Criminology and Criminal Justice

Delving into the criminal mind helps society come to grips with what can and should be done about illegal activity and those who flout the law. Such is the basis for Fisher’s criminology and criminal justice program, where examinations of law, crime, and culture intersect.

The multidisciplinary curriculum, offered through Fisher's Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice, addresses a broad range of issues pertaining to the social and historical origins of crime and punishment. You will be presented with the latest and best research in the field of criminal justice and have many opportunities, through the upper level courses especially, to contribute to this body of scholarship.

Throughout this program, you will be guided by faculty who have "been there" and are networked to other criminal justice professionals at the local and state levels.

As a criminology and criminal justice major, you can leverage internships and faculty and alumni connections to secure a job in your chosen field.

Program Overview

In this 39-credit-hour program, you will study the nature of crime and the numerous factors that influence its rise and decline. Advanced courses are designed to help you investigate various aspects of criminality in specific populations and circumstances, while interdisciplinary electives illuminate the topic from several useful angles.

Additionally, coursework will help you develop your writing, research, and critical thinking skills while you make use of a vast body of literature that has emerged over the past four decades in this discipline.

Life After Fisher

Fisher's criminology and criminal justice program prepares you to enter a full spectrum of careers across the criminal justice system:

• Law enforcement
• Community and institutional corrections (probation, parole, jails, prisons)
• Crime prevention-related activities (delinquency prevention, substance abuse treatment, mentorship programs)
• Crime analysis
• Criminal justice program and policy development and review
• Crime control evaluation activities
• Cybercrime
• Law

You also may choose to continue your studies in this field after graduation. Fisher criminology students have pursued post-graduate degrees in criminal justice, cyber crime investigation, and public administration.