Bachelor of Arts in Criminology Shorelight Group - St. Bonaventure University, USA

The Bachelor of Arts in Criminology, offered by the Department of Sociology and Criminology at St. Bonaventure, prepares students for careers and advanced studies in criminology and related fields.

Criminology studies the anatomy of a crime - its causes, consequences and costs. Criminologists develop marketable analytical skills. They collect data and analyze their findings to provide actionable information and recommendations. As part of their analysis, they consider psychological behavior, socioeconomic and economic indicators, and environmental factors.

It differs from the related field of criminal justice, which primarily prepares students for the duties of police and other security officers. Both can be the degree of choice for those pursuing careers in policing, corrections and related fields, but the study of criminology extends far beyond basic police work.

Criminology is comprehensive in nature, covering theoretical perspectives, causal factors and rehabilitative efforts. At its core, criminology is concerned with the dignity of the person, inclusiveness, and service, elements that are in keeping with this university's Franciscan values. Additionally, St. Bonaventure's well-established peer social sciences — sociology, psychology and political science - strongly complement the criminology program.

As a criminology major, you will come to understand the complex, multidimensional nature of crime:

• Offenders may be influenced by family, peers, social structure, personality traits, or some combination of these.
• Victimization, too, is examined through this prism of intricate social and personal factors
• You will consider the strengths and weaknesses of the criminal justice system, both past and present.

Bachelor of Arts in criminology

The major in criminology prepares students for careers and advanced studies in criminology and related fields.

Program Learning Outcomes

Upon successful completion of the criminology program at St. Bonaventure University:

• Identify, apply and analyze components of research methodology;
• Identify, apply and analyze theoretical paradigms;
• Apply and synthesize criminological knowledge outside the classroom.