Bachelor of Arts - Criminology

University of Minnesota Duluth's (UMD) Criminology is the study of crime and society's response to crime. The criminology program focuses on crime as a social phenomenon and the causes of criminal behavior. The major provides an overview of institutions, issues, and causes of crime, and social control; it also offers a strong foundation in liberal arts, a basic knowledge of behavioral sciences, and a strong professional growth potential for those pursuing a career in criminology or the criminal justice system.

• UMD offers a degree in Criminology as opposed to Criminal Justice, Deviance, or the Sociology of Law. The focus is on the critical examination of crime in the U.S. and other countries, and on the mechanisms of crime control in society. 
• Students have great opportunities to apply their critical and analytical learning to the practical world. All majors are required to complete an internship with agencies in the community. Internships provide the opportunity to network in the field of criminology or social services and gain real-world experience. 
• This Criminology program is housed in an interdisciplinary department allowing for cross-over in terms of courses offered and faculty who may teach in multiple disciplines including forensic psychology, anthropology, sociology. 

Acquired Skills

This program is not technical training for criminal justice careers but teaches fundamental skills necessary to those careers. These include, analytical skills, critical thinking skills, ability to consume and synthesize information (in a variety of forms), ability to communicate both orally and in writing, a broad understanding of the world/society in which one resides/works and the impact of social factors on crime and criminal justice in that world/society. These are the kind of skills that employers consistently rank as important when selecting job candidates. 

Career Possibilities

Graduates from UMD's criminology program pursue a variety of careers in criminology or the criminal justice system such as law enforcement (federal, state, and local) or corrections (probation, parole). Criminology majors also go on to advanced education such as law school or graduate school.