Undergraduate Major
The Criminology major at USF is concerned with real-world crime problems and seeks to address deficiencies in the criminal justice system. Through solution-focused critical analysis, our faculty employ theoretical perspectives, empirical evidence and innovative technology to find solutions to contemporary challenges of crime and justice, such as justice disparities and criminalization of mental illness.
DEGREE OPTIONS
The College of Behavioral and Community Sciences offers a B.A. in Criminology on the St. Petersburg campus, as well as a minor in Criminology.
View more information about options on other USF campuses.
CRIMINOLOGY AT USF ST. PETERSBURG
As research-active experts in the field, the Criminology program faculty boast prior experience in law enforcement, juvenile justice, victim services and mental health counseling. They utilize strong links with local criminal justice and victim advocacy agencies, leveraging expertise to bring real-world projects into the classroom. This provides criminology students with a multitude of opportunities to engage with a variety of criminal justice practitioners focusing on a range of issues such as domestic violence, human trafficking, sexual violence, crime analysis and juvenile justice diversion programs. This degree also offers the flexibility to complete criminology courses entirely online, entirely in-person or a blending of both.
USF's St. Petersburg campus is home to the Trafficking in Persons (TIP) Risk to Resilience Research Lab. This lab links the expertise and research of interdisciplinary researchers across three USF campuses and community partners with the goal of transforming Tampa Bay from a region characterized by human trafficking risk to a region of resilience. This research lab provides undergraduate and graduate students with an opportunity to be involved in human trafficking research and collaborate with our community partners to make change in our community and world.
Graduates of the Criminology program have gone on to pursue law degrees, open their own firms and work with the Pinellas County State Attorney's Office. Others have established careers in the criminal justice system, including working for St. Petersburg Police Department, the Florida Department of Corrections, Chicago Police Department, Pinellas County Sheriff's Office, Child Protection Investigation Division, Pinellas Park Police Department, Bureau of Tobacco and Firearms, Department of Defense and victim-related services such as Community Action Stops Abuse (CASA).
REQUIREMENTS FOR A MAJOR IN CRIMINOLOGY
Always refer to the Undergraduate Catalog for degree requirements. Students will typically begin progress toward the major by taking at least one course from the major core, as these often serve as prerequisites for the electives. Students are urged to consult with the criminology advisor to create the most beneficial set of courses.
QUESTIONS?
For questions about this program, contact an Academic Advisor.