Valparaiso University

What you'll study

This programme blends core criminological theory with practical training in research methods and policy analysis. You will study the social, psychological and legal dimensions of crime and justice, drawing on perspectives from sociology, psychology, law and ethics. Typical topics and modules include:

• Foundations of Criminology: classical and contemporary theories of crime and deviance.
• Criminal Law and Procedure: substantive law, constitutional protections, and justice system processes.
• Policing and Community Safety: history, organisation and contemporary issues in policing.
• Corrections and Penology: sentencing, rehabilitation, prisons, and community-based sanctions.
• Juvenile Justice: youth offending, diversion programmes and youth-specific interventions.
• Research Methods and Statistics: qualitative and quantitative approaches to criminal justice research, data analysis, and program evaluation.
• Victimology and Restorative Justice: the experiences of victims and alternative responses to harm.
• Specialist electives: topics such as cybercrime, forensic psychology, substance misuse and crime, and comparative criminal justice systems.
• Capstone/Field Experience: a senior seminar, practicum or internship with local criminal justice agencies to apply classroom learning in a real-world setting.

Courses are taught in small to moderate-sized classes with emphasis on critical thinking, written and oral communication, and ethical reasoning. The programme is integrated with Valparaiso’s liberal arts curriculum, so you will also complete breadth requirements across the humanities, sciences and quantitative reasoning.

Entry requirements

Admission to Valparaiso University requires a high school diploma or equivalent and is based on a holistic review of academic preparation and personal qualities. Typical considerations for the criminology programme include secondary-school grades, strength of curriculum, teacher or counsellor recommendations, and personal statement or interview.

• Academic preparation: successful completion of college-preparatory coursework, including English and social studies; coursework in mathematics is beneficial because of the research methods component.
• Standardised tests: Valparaiso has adopted a flexible approach to standardised testing; applicants should check the university’s current policy on SAT/ACT submissions.
• Experience and interests: relevant volunteer, work, or extracurricular experience in community service, youth programmes or public safety can strengthen an application.
• Transfer applicants: transfer students must submit college transcripts and demonstrate successful college-level work; placement and credit for prior coursework are evaluated individually.

Career prospects

Graduates of the criminology programme go on to a wide range of careers in public, private and non-profit sectors. Common career paths include:

• Law enforcement and policing agencies at local, state and federal levels.
• Corrections and probation services, including case management and programme coordination.
• Juvenile justice, youth services and community-based intervention organisations.
• Victim advocacy, social services, and non-profit organisations focused on crime prevention and support.
• Policy analysis, research, and roles in government agencies or think tanks that focus on criminal justice reform.
• Further professional or graduate study in law, social work, public administration, forensic science or criminology.

Because the programme emphasises research methods and communication, graduates are also well placed for roles that require analytical skills, data interpretation and public engagement.

Why study at Valparaiso University

Valparaiso University combines a liberal arts foundation with vocationally relevant training, offering close faculty mentoring and a focus on ethical leadership. The criminology programme benefits from small class sizes, opportunities for internships and practicum placements with regional criminal justice partners, and an interdisciplinary approach that situates crime within broader social and policy contexts.

Students gain applied experience through fieldwork and community partnerships, and benefit from campus resources such as career services and faculty-led research projects. Graduates leave with a mix of theoretical knowledge, practical skills and professional contacts useful for entering the workforce or progressing to graduate study.