Criminology

UNDERGRADUATE PROGRAM IN CRIMINOLOGY

What is Criminology?

The prominent sociologist Edwin Sutherland described criminology as "the body of knowledge regarding delinquency and crime as social phenomena. It includes within its scope the process of making laws, of breaking laws, and of reacting towards the breaking of laws." This description accurately summarizes the three main branches of criminology:

Sociology of law - Criminologists examine and evaluate the origins, nature, application, and modification of our criminal laws. Criminologists recognize the fact that laws do not simply exist; rather they are consciously created and maintained by members of a society. Laws also reflect cultural values; they will differ significantly across societies, and will change over time to reflect changing values, beliefs, and social realities.

Criminal etiology - Criminologists attempt to identify the causes of criminal behaviour. Most modern theories of crime are derived from the major sociological perspectives: structural functionalism, social conflict, and symbolic interactionism. Explanations of criminal behaviour range from individuals having ambitious goals but no legal way to reach them, to the idea that (like other behaviours) criminal behaviour is learned from those we spend time with, to the assertion that powerful members of society act to criminalize the behaviours that threaten their power and position.

Penology - Criminologists explore the agencies and processes concerned with the apprehension and treatment of offenders. These include police, the courts, and the correctional system. The motives underlying the various societal responses to crime range from the desire for retribution (an eye for an eye), to the desire for restoration (taking whatever steps are necessary to "undo" the negative effects of the offense).

In sum, the discipline of criminology involves the systematic study of the nature and causes of crime in general, as well as examining the institutions charged with responding when a crime is committed. Criminologists seek to develop knowledge and interventions that can help to address the issue of crime as a social problem.

CAREER OPPORTUNITIES

Criminology majors are prepared for a variety of careers in both the public and private sectors, including

• Policing
• Corrections
• Probation and parole
• Public sector research and analysis
• Private sector research and consulting
• College/university teaching (with graduate degrees)

Like other social science majors, criminology majors are also employed in areas not directly related to crime such as substance abuse counseling and rehabilitation, child welfare, and urban planning. In addition, some students complete all or part of a criminology degree in preparation for other university programs such as law or social work.