California Polytechnic State University, Pomona

What you'll study

Coursework covers the systematic social study of crime as a socio‑pathological phenomenon and the behaviour of offenders, together with the institutional responses to crime. Specific topics included in the program are:

• Theory of crime and social bases of criminal behaviour
• Social value systems and theories of punishment
• Criminal law and criminal justice systems
• Penology, rehabilitation, and recidivism
• Studies of specific types of crime
• Social attitudes, policy, and applications to law enforcement administration and policy

Students should consult the Cal Poly Pomona University Catalog for the department's lower‑ and upper‑division course listings, descriptions, and any course prerequisites or corequisites.

Entry requirements

To declare the minor, students must contact a Sociology faculty member who will process the declaration on BroncoDirect. Advising contacts: Sociology Minor Coordinator Dr. Anthony Ocampo (acocampo@cpp.edu) and Criminology Minor Coordinator Dr. Gabriele Plickert (gplickert@cpp.edu). Specific course prerequisites and corequisites are listed with each course in the University Catalog.

Career prospects

The minor is designed to support students pursuing employment in law enforcement and related fields or those seeking a criminological perspective to complement another major. It provides foundational knowledge useful for roles in policing, corrections, policy, and administration rather than technical forensic laboratory work.

Scholarships & funding angle

Information on scholarships, departmental awards, and general financial aid is handled by campus financial aid offices and departmental advisors. Students who need guidance on funding or targeted advisement should contact the Sociology department office or the minor coordinator.