The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies offers a rich educational experience that emphasizes justice and criminological theory, in addition to translating concepts into practice. With three concentrations — Justice Studies, Justice Informatics and Criminal Justice — the Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies degree provides students with foundational knowledge and tools of the discipline, while allowing them to specialize in different areas of interest within the discipline.

DEGREE REQUIREMENTS

Drexel’s criminology bachelor’s degree offers three distinct concentrations, all of which have their own course requirements. Each criminal justice degree can be completed in four years, and reserves at least 27 free electives so students can earn a minor outside of the department. Students interested in intelligence/security-related careers should consider minoring in a language. Visit Drexel's Modern Languages program webpage for a list of language minors.

Given the global nature of crime and justice issues, the department requires one course on international justice systems. We also encourage all students to participate in at least one faculty-led study abroad program during which students will explore various justice-related themes (examples of recent trips: The Legacy of Nazi Policing and Cold War Justice in Munich and Prague; The Roots of Common Law Justice in London). Please see the Study Abroad program webpage to view the location and itinerary of the next study tour.

Degree Concentrations

Criminal Justice

This concentration is designed for students who desire a more traditional criminal justice education (without the analytics), but who also want the flexibility to integrate a broad array of courses into their plans of study. With fewer required courses than the other two concentrations, this track allows students to largely build their own criminal justice major, which might include more justice-related courses and/or a secondary emphasis on economics, education, public health, global studies, security studies or a foreign language.

Justice Informatics

Drawing on criminology, justice and computer science, this concentration produces globally aware and technologically proficient graduates who bring an analytical approach to crime and security problems. In addition to criminology classes, students take eight courses in the College of Computing & Informatics, where they learn to collect, manage and analyze the vast quantities of information collected by the American justice system.

Justice Studies

This concentration is designed for students who wish to engage with a justice-focused curriculum. It explores mostly place-based social, economic, health and environmental risk factors in ways that extend beyond the traditional criminal justice system. With emphases on engaged learning, co-curricular opportunities and data-driven problem-solving, the concentration gives students the tools needed to practice “justice” across a wide spectrum of fields.

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Drexel Co-op for Criminology Majors

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, students embark on up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment, exploring their career options, strengthening their resumes and building a professional network in the process.

The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies offers two options for students: a four-year one co-op option and a four-year, no co-op option. While both options exist, we encourage students earning their bachelor's degree in criminology to take advantage of the co-op program.

Criminology and Justice Studies students have held co-op positions at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, at local sheriff and police departments, with local judges, at criminal justice agencies, law firms, community agencies and nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. Our students have also had co-ops in highly competitive organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center — a federally funded regional intelligence agency consisting of several policing and other law enforcement organizations.

Learn More About Co-op at Drexel University

Community-based Learning in Crime and Justice Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a range of community-based learning courses that allow students to immerse themselves in course material and learn side-by-side with community partners. To explore justice studies in America, we take our students straight to the source; we offer two of our core courses in community settings — one of which (Prison, Society and You) is taught in a local prison.

View Current Community-Based Learning Courses

Careers in Criminology & Justice Studies

Criminology and justice studies is an exciting field that leads to careers in a range of disciplines — from law to cybersecurity, social science research and federal intelligence. Recent criminology and justice studies graduates have gone on to successful careers at:

• Top graduate programs in law, criminal justice and related disciplines
• Government agencies like the Department of Justice and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
• Technology, security and software companies
• Financial companies and investment firms

Learn More About Careers in Criminology