Criminology Major

Chair: Allison Ann Payne, Ph.D.
Program Director: Heidi Grundetjern, Ph.D.
Office Location: 204 Saint Augustine Center
Telephone: (610) 519-4786
Website

About

The Criminology major is an interdisciplinary program designed to provide students with an understanding of the causes, social functions, nature and application of criminal law, and societal reactions to criminal law. Criminologists believe that people’s actions are strongly influenced by the conditions and situations in which they live, work, and play. Everybody makes decisions, but we recognize and study how social structures and institutions affect and constrain those decisions. Our goal as researchers is to expose and analyze the impacts of those circumstances on human decisions, societies, and opportunities. Methodologically, we incorporate multiple perspectives and analytical approaches to help create a more holistic understanding of our society. Rather than a technical program which focuses on applied skills, our program emphasizes the justice component. Our mission as teachers is to empower students to think critically and rigorously about individuals and societies. Through our diverse offerings on local, regional, national and global social processes, we strive to create more complete human beings with a keen sense of humanity, social justice, and appropriate social policy.

PRIMARY MAJOR (122 credits)

Required Major Courses (33 credits)

The Major consists of 33 credits. One of the Criminology electives for the Major can be satisfied by an internship for credit with approval from the Program Director, provided that the student has at least 15 credits toward the Major.

Program Notes:

  • A student taking an internship in a field setting in the second semester of their junior year or during their senior year should consult with the Program Director.
Course
Title
Credits
CRM B.A. Electives  +
15
SOC Elective for CRM B.A.  +
3
Sub-Total Credits
33

Core Curriculum Requirements (38 credits)

Criminology Majors meet the following core requirements in the major and therefore are omitted from the summary below: 

  • Social Sciences (6 cr)
Course
Title
Credits
Mathematics or Statistics (1 course)  +
3
Natural Science (2 courses with laboratory)  +
8
Literature and Writing Seminar (1 course)  +
3
History (1 course)   +
3
Fine Arts (1 course)  +
3
Upper-Level Theology (1 course)  +
3
Language Requirement  +
Diversity Requirement (2 courses)  +
Sub-Total Credits
38

Free Elective Requirement (51 credits)

Students with a Criminology primary major have fifty-one (51) required free elective credits. 

Degree Credit Summary

  • Major Credits: 33 credits
  • Core Credits: 38 credits
  • Free Electives Credits: 51 credits
  • Total Required Credits: 122 Credits

Note: The above credit totals are based on the minimum number of required credits in each degree area. The minimum number of required credits in each area listed above must be met. Credits taken beyond the required minimum for one area may not be applied to another area. 

SECONDARY MAJOR

Students who declare Criminology as a secondary major must complete the Required Major Courses to achieve this major. Students are able to count any eligible course taken in their primary major, the core curriculum, minors, concentrations, or free electives toward these requirements. 

Total Credits:
15-33

 

Disclaimer:
The above program requirements are applicable to students entering Summer 2024 and beyond. Please consult the appropriate archived catalog available on the homepage for years prior to these requirements. In order that programs offered by Villanova University reflect current advances and additions to knowledge and upgraded professional requirements, Villanova University reserves the right to change programs and requirements without prior notice. Students generally are bound to the requirements in effect and published online for the year in which their class begins its first year of study. Special requirements may be in effect for students who have left the University and are being readmitted. Students are advised to check with the web catalog or with their college offices regarding changes that may affect them. Additional academic information may be obtained from the various college offices and the web sites listed for the particular policies, programs and services found in this catalog. 

Overview

Program

Type

Bachelor of Arts

Curriculum Guide

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