Criminology and Criminal Justice
Our criminal justice program promotes state-of-the-art research and instruction in subject areas that are crucial to the effective and orderly working of modern society.
What to Expect
You will learn theories of and responses to social deviance, law and the legal system, administration theory and evaluation, law enforcement, juvenile justice systems and procedures, and crime prevention models. You will also be able to attend numerous conferences and lectures to broaden your professional perspective.
As a criminal justice major, you will also have the opportunity to participate in a hands-on internship experience that will add to your educational experience. You can gain additional experience by participating in the Campus Patrol Office program, which offers 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. The major also offers a pre-law suggested track for those interested in pursuing a law degree after graduation.
Undergraduate Degree
B B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice provides a professional degree program with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the social sciences. Our research and public service promote practical solutions to criminal justice issues affecting our communities.
Here are the types courses that fulfill some of the requirements for a Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice:
- The American Criminal Justice System
- Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Criminal Procedure
- Sociology of Crime
- Policing
- Corrections Criminal Courts
Apply for Undergraduate Admission
Our Office of Undergraduate Admissions provides the most current information on the application process so you can check the requirements based on your current status and find university scholarships.
The Adolescent Mentoring class has been a life-changing experience for me. I have seen all the things I have been taught in other classes unfold right before my eyes! It gave me a chance to apply that knowledge and to not only help myself, but to help kids. This has influenced me to pursue a career in juvenile justice. I feel confident and prepared to pursue any job I want in the field.
Graduate Degrees
The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a master's and Ph.D. in criminology and criminal justice as well as a dual degree with the School of Law that culminates in Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor.
Graduate Director/Program Contact: Christi Metcalfe, cmetcalf@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Graduate Director/Program Contact: Christi Metcalfe, cmetcalf@mailbox.sc.edu
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Through special arrangement, the university offers dual degree programs in certain areas to permit a student to work on two degrees concurrently by combining credits, resulting in the student taking fewer courses than the total required if each degree were pursued independently. This program, offered by the College of Arts and Sciences and the School of Law, culminates in a Master of Arts in Criminology and Criminal Justice and a Juris Doctor.
Application information for this degree is available through The Graduate School.
Apply to Graduate School
Learn more about The Graduate School, degree options and how to apply for admission to doctoral, master’s, certificate and combination degree programs at South Carolina.