Criminology and criminal justice (CCJ) are fields of study that incorporate an interdisciplinary perspective to examine the causes and correlates of criminal behavior, as well as the institutions that respond to such behavior. A degree in criminology and criminal justice provides a comprehensive academic foundation into the nature of criminal offending, victimization, law enforcement, court administration, the law, and both community and institutional corrections.
Consistent with Saint Louis University's Jesuit tradition, the criminology and criminal justice program seeks to strengthen the criminal justice systems and, more importantly, communities, by focusing on the factors that cause crime and violence and on the humanity of victims, offenders and practitioners. This major is a good fit for students interested in legal studies, law enforcement at the local, state or federal levels and working with adults and/or juveniles in correctional settings, as well as those pursuing graduate education or a law degree.
Faculty within the program are great mentors and easy to connect with. Each professor I have had has always been more than willing to meet with me whether to answer any questions about the course or for any career advice." –Kalie Yeager-Thompson, Class of 2021
Program Highlights
- SLU's B.A. in Criminology and Criminal Justice is innovative in its approach to improving the justice systems by focusing on the humanity of those involved in and impacted by crime and violence in communities.
- The program challenges and engages students intellectually with the latest in criminological and criminal justice theory, research and practice.
- The major offers students the opportunity to live what they learn through compassionate service.