Print this page. About the Program
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a four-year program of study leading to the degree of Bachelor of Science, with a major in criminal justice. We provide a distinctive education for undergraduate students by promoting state-of-the-art research and instruction in subject areas that are crucial to the effective and orderly working of modern society. These include theories of and responses to social deviance, law and the legal system, administration theory and evaluation, law enforcement, juvenile justice systems and procedures, crime prevention models, domestic and foreign terrorism, drugs and public policy, correctional policy and administration, court processes and procedures, and the politics and policy of the criminal justice system. The department offers a coordinated academic program of study that addresses these criminal justice issues from a multidisciplinary, social-science perspective.
The curriculum combines a foundation in the liberal arts and social sciences with the theories, concepts, and practices of criminology and criminal justice. A variety of courses are available within the department, as well as special criminal justice courses offered by the Departments of Anthropology, Sociology, History, Political Science, and Philosophy. As part of its academic program, the department sponsors or cosponsors numerous conferences and lectures to broaden the professional perspectives of practitioners, students, and faculty. Contemporary issues are explored, and innovative ideas are presented. The department also participates in an annual lecture series that brings national and international criminal justice experts to the University.
Career Opportunities
Criminal justice graduates are employed in a number of current and emerging fields. Here are a few of the possibilities:
• federal, state, and municipal law enforcement
• corrections administration and policy development
• crime prevention and community relations
• juvenile services
• corporate and computer security.
The University Career Center is available to assist you in choosing a career direction and in increasing your marketability upon graduation. For additional information, call the center at 803-777-7280.
Admission/Progression Requirements
To be admitted into the College of Arts and Science’s Bachelor of Science degree program in criminology and criminal justice, you must meet all University and College of Arts and Sciences requirements. University requirements for freshmen include a completed application, specified nonrefundable application fee, high-school record complete up to the time of application (including record of at least 20 academic units of study earned as required by the University), and entrance examination scores (either SAT or ACT). Details for all applicant categories can be found in the Undergraduate Bulletin.
Program of Study (120 hours)
The baccalaureate curriculum provides for eight semesters of study for the Bachelor of Science degree with a major in criminology and criminal justice. You are required to complete 56 to 65 hours of general education requirements from the College of Arts and Sciences and 36 hours of major requirements, passing each course with a grade of “C” or better. Your required courses will include classes such as The American Criminal Justice System and Sociology of Crime. You must also complete 12 to 18 hours of cognate or minor courses from the College of Arts and Sciences, as well as arts and sciences electives.
Of Special Interest
Student assistantships are available to our undergraduate students, as well as the Meredith Thompson Scholarship and the Robert A. Wilbur Endowment, which assists Columbia police officers in completing a B.S. or M.A. in criminal justice. As a student in our program, you can also complete an internship for course credit (CRJU 494). You are also eligible to participate in the Campus Patrol Officer (CPO) program, which offers undergraduate and graduate students who qualify an opportunity to gain hands-on experience as an employee of the University of South Carolina Division of Law Enforcement and Safety, our nationally accredited police force. The department also sponsors tours of various criminal justice agencies and invites agency personnel to visit the department throughout the year. Our Office of Academic Programs is available to assist you in maximizing your academic and professional potential, and our Criminal Justice Association annually sponsors a career fair. Around 40 federal, state, and local criminal justice agencies usually attend. Our faculty members are nationally known for their outstanding professional accomplishments. They will advise you on an appropriate program of study, relevant extracurricular activities, and career planning.