Eastern Michigan University

What you'll study

The Criminology degree combines theory, applied research methods and practical study of the criminal justice system. Core topics typically include criminological theory, juvenile justice, criminal law, policing, corrections, and research methods in social science. Students analyse causes of crime and responses from legal and social agencies, and study the intersections of race, gender, class and community in patterns of offending and victimisation.

• Criminological Theory — classical and contemporary explanations of criminal behaviour and the development of theoretical perspectives.
• Research Methods and Statistics — qualitative and quantitative techniques for designing studies, analysing data and interpreting findings relevant to crime and justice.
• Criminal Law and Procedure — fundamentals of substantive criminal law, legal processes, and constitutional protections.
• Policing and Community Justice — structure and function of policing, community-based approaches, and issues in law enforcement policy.
• Corrections and Rehabilitation — institutional and community corrections practices, offender treatment models and reentry challenges.
• Juvenile Justice — developmentally informed responses to youth offending, diversion programmes and prevention strategies.
• Victimology and Restorative Justice — study of victim experiences and restorative approaches to repair harm.
• Electives and Special Topics — options may include cybercrime, substance abuse and crime, white-collar crime, and comparative justice systems.

The programme typically includes a mix of lecture courses, seminar-style classes, research projects and the opportunity to undertake internships with local agencies. Students are encouraged to participate in practicum placements, field observation and collaborative community research to apply classroom learning to real-world settings.

Entry requirements

Entry to the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology usually requires a high school diploma or equivalent with a competitive academic record. Admissions consider a combination of high school grades, required high school coursework, and any standardised test scores the university may request. Applicants often strengthen their application with a personal statement outlining their interest in criminology and any relevant volunteer or paid experience.

• Suggested preparatory subjects: social studies, psychology, statistics, and English.
• Transfer applicants: college transcripts demonstrating successful completion of general education or introductory social science courses are evaluated for credit transfer.
• International applicants: must meet the university's English language proficiency requirements and provide certified academic records for evaluation.

Career prospects

Graduates with a degree in Criminology pursue a wide range of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors. The degree provides a foundation for roles that require analytical skills, knowledge of legal and social systems, and experience with research and community engagement.

• Law enforcement and public safety: police officer, detective, homeland security roles, and community policing specialist.
• Corrections and rehabilitation: correctional officer, parole and probation officer, case manager, and reentry coordinator.
• Social services and victim support: victim advocate, substance abuse counsellor, youth worker, and family services roles.
• Policy, research and analysis: criminal justice researcher, data analyst for justice agencies, policy analyst, and positions with think tanks or advocacy organisations.
• Legal and allied professions: paralegal work, support for prosecutors/defence teams, and preparation for graduate study in law, social work, public administration or forensic psychology.

Many students combine the degree with internships and volunteer placements that lead to entry-level employment. Graduates often pursue further study or professional training to specialise or advance into management and policy roles.

Why study at Eastern Michigan University

Eastern Michigan University offers a Criminology programme grounded in applied, community-focused learning within a public university setting. Students benefit from a campus located near urban and suburban communities, providing access to internships and partnerships with local law enforcement, courts, correctional facilities and social service agencies.

• Faculty expertise: instructors with backgrounds in research, policing, corrections and social services offer classroom instruction and mentorship.
• Experiential learning: practicum and internship opportunities connect academic study with hands-on experience in criminal justice settings.
• Interdisciplinary approach: the programme encourages links with sociology, psychology, legal studies and public administration to broaden career pathways.
• Student support: academic advising, career services and opportunities for student organisations focused on justice and community engagement.

The programme is suitable for students seeking a rigorous, practice-oriented education in crime and justice, and for those planning to enter the workforce directly or continue to graduate study in related fields.