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.
At A Glance
Program: Bachelor of Arts
Audience: Undergraduate students
Format: Face-to-face classes
Next Start Date: May 19, 2025
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
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
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.
Related News
M.S. in Criminal Justice: The Growing Role of Advanced Degrees in Law Enforcement
Immaculata’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice equips law enforcement with leadership skills, preparing them for advanced roles and real-world challenges.
Immaculata Partners with Chester County FOP to Offer Tuition Discounts
The new partnership with the Chester County Fraternal Order of Police offers active and retired law enforcement officers and first responders significant tuition discounts on both undergraduate and graduate programs.
From Classroom to Patrol Car: How Immaculata’s Criminology Degree Shaped Alumna’s Journey to Policing
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.
Just The Facts
0:1
Student to Faculty RatioWith an 11:1 student/faculty ratio, personalized academic attention is a hallmark of Immaculata’s programs.
0+
Academic ProgramsImmaculata's 60+ undergraduate programs and 40+ graduate programs provide career-focused education for in-demand jobs.
0+
Clubs and OrganizationsChoose from more than 30 organizations to build relationships, broaden perspectives and gain leadership experience.