Criminology, B.A.

Explore Criminology at Immaculata University

Do you find yourself reading true crime stories? Are you fascinated by the criminal mind?

As a subgroup of sociology, the field of criminology involves every vital area of human interaction. From issues of social justice to urban life, social stratification and family relations, criminology provides insight into the human condition.

A Bachelor of Arts degree in criminology gives you an opportunity to practice social justice. You can choose a career in law and advocacy, management and personnel, or any of the allied criminal justice fields.

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At a Glance

Program: Bachelor of Arts

Audience: Undergraduate students

Format: Face-to-face classes

Next Start Date: August, 2026

Cost: Full-time tuition

Time to Completion Four years (three-year accelerated option)

"The criminology and sociology professors are incredible at preparing students for their future careers. Between on-campus job fairs and guest speakers who come to criminology classes, the professors assist their students with making connections with employers for when they graduate. Students are consistently provided with the opportunity to discuss career paths with people who are currently professionals in the field."

Tara Mazza

Criminology B.A. Program at Immaculata

Opportunities and Outcomes

If you choose criminology as a major or minor you will have the opportunity to join Phi Tau, the local chapter of Alpha Phi Sigma National Criminal Justice Honor Society.

In addition, you will be encouraged to secure an internship, which are optional but highly recommended, because of the rich opportunity they provide to combine classroom knowledge with work experience. You can talk with guest speakers from various local agencies who will visit your classes to discuss their professions and internship and employment opportunities.

Our students have interned at places such as:

Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
Chester County Youth Center
Sheriff’s office crime scene unit
Chester County and Philadelphia probation agencies
Penn Vet, assisting with the training of police dogs for search and rescue and narcotics detection
Sheriff’s office mobile Narcan (naloxone) unit to reverse opioid overdoses
County mental health, intellectual/developmental disabilities and early intervention unit

Where Can I Work?

A criminology major opens doors to a range of careers in law, social services, correctional systems, criminal justice administration and government. Immaculata’s faculty and staff organize regular career fairs, allowing you to speak with representatives from numerous local, state and national agencies, such as local and state police, ICE/Homeland Security, the Secret Service, the Chester County Intermediate Unit and Chester County Prison. Our alumni have gone on to work in law enforcement, juvenile justice, corrections, probation, residential treatment, family services and advocacy for victims of cybercrime or domestic and sexual abuse. They have obtained jobs such as:

Police Communications Operator, Pennsylvania State Police
Enterprise Security Operations Center Dispatcher, Highmark Health
Correctional Officer, Chester County Prison
Paralegal Specialist, U.S. Small Business Administration
U.S. Customs Agent
Detention and Corrections Specialist, U.S. Army
Military Police Patrolman, U.S. Army
Protective Service Agent, U.S. Army
Outreach Coordinator for Cybercrime Victim Support, Heart of Florida United Way
Supportive Services Advocate, DC SAFE Domestic Violence Crisis Intervention Agency
Victim Advocate and Volunteer Coordinator, Victim Services Center of Montgomery County
Executive Director, Women’s Resources of Monroe County

The major also provides a foundation for graduate work in law, social work, sociology, public policy and criminal justice. Our students have gone on to law school and to graduate programs in social work or psychology.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the Criminology B.A. program at Immaculata University?

The Criminology Bachelor of Arts at Immaculata University is an undergraduate degree program that explores the causes of crime, social inequality, justice systems, and community structures. Students examine criminal behavior, law enforcement systems, courts, corrections, and the broader social forces that shape crime and social issues. The program integrates sociological theory, research methods, and real-world application to prepare graduates for careers in criminal justice, social services, public policy, and related fields.

What will I study in a criminology bachelor’s degree program?

Students in the Criminology B.A. study topics such as:

Criminological theory
Juvenile delinquency
Social inequality and race
Policing and corrections
Research methods and statistics
Deviance and social control
Ethics and justice

The curriculum combines foundational sociology coursework with specialized criminology courses, helping students understand both individual behavior and systemic social factors.

What careers can I pursue with a Criminology degree?

Does the program include internships or experiential learning?

Is this criminology degree good preparation for law school?

What makes Immaculata University’s criminology program unique?

Several factors distinguish the program:

Small class sizes and personalized faculty mentorship
Ethical and values-based education rooted in Catholic intellectual tradition
Strong focus on social justice and community impact
Internship access in the greater Philadelphia region
Integration of criminology with broader sociological perspectives

Students benefit from individualized academic advising and close faculty engagement.

Can I double major or add a minor with this degree?

How long does it take to complete the Criminology B.A.?

What skills will I gain from this program?

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Jasmine Hess loved her time at IU and appreciates how her criminology classes and a forensic science course helped her develop crucial skills for her job as a police officer.

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