Criminal Justice B.S., Criminology Concentration

Criminal justice student chatting with a police officer at the Criminal Justice Career Fair.

Deepen Your Expertise with Our Criminology Concentration

If you're a Criminal Justice major looking to deepen your understanding of the causes of crime, crime patterns, and the contemporary issues surrounding crime and policy, the Criminology concentration is the ideal fit for you. This concentration is thoughtfully designed for those who are eager to pursue graduate studies in Criminology or pursue careers in crime analysis, crime policy, and crime control. It offers a comprehensive and focused approach, allowing students to explore criminological theories and research, as well as examine the practical applications of crime prevention, control, and policy development. Students will engage with the complexities and evolving challenges in criminology, such as organized crime, victimology, and the intersections of race, gender, and crime. Open to all Criminal Justice majors, this concentration provides an opportunity to gain specialized knowledge and skills that are highly valued in the criminal justice system, preparing students for meaningful careers addressing critical issues in crime and justice.

Program Highlights

  • Study topics like Deviance, Organized Crime, and Victimology
  • Select from electives such as Comparative Justice Systems and Crime Policy
  • Apply up to 6 credits from Field Practicum or Independent Study

Master the Future of Criminology

Gain the skills and knowledge to analyze crime patterns, shape policy, and drive change in the field of criminology.

Discover What Makes Our Criminology Concentration Unique

  • Two students working on a project in a criminal justice class.

    Cutting-Edge Courses

    Our criminology classes offer an in-depth look at the latest theories, emerging trends, and real-world issues. This curriculum is crafted to provide a thorough understanding of the field, equipping you for advanced study and impactful careers.

  • intern

    Hands-On Experience

    Build practical skills through immersive real-world opportunities. Through independent projects and internships, you'll apply classroom knowledge to real-life scenarios, gaining valuable experience that will enhance your expertise and prepare you for a successful career in criminology.

  • Three Westfield State University students sit in a group of desks while discussing and working on classwork.

    Focused Exploration of Crime Patterns and Policy

    The Criminology concentration offers a comprehensive exploration of crime causation, patterns, and contemporary issues. This concentration is designed to provide students with an understanding of how crimes develop and manifest in different societies.

What Can You Do with a Criminology Concentration?

A concentration in Criminology opens up a diverse range of career paths for graduates, leveraging their specialized knowledge in crime causation, patterns, and crime policy. Here’s an overview of potential career opportunities:

  • Corrections Specialist
  • Crime Analyst
  • Policy Analyst in Criminal Justice
  • Researcher in Criminal Justice
  • Specialized Consultant
  • Victim Advocate
A student wearing a suit stands in front of a correctional facility.

Ready to learn more?

Course Requirements

Program Description

The Criminology concentration is designed to provide Criminal Justice majors with a more in-depth and focused understanding of crime causation, crime patterns, and contemporary issues in crime and crime policy. This concentration will be particularly relevant for students who are interested in graduate study in Criminology and those who are interested in crime analysis, crime policy, and crime control. The concentration is open to all Criminal Justice majors.

Requirements for the Criminal Justice Major

The Criminal Justice major consists of 42 credits. All students must complete at least 21 credits of Criminal Justice coursework at Westfield State University. There are six required courses in the major (Major Core) that comprise 18 of the 42 required credits. All Criminal Justice majors must complete the Major Core courses with a minimum grade point average of 2.5, and no grade in any of the Major Core courses may be below a C-. Students may repeat any of these courses in order to meet this requirement, in accordance with the University's Course Repeat Policy.

  • Students are not required to take a concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree
  • Students may take only one concentration for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Degree, even if they have completed the coursework for more than one concentration

Major Core Courses

Requirements for Criminology Concentration

UPPER-DIVISION ELECTIVES

Students choose upper-level electives in the major to complete 21 credits for the major, 18 of these upper-division elective credits must be from the courses listed below, to complete the 42-credit requirement. Students may take any other 3 upper-division credit Criminal Justice elective to complete the 21-credit upper-division credit requirement for the major.

Additional Graduation Requirements

All students must meet the University Graduation Requirements and complete a general education or common core of studies, distributed among the different academic areas as detailed in General Education: WISE or Common Core.

Get big school features with small school advantages.

We offer high-quality academics, unique learning opportunities, and a gorgeous campus—and we have small classes, accessible faculty, and one-on-one support. 

You'll join fellow motivated students ready to make the most of the college experience through active participation. Become part of a caring and committed community that understands and embraces the bridge between academic study and civic responsibility.

  • Largest Criminal Justice, Government, and Non-Profit Career Fair in the Northeast held on campus

  • 92%+ of faculty hold doctorates 

  • 700+

    Internship opportunities

Learn from industry experts

The Criminal Justice Department is made up of 12 full-time faculty who are dedicated to undergraduate teaching. You’ll learn from professors who have expertise in homeland security, religious extremism, law enforcement, corrections and rehabilitation, criminal law, juvenile justice, gangs, multinational crime, crime mapping, and more.

A Criminal Justice professor stands in front of a projection screen while instructing their class of students.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is Westfield State University accredited?

Westfield State University is accredited by the New England Commission of Higher Education (NECHE).

Do I have to submit SAT/ACT scores or an essay when I apply?

Westfield State University does not require an application essay, SAT and/or ACT scores, or letters of recommendation (except for special program admissions).     

All first-year applicants are reviewed for admission based on their high school record. First-year applicants must meet the minimum eligibility requirements established by the Massachusetts Department of Higher Education (DHE) in order to qualify for admission to a state university.   

Learn more about the application process and admissions here.

How much does Westfield State University cost?

Westfield State University offers a comprehensive university experience at an affordable cost—with many options for financial aid. Visit our Cost and Aid page to learn more. 

Will I receive academic support?

We’re invested in your success. Whether you need a little help adjusting to college, study strategies, tutoring, or disability services, the team at the Academic Achievement Department is ready to help. Our mission is to provide you with the tools to explore academic opportunities as well as to plot strategies for continued growth. 

Learn more about our student support services here.

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Criminal Justice B.S., Criminology Concentration