Criminology and Criminal Justice Campus Undergraduate Bachelors

Major Description

Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) is an interdisciplinary social science devoted to the study of the causes, prevention and control of crime (Criminology) along with the operations of the criminal justice system (Criminal Justice) through the study of police, criminal courts, and correctional institutions (e.g. prisons and jails). In this major, students gain a broad understanding of the causes of and trends in crime, who are involved in crime and why, how and why the justice system responds, and what we can do to improve it. This includes coverage of criminology theories, effective crime prevention and crime control policy, and best practices in policing, courts, and corrections. The examination of these issues occurs at individual, community, and societal levels. The classes are designed to help students build job-ready skills in critical reasoning, problem solving, and written and oral communication.  

Choice of Major Pathway

Students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice have a choice of two pathways to complete their major - a campus or 100 percent online.  The Online Pathway, called Criminology and Criminal Justice Online, is for students seeking to complete their degree without ever coming to campus. In the campus pathway, classes are offered in a mix of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online.  In this pathway, in-person classes that are on Portland state’s campus will be necessary to graduate.  All students declaring a major in Criminology and Criminal Justice are automatically placed in the On Campus pathway, unless they specifically apply to be admitted to Criminology and Criminal Justice Online.  

Campus Pathway Degree Requirements

The bachelor's degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice requires a minimum of 61 total credits. All classes used to satisfy Criminology and Criminal Justice major requirements, whether taken at PSU or elsewhere, must be passed with a grade of "C-" or above. Students can transfer up to 20 credits from a regionally accredited college or university toward the Criminology and Criminal Justice major requirements.
 

Students majoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice complete both required and elective course (this is in addition to meeting University bachelor requirements):
 

Required Courses (37-40 credit hours)

• CCJ 200 Criminology and Criminal Justice
• CCJ 230 Policing in America
• CCJ 240 Punishment and Corrections
• CCJ 310 American Courts
• CCJ 317 Race, Crime and Criminal Justice
• CCJ 320 Theories of Crime
• CCJ 330 Crime Control Strategies
• CCJ 340 Crime Analysis
• CCJ 380 Criminal Justice Research
• CCJ 420 Criminal Law and Legal Reasoning

Elective Courses (24 credit hours)
The Criminology and Criminal Justice department offer a wide range of elective classes that allow students to tailor their degree to meet particular interests or job aspirations. A maximum of 8 of the 24 credits can be taken at the 100- or 200-level.  The remainder (16 credits) must be 300- or 400-level. 

Criminology and Criminal Justice Courses

In the Campus Pathway, Criminology and Criminal Justice courses are offered in a mix of formats, including in-person, hybrid, and online.  The Portland State Bulletin lists the classes that may be offered in the Campus pathway.  Each course is offered with varying frequency.  Students should consult the University’s schedule of classes for the courses that will be available in the coming term.
Students have the opportunity to complete an internship to experience the working environment of a criminal justice agency, to explore job options, and to develop relationships with professionals in the field (learn more about the benefits of an internship).  The internship is optional and can be completed for elective credit (CCJ 404) toward the Criminology and Criminal Justice degree.  Learn more about completing an internship.  

Transfer Credits

More than one-half of all Criminology and Criminal Justice students transfer into Portland State University from community colleges and regional colleges and universities.  To help transfer students earn bachelor’s degrees more quickly, Criminology and Criminal Justice has transfer agreements with all Oregon community colleges and many Washington community colleges.  This allows specific classes to automatically substitute for PSU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice classes. Other transfer credits from regionally accredited community colleges, four-year colleges and universities are determined by PSU upon admission.

See how your criminal justice courses from Oregon and Washington community colleges transfer into PSU’s Criminology and Criminal Justice undergraduate programs.

Advising

Criminology and Criminal Justice students in the Campus Pathway  work with academic advisors in Urban, Public and Global Affairs. Academic Advisors assist students with class planning, understanding degree and general university requirements, preparing for graduation, finding resources on campus and more.

Criminology and Criminal Justice majors are encouraged to meet regularly with their academic advisor to ensure that they are on track to graduate.