University of Portland Bulletin 2025-2026

Criminology, B.A.

The criminology major program encourages critical exploration of law-breaking behavior and the criminal justice system.  It is appropriate for students interested in research or public policy issues related to crime and criminal justice.  It is also suitable for students who may seek employment opportunities in law-enforcement, criminal law, the corrections system, and other government and nonprofit agencies that provide services or resources for those involved in the justice system.  

UP Core Requirements — 40 credit hours

All University of Portland students progress through a set of shared course options as part of the University’s liberal arts Core Curriculum. This curriculum offers a foundation of multiple lenses to address enduring questions of human concern, integrating the liberal arts, the University mission, and the knowledge, skills, and values needed in a diverse society and in the workplace.

See UP Core Requirements

The core requirement for the Diversity & the Common Good Habit is satisfied by SOC 101 within the major.

SOC 380 and SOC 498 or SOC 499 are the designated Writing in the Discipline courses for the B.A. in Criminology.

College of Arts and Sciences B.A. Requirements — 24-33 credit hours

See College Requirements, B.A.

Criminology Major Requirements — 36 credit hours

Required Courses - 24 credit hours

SOC 101Understanding Society: An Introduction to Sociology

3
SOC 214/SW 214Research Methods: Design

3
SOC 215Research Methods: Analysis

3
SOC 305Sociology of Crime and Justice

3
SOC 336Race and Racism in the United States

3
SOC 360Criminology

3
SOC 380Sociological Theory

3
SOC 498Senior Project

3

Students may substitute SOC 499 Senior Thesis for SOC 498 Senior Project. This option requires the student to secure faculty approval of the thesis proposal before the student begins their final year of study.

Courses in Advancing Skills in Sociological Research & Inquiry - 6 credit hours

Select two courses from the list below:
SOC 431Mapping Social Problems

3
SOC 432Gender and Violence

3
SOC 435Technology & Society

3
SOC 436Women and Work

3
SOC 437The Social Construction of Health & Illness

3
SOC 438Juvenile Delinquency

3

SOC 431 and SOC 438 are recommended.

One-time course offerings (designated as SOC 491) may fulfill this category. Please confirm eligible course offerings with the Department Chair.  

Elective upper-division hours in sociology or relevant disciplines - 6 credit hours

Select two courses from the list below:
Any 300 or 400 level SOC course

3-6
ETHS 301Race and Crime in Popular Culture

3
POL 346Constitutional Criminal Procedure

3
PSY 381Psychological Perspectives on Mental Health

3
PSY 470Psychology of Aggression

3

PSY 391 may fulfill the elective requirements when the topic is Forensic Psychology.  

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours

Total Credit Hours: 120