Criminology and law studies delves beyond the criminal justice system and sources of crime and delinquency and challenges students to develop critical thinking skills, professional ethics and perspective on how the criminal justice system relates to everyday life. Its end goal is to improve the implementation of public policy.
The criminal justice system has become an important, modern institution that manages people, property and public resources in a way that wasn't envisioned 20 or 30 years ago. Students in this major will learn state-of-the-art strategies for managing criminal justice system resources and assets.
The degree is ideal for individuals interested in law enforcement, the justice system (human resources, education, information systems) and pre-law students.
The CRLS major promotes the development of professional and applied skills. It integrates theory with practice through programming that emphasizes public policy in action, current events, cutting-edge programs that improve employee performance and best practices. Though the the curriculum focuses on justice-related issues, students will find the degree also applies to private sector fields in which legal analysis and communication skills are essential.
Case worker; corrections officer; deputy sheriff; federal, state and local government agencies; forensic investigator; human services administrator; law clerk; litigation assistant; police officer; probation or parole officer; public safety specialist; security agent; victim specialist; youth counselor.
Students are required to take all of the following courses:
| CRLS 1001 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 2100 | Juvenile Delinquency/Juvenile Justice | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 3100 | Corrections: Prisons, Probation and Parole | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 5640 | Family Violence and Public Intervention | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 3400 | Criminal Law | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 3500 | Criminal Procedure | 3 credit hours |
and one of the following two courses:
| CRLS 3300 | Police and Society | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 3350 | Police Organization and Administration | 3 credit hours |
| Total mandatory courses for the major | 21 credit hours |
In addition, students must choose three of the following four courses:
| CRLS 4660 | Criminal Violence in America | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 4130 | Women, Crime and Criminal Justice | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 5700 | Ethics in Criminal Justice | 3 credit hours |
| CRLS 4931 | Special Topics in Criminology and Law | 3 credit hours |
| Total electives for the major | 9 credit hours | |
| Total courses for the major | 30 credit hours |
Students are required to take:
| CRLS 1001 | Introduction to Criminology | 3 credit hours |
| Mandatory course | 3 credit hours |
CRLS minors also are required to take five additional upper-division courses (100 level and above) for 15 elective credits.
| Mandatory courses for the CRLS minor | 3 credit hours | |
| Elective upper-division course work | 15 credit hours | |
| Total course work for the minor | 18 credit hours |
Criminology and Law Studies '05
Probation/Parole Agent – State of Wisconsin
Department of Corrections
"The College of Professional Studies offered me the opportunity to return to college and succeed as an adult learner with family and career obligations. Not only did the college offer me a nationally-known and respected learning experience, but it led to an increased level of self-knowledge and a boost to my self-confidence."
