B.A. in Criminology

Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent and causes of crime. This two-year program also examines the impact crime has on society and how in turn society responds to the social problem of crime. This Bachelor’s degree program provides for a broad knowledge of the nature and trends of crime and an understanding of crime control policy along with methodological and critical thinking skills. Our students will be prepared to assume positions of leadership across a range of career paths in crime and justice related professions, as well as be prepared for post-graduate studies in Sociology, Criminology, and Law and Legal Studies.

Related Careers:
There are basically three directions a student can pursue with the Criminology degree:

1. Criminal Justice - law enforcement, courts and corrections

2. Community-based Prevention - victim services, drug counseling, etc.

3. Preparation for advanced degrees or in conjunction with Sociology, Psychology, Justice and Legal Studies

Requirements:
The B.A. in Criminology is a 36 credit hour major and is housed in the Division of Arts & Sciences. All students will complete 18 hours in required course work; and be required to take a minimum of six hours in each of the three sub-areas of the program. The sub-areas are: Criminal Behavior and Motivation; Social Dimensions of Crime; and Crime Control Policy and Practice.

Minimum Admission Requirements:
(In addition to general admission requirements)

In general, applicants to Mississippi State University-Meridian must have completed at least 60 credit hours of college work at a regionally accredited institution of higher learning, to include 24 core hours as shown.

To be eligible for admission, transfer students should have earned a 2.0 overall GPA (as computed by Mississippi State University) on all courses attempted at all regionally accredited institutions of higher learning attended. Official transcripts from all institutions attended must be submitted. *Grade of ‘C’ or better required. **Student must take courses from 4 different areas of study. No more than 2 from any one department will apply with the exception of Economics, in which only one course will apply.

MSU-Meridian reserves the right to delete, substitute, change, or supplement any statement in this publication without prior notice. It is recommended to speak to an advisor before enrolling to receive up-to-date information. Mississippi State University does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, disability or veteran status. 

Want more information about Criminology? Contact Dr. Marian Swindell at the Division of Arts and Sciences, MSU-Meridian by e-mail at mswindell@meridian.msstate.edu or by telephone at 601-484-0140.

Last Updated: 9/23/11