Criminology, B.A.

Program Director: Ray Nickson, Ph.D.

Overview

Seeking justice in the world today requires knowledge of our legal system, as well as a broad understanding of society. As a criminology major at Fresno Pacific University, you will be equipped with theoretical and applied skills that are essential to the pursuit of justice. You will also gain a background in alternative mechanisms for conflict resolution. Through study that is grounded in criminological methods, interdisciplinary in approach, historical and contemporary in perspective, and informed by a Christian/Anabaptist worldview, you will be prepared to pursue a value-based career in criminal justice. Upon completion of the major, you will be ready to seek employment in a range of fields or undertake advanced study, and to provide service to society reflective of the values expressed in the Fresno Pacific Idea. Careers in law, criminal justice and justice advocacy are just a few of your employment opportunities.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

To exhibit clear and engaging communication regarding the criminal justice field. [USLO 1 & 2]
To accurately describe the origins, nature and dynamics of conflict and crime from an interdisciplinary perspective. [USLO 3 & 10]
To analyze the various social, psychological and other theories on crime, criminals and society. [USLO 5]
To examine the individual and collective needs of all participants in the criminal justice system, including victims, offenders, and the community. [USLO 4]
To differentiate and evaluate the varied forms of conflict resolution and understandings of justice. [USLO 7 & 8]
To articulate and apply the value of Christian/Anabaptist belief for the criminal justice field. [USLO 9]

Locations Offered

Main Campus Fresno

General Education Prerequisites (9 units)

Students must take both
CRIM 210 - Criminal Justice Administration Credits 3 and
CRIM 220 - Criminal Law Credits 3
Students must choose one from
PS 120 - American Politics and Society Credits 3 or
PSY 120 - General Psychology Credits 3 or
SOC 120 - Introduction to Sociology Credits 3 or
SOC 205 - Culture and Society Credits 3

Required Courses (46-51 Units)

Core Program

CRIM 352 - Criminology Credits 3
CRIM 355 - Victimology Credits 3
CRIM 362 - Criminal Procedure Credits 3
CRIM 372 - Diversity and Crime Credits 3
CRIM 382 - Juvenile Delinquency and Justice Credits 3
CRIM 392 - Corrections Credits 3
CRIM 412 - Restorative Justice Credits 3
CRIM 422 - Statistics for Sociology and Criminology Credits 3
CRIM 442 - Issues in Criminal Law Credits 3
CRIM 476 - Internship Credits 3
THEO 465 - Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking Credits 3

Breadth Program

Select a minimum of four courses, at least two of which must be CRIM-coded, from the following:

CRIM 410 - Criminal Evidence Credits 3
CRIM 486 - Topics: Criminology Credits 1 - 3
PS 372 - Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution Credits 1
PS 373 - Nature, Law and Policy Credits 3
PS 374 - Legal Research and Writing Credits 3
PS 380 - Social Problems and Public Policy Credits 4
PS 440 - Human Rights & International Law Credits 4
PSY 350 - Child Development Credits 3
PSY 355 - Adolescent Development Credits 3
PSY 395 - Social Psychology Credits 3
PSY 410 - Abnormal Psychology Credits 4
SOC 346 - Human Trafficking: Perspectives and Interventions Credits 3
SOC 350 - Marriage and Family Credits 3
SOC 370 - Media and Society Credits 3
SOC 400 - Social Psychology Credits 3
SOC 410 - American Ethnicity and Pluralism Credits 3
SOC 430 - Conflict Management and Resolution Credits 3
SW 390 - Chemical Dependency Intervention Credits 3
SW 395 - Studies in Domestic Violence Credits 2