Minor in Criminal Justice

Exploring fundamental issues inherent in the criminal justice system provides valuable insight into some of today’s most complex societal challenges, including growth of the prison population and the ever-increasing number of formerly incarcerated individuals returning to communities. From the role mental illness plays in crime to the impact of drugs and alcohol on our communities, this minor examines an eclectic array of crime and justice topics that complement many majors including sociology, political science and psychology.

You’ll have the flexibility to shape the program in a way that reflects your interests and enhances your professional goals, and you’ll have plenty of support and guidance from a faculty with a broad range of expertise in the criminal justice field. You will meet one-on-one with the program director, and together design a minor that’s right for you, choosing from a varied selection of courses such as Crime and Media, Sexual Violence, and Investigative Techniques. 

To complete the minor, students must complete 15 credits in criminal justice studies at any level and one 300-level criminal justice class for a total of 18 credits. Students should meet with the program director to select appropriate courses. A student majoring in gerontology or sociology can minor in criminal justice. Courses taken for a minor may not count toward a gerontology or sociology major. Courses taken for a gerontology or sociology major may not count toward a minor.