Criminology

Criminology

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Bachelor of Arts

Top 5 Reasons to Study

01

Understand group trends and patterns that contribute to crime and victimization.

02

Develop critical, verbal, and written skills that will help you get ahead in the job market or prepare you for advanced degrees.

03

Build data analysis and research skills that employers value.

04

Build powerful understanding about how society contributes to and reduces crime.

05

Learn from award winning faculty who are renowned for their research and teaching.

Core
Skills

  • Written
  • Critical Thinking
  • Verbal
  • Analytical
  • Interpersonal

Sample
Jobs

  • Supervisory Positions in Law Enforcement
  • Probation or Correctional Officers
  • Detectives and Criminal Investigators
  • Rehabilitation Counselors
  • Data Analyst for Federal or State Agency

Top
Employment
Industries

  • Law Enforcement
  • Corrections
  • Graduate or Law School
  • Human Services
  • Data Analyst

Brag
Points

  • 86% of our criminology graduates are employed, have continued their education, or are serving the military six months after graduation.
  • The average annual pay for a criminologist in the United States is $81,173.
  • Our department offers a 4+1 degree program, so that you can earn a Bachelor's of Arts degree in Criminology and a Master's of Science degree in Sociology within five years.

Experiential Learning Opportunities

Criminology students have the option to experience a semester-long internship during their junior or senior year. You will work with a criminal justice or victim service agency, build a resume and cover letter, and you will also meet with agency representatives to understand the job options in the field.

Criminology

2025-2026 Major Map

Bachelor of Arts

Get the Courses You Need

1st Year

Gain introductory knowledge of a range of topics to help you grasp basic verbal, written, and critical thinking skills.

2nd Year

Complete required courses in other fields of study. Complete basic courses in social sciences, including the introductory course in criminology.

3rd Year

Begin courses in the major core, including criminological theory, crime, justice, and inequality, and introduction to social research. Furthermore, you will begin your elective courses, including those on violence in the U.S., juvenile delinquency, victimology, and policing in society.

3rd Summer

If students are interested, several faculty members will work with undergraduates on research projects to gain research experience.

4th Year

Complete courses in the major core, including social research practice, the senior seminar in criminology, or internship. Complete upper-division courses such as media and crime, law and society, and contemporary issues in criminal justice.

Hands-On Learning

1st Year

Complete hands-on learning assignments in the general education courses. 

2nd Year

Hear from guest speakers in the field in the introduction to criminology courses. Attend informal research talks with our faculty or graduate students and learn about faculty research projects.

3rd Year

Learn to do your own research in our two part research series.

3rd Summer

Explore opportunities to work with faculty on research projects. Participate in MSU's Undergraduate Research Symposium.

4th Year

Complete the senior seminar where you will hear guest speakers discuss working in the criminal justice and social service systems, or complete the semester-long internship, gaining knowledge and experience in the field.

Connect with Community

1st Year

Join the Sociological Student Association (SSA) and get to know your fellow majors. This group also participates in several community-based events and projects.

2nd Year

Attend informal research talks with our faculty or graduate students and get to know the award-winning faculty. Continue your affiliation with the Sociological Student Association (SSA).

3rd Year

Participate in additional activities with the Sociological Student Association (SSA) that highlight the SSA's efforts to help the community. Consider taking on leadership responsibilities with SSA. Attend lunchtime "Brown Bag" lectures and get to know the award-winning faculty. 

3rd Summer

Participate in MSU's Undergraduate Research Symposium to showcase research, build your resume, and meet other undergraduate researchers and faculty.

4th Year

Meet potential employers through the criminology employer event organized by the Sociological Student Association (SSA). Participate in other events, such as our bake sale, with all donations going to community partners in need. Continue to build relationships with faculty.

Explore the World

1st Year

Experience all that MSU offers through departmental courses, social groups and clubs.

2nd Year

Learn about crime in the United States and abroad in the introductory courses in criminology.

3rd Year

Learn about study abroad opportunities for summer.

3rd Summer

Consider taking a study abroad course through the College of Arts & Sciences or the honors program.

4th Year

Read research papers by international scholars in your upper division courses to understand how criminology works in other countries.

Launch Your Career

1st Year

Join student organizations, such as the Sociological Student Association (SSA), that deepen your interest in criminology while strengthening your resume.

2nd Year

Attend informal research talks with criminology faculty or graduate students and begin building relationships. Faculty who know you over time are better able to provide strong letters of recommendation.

3rd Year

Conduct your own research or work with faculty members on research projects to help you gain data and analytic skills that will boost your resume. Learn to understand the nature and extent of crime, criminals, and victims and how society plays a role in the criminal justice system.

4th Year

Go from generalist to specialist in your elective courses in one of the three main areas of criminology, criminal motivation, social dimensions, or the criminal justice system. Participate in an internship or take the senior seminar in criminology to learn from speakers. Apply for jobs and have strong letters of recommendation to secure either the job or the educational experience for your next step post-graduation.

Alumni
Success

Criminology majors commonly find jobs in law or the criminal justice system, and every year multiple students are admitted to law school or other graduate programs. Recent graduates work in law enforcement, the court system, government, social services, or the private sector. One student recently completed the prestigious FBI summer internship program. 

Student
Testimonial

"I’ve gained a strong understanding of crime, justice, and social issues through my coursework with supportive faculty. The professors encourage critical thinking and real-world application, helping students like me develop skills that are valuable for careers in criminal justice and beyond." 

Learn More

BA in Criminology degree requirementsApply to MSU