Brandon K. Applegate, Chair
Patricia Armstrong, Director of Academic Programs

Overview

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a program of study leading to a Bachelor of Arts degree. This degree program provides students with a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the social sciences. The department fosters a program of study that has a strong research emphasis and encourages public service. Courses offered through the department focus on problem-solving and critical thinking, which provide students with the skills necessary to understand and interpret the scientific literature, access emerging technologies in the field, and understand emerging issues in criminology and criminal justice. For additional information, visit our Web site at www.cas.sc.edu/crju.

Degree Offered

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice offers a four-year program of study leading to the Bachelor of Arts degree with a major in criminology and criminal justice. The degree requirements are based upon a strong foundation in the liberal arts and the social sciences. An array of professional criminal justice courses is offered to support the particular interests of various students. Students also are encouraged to participate in community service activities. Pursuant to this, the department provides information on opportunities for volunteer work and involvement in the criminal justice field through internships.

Entrance Requirements

The Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice follows the general admission policies of the University. Should there be more applicants for the degree program than the number of spaces available, admission decisions will be competitive and may take into account the applicant’s grade point average as well as other factors deemed indicative of the student’s potential for success in the program.

Transfer Students

Transfer students from other institutions, other USC campuses, or other degree programs must have a cumulative GPA of 2.25 and a semester GPA of 2.00 in the last semester enrolled. Official transcripts of all academic work must be sent to the admissions office. These transcripts will be evaluated by the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice for possible transfer credits. Only collegiate courses completed at accredited institutions will be considered, and transfer credit will be approved only where an analysis of the course level and content indicates that the work is appropriate for inclusion in a program of study offered by the department.

Progression Requirements

Admission to the upper division is based upon a minimum 2.00 cumulative USC GPA.

Programs and Courses

Programs

• Criminal Justice Minor
• Criminology and Criminal Justice, B.A.

Courses

• CRJU 101 - The American Criminal Justice System
• CRJU 202 - Research Methods in Criminology and Criminal Justice.
• CRJU 311 - Policing
• CRJU 312 - Corrections
• CRJU 313 - Criminal Courts
• CRJU 314 - Criminal Law
• CRJU 323 - Violence in America
• CRJU 341 - Sociology of Crime
• CRJU 351 - Juvenile Delinquency
• CRJU 399 - Independent Study
• CRJU 421 - Victimization
• CRJU 423 - Street Gangs: Structure, Activity, and Response
• CRJU 426 - Criminal Justice and Mental Health
• CRJU 491 - Special Topics