University Center of Greenville.

At Lander's main campus and online, students can pursue this degree within a four-year timeframe. If students have 60 hours of coursework or an associate's degree, the timeframe could be two years or less if a full load of courses is taken in fall, spring, and summer terms.

Lander's main campus offers options for courses that are face-to-face, hybrid, and online. Courses at the UCG are in a hybrid mode, but a full course load of 12-15 hours would likely involve some online courses for progress toward completing the degree. UCG students also have the option of taking courses on Lander's main campus.

While the entire program is offered online, an advantage of pursuing this program on the main campus is the closer relationships and mentorship by faculty as well as opportunities for undergraduate research. Students in any degree mode are encouraged to pursue internships and experiential learning.

 

Goals and Objectives:

Criminology majors will:

  1. demonstrate knowledge and understanding of concepts, processes, and institutions;
  2. demonstrate the ability to think critically;
  3. demonstrate written and oral communication skills; and
  4. demonstrate the ability to apply concepts and theories.

 

Transfer Pathway Guides

Lander University has developed articulation agreements with the South Carolina State Technical College system to improve students’ transition from a technical college to Lander University.

Below is the Suggested Course Sequence to help students progress smoothly through the technical college of their choice and Lander University to earn both an Associate Degree and a Bachelor of Science in Criminology (LU). All courses listed are required for the degrees, except those where a range of courses is available to choose from, or where courses are listed as electives. The course sequence shown is an example and may be modified in some cases. Students should work closely with their advisor to ensure the chosen courses keep them on track for a timely graduation.


PROGRAM REQUIREMENTS

Note: The information below provides convenient links to some of the courses required for this degree; however, it should not be used as a course registration guide. Please refer to the official Lander University Academic Catalog for the most accurate and up-to-date program requirements.

GENERAL EDUCATION REQUIREMENTS1 CREDIT
HOURS
A. Core Skills

 

  ENGL 101 Writing and Inquiry I 3
  ENGL 102 Writing and Inquiry II 3
  MATH 211

Statistical Methods I

3

B. Humanities and Fine Arts
(6 hours selected from 2 different disciplines)

6
C. Behavioral and Social Perspectives
  SOCI 101 Introduction to Sociology 3
    Behavioral and Social Perspectives elective 3
D. Scientific and Mathematical Reasoning
    Approved Science or Mathematics 3
    Approved Lab Science 4
E. Founding Documents of the United States
  POLS 101R2

American National Government

3
F. World Cultures 3
G. LINK 101 1
Total General Education Requirements 35

1 For approved courses see the General Education section
If you already have credit for HIST 111, do not take HIST 111R; if you already have credit for HIST 112, do not take HIST 112R; if you already have credit for POLS 101, do not take POLS 101R

 

MAJOR PROGRAM CORE REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
CRIM 101 Introduction to Criminology and Criminal Justice 3
CRIM 301 Introduction to Research Methods 3
CRIM 399 Criminological Theory 3
CRIM 499 Capstone Experience 3
HUS 300 Program Evaluation in Human Services
OR SOCI 398 Methods of Social Research
3

 

MAJOR PROGRAM ADDITIONAL REQUIREMENTS CREDIT
HOURS
Category #1 (select 2)
CRIM 210, CRIM 214, CRIM 221CRIM 235, CRIM 250, CRIM 271 or any CRIM 200-level or above, POLS 217
6

Category #2 (select 1)
LEG 308 or POLS 308, LEG 311 or POLS 311, LEG 312 or POLS 312, LEG 313 or POLS 313, POLS 318POLS 325, POLS 386POLS 391, POLS 445
3

Category #3 (select 1)
SOCI 317SOCI 328, SOCI 499
3

Category #4 
Choose 3 hours from any CRIM 200-level or above
Choose 6 hours from any CRIM 300-level or above
9
 
Total Major Program Requirements 36
Additional Electives 49
TOTAL FOR BS DEGREE 120

 

  • Coursework must include at least 30 hours earned in 300 or above level courses, of which 12 hours must be in the major.
  • See the 4-year major guide for recommended order in which to take courses