Criminology
Welcome to the Department of Criminology!
The Department of Criminology strives to provide the highest quality of support and services to students pursuing a degree in the Criminal Justice field.
Students enrolled in the Criminology degree will be equipped with the necessary tools needed for victim advocacy, understanding laws and legal systems, and the utilization of Behavioral Sciences in criminal justice settings such as probation, parole, jails, and prisons.
Our courses aim to provide a dynamic, informative, and hands-on learning experience for students to utilize and transition into their prospective career fields.
Special Recognition - Degrees of Change - Congratulations Class of 2024!
On Oct. 18th, 2024, Fresno State hosted its inaugural graduation at Valley State Prison for the first cohort of 23 students who have earned their bachelor's degree in Social Science. This Degrees of Change program represents a partnership between the California Department of Corrections and Rehabilitation (CDCR) and Fresno State's Division of Continuing and Global Education and the College of Social Sciences. The Criminology Department has considerable involvement with the program, with a number of our professors teaching at Valley State Prison, as well as at Central California Women's Facility where the program is also taking place. Criminology professor Dr. Emma Hughes serves as the program coordinator.
Please see the links below for coverage of this incredible event!
Degrees of Change 2024 Convocation
ABC30 https://abc30.com/graduation-day-valley-state-prison/15443258/
Fresno State News https://www.fresnostatenews.com/2024/10/23/degrees-of-change-education-transforms-lives-behind-bars/
Why Criminology?
The Department of Criminology at Fresno State provides undergraduate education in Criminology for students planning professional careers in the criminal justice field. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminology is diversified and integrated, reflecting the wide range of employment opportunities in the field. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Behavioral Sciences is designed for students who are interested in the application of the behavioral sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Linguistics, etc.) to the criminal justice system. Students who earn a B.S. in Forensic Behavioral Sciences will also be prepared for traditional criminal justice careers.
What we have to offer:
Explore the four different options our department offers in the Undergraduate Degree Options tab to learn more about how you can align your education to a career with programs offered through the Department of Criminology. These options include: Corrections, Forensic Behavioral Sciences (FBS), Law Enforcement, and Victimology.
Programs offered in the department include: Academic Certificates, CRIM 180I Internships, Honors Program, Mock Trial, CRIM-108 (Directed Policing through the Fresno County Sheriff's Department), CRIM 120S Service Learning Program, the Forensic Behavioral Science Research Lab (FBS Lab), and the FBS 157 Interrogation Event held each semester!
Interested in a Master of Science (M.S.) in Criminology?
The Department of Criminology offers an exciting and competitive Graduate Program! Click here for more information.
Have you ever wanted to study abroad? Find out how you can travel to another country to experience its culture and learn how its Administration of Justice operates by visiting our section.
