Fresno Pacific University

What you'll study

The degree includes lower-division prerequisites, a core sequence of criminology courses, and a selectable breadth component.

• Lower-division major prerequisites (9 units): CRIM 210 Criminal Justice Administration; CRIM 220 Criminal Law; PS 120 American Politics and Society or PSY 120 General Psychology or SOC 120 Introduction to Sociology.
• Required/core courses (42–47 units): CRIM 352 Theories of Criminology; CRIM 355 Victimology; CRIM 362 Criminal Procedure; CRIM 372 Diversity and Crime; CRIM 382 Juvenile Delinquency and Justice; CRIM 392 Corrections; CRIM 412 Restorative Justice; CRIM 422 Statistics for Sociology and Criminology; CRIM 476 Internship; SW 440 Social Problems and Public Policy; THEO 465 Theological Ethics of Conflict and Peacemaking.
• Breadth options (select a minimum of four courses): COM 410 Media and Society; COM 420 Conflict Management and Resolution; CRIM 410 Criminal Evidence; CRIM 486 Topics: Criminology; PS 372 Introduction to Alternative Dispute Resolution (1 credit); PS 373 Nature, Law and Policy; PS 374 Legal Research and Writing; PS 440 Human Rights & International Law; PSY 252 Child Development; PSY 295 Social Psychology; PSY 355 Adolescent Development; PSY 410 Abnormal Psychology; SOC 410 American Ethnicity and Pluralism; SW 320 Marriage and Family; SW 390 Chemical Dependency Intervention; SW 395 Studies in Domestic Violence.

Entry requirements

Apply online or by mail and submit official transcripts (electronic to trans.evaluator@fresno.edu or mailed in a sealed envelope to the Office of the Registrar). Applicants are encouraged to complete the FAFSA and add FPU (FAFSA code 001253). Recommended high school preparation includes 4 years college-prep English; 3 years college-prep mathematics; 2 years social studies; 1 year laboratory science; 1 year performing arts; and 3 years of the same foreign language with at least a C-. The site notes accepted students have average GPAs of 3.2–3.6; discuss eligibility with an admissions counselor. Re-application and re-admission steps are specified for former or previously denied applicants.

Career prospects

Graduates are prepared for roles in law, criminal justice, and justice advocacy, or to pursue graduate and professional schools (including law school). The program emphasizes practical experience through internships (examples cited include placements with a District Attorney’s office and TSA) and community-focused conflict-resolution skills.

Scholarships & funding angle

Prospective students should complete the FAFSA (FPU FAFSA code 001253) as part of financial aid steps. The university directs applicants to its Office of Undergraduate Admission and provides contact information for admissions and transcript submission; speak with financial aid or admissions staff about scholarships, costs and aid options.