Courses focus on explanations for the development of law within society, why people break laws, and how society reacts to law-breaking. Interdisciplinary breadth in the study of criminology and law is essential for those majoring in criminology. Majors may enroll in relevant courses offered outside the department to help satisfy tracking requirements (listed below under Foundation Coursework).

After obtaining a B.A. in criminology, students can seek careers as professionals working within the criminal or juvenile justice systems (i.e., courts, law enforcement, corrections). Many students also attend law school, while others attend graduate school where they may conduct research on criminological issues.

After being accepted to this program, students can pursue the degree without moving to Gainesville. Coursework will be offered via electronic distance learning, and UF faculty will teach and advise students in the program. This program is designed to be pursued entirely online, and thus, students will not be permitted to take any courses on campus while enrolled in the program.

Students will need access to a personal computer capable of connecting to the web and sending and receiving electronic mail. It is recommended but not required that the student's computer have a video conferencing capability.

Coursework for the Major

The major requires 34 credits. At least 22 of the 34 must be taken from UF in courses offered by the department with prefixes of CCJ, CJC, CJE, CJJ or CJL. Students may apply no more than six credits of 1000/2000-level coursework to the major, including CJL 2000.

A maximum of 12 credits of criminology courses can be transferred toward the major. Students who transfer six credits of 1000/2000-level (lower division) credits into the major should not take UF’s CJL 2000. There are restrictions on which lower-division courses will transfer to the major. Lower-division courses that transfer into the major include introductory courses on criminology, criminal justice and criminal law/procedure. Students who wish to take interdisciplinary courses and transfer credits from another institution need to be careful about the 22-credit residency requirement.

Minimum grades of C must be earned in courses that count toward the major. The only exceptions are CCJ 4940 and CCJ 4905 which require grades of S.

Students may apply only three credits of CCJ 4940 or CCJ 4905 and 3 credits of CCJ 4911 to the 34 credits for the major. CCJ 4940 and CCJ 4905 are graded S/U; CCJ 4911 may be taken either S/U or for a letter grade. Note, however, that no more than 3 credits of S/U work coming from either may be applied to the major.

Additional Requirements

Exit Exam Requirement

To complete the major students must pass a department exit examination regarding crime, criminal justice, law and society, and criminological theory, administered online.

Related Criminology Programs

• Bachelor of Arts in Criminology

Critical Tracking records each student’s progress in courses that are required for entry to each major. Please note the critical-tracking requirements below on a per-semester basis.

For degree requirements outside of the major, refer to CLAS Degree Requirements: Structure of a CLAS Degree.

Equivalent critical-tracking courses as determined by the State of Florida Common Course Prerequisites may be used for transfer students.

Semester 1

• Complete 1 criminology-related foundation course (criminology-related foundation courses include introductory criminal justice and criminology courses -- CCJ, CJL or CJE prefixes, such as CCJ 3024, CJL 2000, CJL 3038 -- or related courses: AMH 2010, AMH 2020, ANT 2000, ANT 2410, ECO 2013, ECO 2023, PHI 2010, PHI 2630, POS 2041, POS 2112, PSY 2012, SYG 2000, SYG 2010)
• 2.3 UF GPA required

Semester 2

• Complete 1 additional criminology-related foundation course
• 2.5 UF GPA required

Semester 3

• Complete 1 additional criminology-related foundation course with 2.65 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.65 UF GPA required

Semester 4

• Complete STA 2023 with a 2.75 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.8 UF GPA required

Semester 5

• Complete CCJ 3024 (if not previously taken) and maintain 2.75 critical-tracking GPA
• 2.80 UF GPA required

Students are expected to complete the writing requirement while in the process of taking the courses below. Students are also expected to complete the general education international (GE-N) and diversity (GE-D) requirements concurrently with another general education requirement (typically, GE-C, H, or S).

Up to 9 hours of approved Criminology electives outside of the Criminology department may also count towards the 3000 level or above electives outside of the major.

To remain on track, students must complete the appropriate critical-tracking courses, which appear in bold. These courses must be completed by the terms as listed above in the Critical Tracking criteria.

This semester plan represents an example progression through the major. Actual courses and course order may be different depending on the student's academic record and scheduling availability of courses. Prerequisites still apply.

Approved Electives

Choose any CCJ, CJE, CJL or CJJ elective and up to 9 credits from these approved interdisciplinary courses.

The Bachelor of Arts in criminology (both the on campus and the online degree programs) introduces students to the study of criminal behavior, criminal justice systems from a multidisciplinary, liberal arts perspective. It enables students to understand crime, how society reacts to it (especially through the criminal justice system) and the interrelationships between features of society and law. It includes learning about the theories of crime and methods for studying crime, law and society.

Before Graduating Students Must

• Pass a department exit examination regarding crime, criminal justice, law and society and criminological theory.
• Complete a research paper for CCJ 3701 demonstrating the ability to research and to interpret research in criminology, law and society.
• Complete requirements for the baccalaureate degree as determined by faculty.

Students in the Major Will Learn to

Student Learning Outcomes (SLOs)

Content

1. Define and describe the criminal justice system, the interrelationships among its components and their fit with society.
2. Define and describe the legal institutions, the law and their interaction in society.

Critical Thinking

3. Analyze theories of crime and their implications for programs and policies to reduce crime.
4. Interpret and evaluate research in criminology, law and society and exhibit proficiency in the techniques used to conduct such research.

Communication

5. Communicate ideas clearly and effectively in an accepted style of presentation.

Curriculum Map

I = Introduced; R = Reinforced; A = Assessed

Assessment Types

• Exams
• Papers