Criminology and Criminal Justice Program
Steve Dasovich, PhD, Chair
Criminology and criminal justice are distinct yet overlapping disciplines. Criminology is the scientific study of crime, its causes, and the criminal justice system, while criminal justice is the academic study of key components of the system including legal, law enforcement, court and corrections. Both consider the nature and extent of crime and the response of criminal justice agencies to law violations. A degree in criminology and criminal justice prepares students for a multitude of careers in the legal field, public administration, law enforcement (local, state and federal), the courts, corrections including probation and parole, juvenile delinquency, government, and community service organizations. A criminology and criminal justice degree from Lindenwood University is also an excellent choice for those who plan to pursue a graduate degree in law, the social sciences, or a career researching crime, criminal offenders, or any aspect of the criminal justice system. The following are offered:
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice (no emphasis area)
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, (no emphasis area) - Online
- Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice, law enforcement academy emphasis
A minor in criminology and criminal justice is also offered.
All of the above degrees require the completion of the criminology and criminal justice core courses listed below. Majors with no emphasis area must complete the criminology and criminal justice elective courses shown below. Students who are completing the Bachelor of Arts in criminology and criminal justice with a law enforcement academy emphasis must complete the indicated courses listed within the emphasis.