Criminology
Criminology courses at the undergraduate level include integration of theoretical and applied materials of an interdisciplinary nature. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for beginning professional work in the criminal justice system and allied professions, as well as to provide preparation for graduate work.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in CriminologyBachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Behavioral SciencesOur Bachelor’s degree in Criminology is unique from other undergraduate programs because we require students to select an academic specialization in Criminology. Specifically, students must select from one of the three degree options listed below.
The Corrections option provides a basic academic foundation for work with offenders in institutional and community-based agencies such as probation, parole, jails, and prisons.
Coordinator: Dr. Keith Clement
The Law Enforcement option is designed for students interested in careers with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, or law enforcement careers within the private sector.
Coordinator: Dr. Otto Schweizer
The Victimology option is designed for students interested in careers in domestic violence programs, rape counseling programs, victim/witness programs, or other victim-related programs at the local, state, or federal level. These programs can either be criminal justice or community-based.
Coordinator: Dr. Tinneke Van Camp
The Forensic Behavioral Sciences degree is designed for students who are interested in the application of other behavioral sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Linguistics, etc.) to the criminal justice system. The degree also prepares students interested in traditional criminal justice careers. This degree DOES NOT prepare you to work in a crime lab and/or a crime scene investigator (instead you should major in biology or chemistry). Please watch the video below for more information about FBS.
Our program gives students the flexibility to complete either a minor in Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences in just 21 units.
Please contact the College of Social Sciences Advising Center (COSS) to assist you with this process.
Lower-Division CRIM requirements: CRIM 2, 20......................................................................6
units
Upper-Division CRIM requirement: CRIM 100..........................................................................3
units
Select from Upper-Division CRIM or FBS Courses..................................................................12
units
Total units for CRIM Minor: ............................................................................................21 units
Please note:
The Criminology Minor requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
CRIM 101, 120, and FBS 153 may still be used to meet requirements for both General
Education and the minor, for catalogs prior to the 1999-2000 General Catalog.
Lower-Division CRIM requirements: CRIM 2 and 20................................................................6
units
Upper-Division FBS requirement: FBS 153...............................................................................3
units
Complete 12 units (four courses) of the following Upper-Division FBS Courses:
FBS 114, 154, 155, 156, 157, and/or 159T................................................................................12
units
Total units for FBS Minor: ...............................................................................................21 units
Please note:
The Forensic Behavioral Sciences Minor also requires a 2.5 GPA and 6 upper-division
units in residence.
FBS 153 may still be used to meet requirements for both General Education and the
minor.
This interdisciplinary minor is open to students in any academic discipline (with
the exception of students majoring in Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences)
or chosen profession.
The Department of Criminology offers several programs with many opportunities for our students! The Criminology Honors Program is a two-year program for select CRIM students who meet certain requirements.
Visit the Criminology Honors Program tab to read more information on how you could become part of this exciting opportunity!
The CRIM 120S Service-Learning Program is also offered through our department. Dr. Marcus Shaw coordinates the award-winning mentoring program in the Department of Criminology at California State University. This unique opportunity allows Criminology students opportunities for mentorships serving at-risk youth in the Fresno Unified School District.
Due to the incredible work of those who take part in the program, the following have been awarded:
The Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate is offered through the Department of Public Health.
The Certificate of Legal Studies is co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology.
Certificate of Legal Studies: Course Requirements
Students must complete twelve (12) units of upper-division classes from the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology.
Certificate of Legal Studies: Application Process
Before you apply for the Certificate of Legal Studies, you will need to complete the twelve (12) required units. Once all 12 units are completed and grades have been posted, complete the Certificate of Legal Studies Application.
We will be accepting applications via email or in-person. Please download and email completed application to the department at criminologydept@mail.fresnostate.edu or drop off your completed application at the Criminology Department located in the Science 2 Building room 159.
For additional information, please contact:
Yishaiya Abosch, Ph.D.
Professor/Advisor
California State University, Fresno
Department of Political Science
Office: McKee Fisk 213B
Phone:559.278.8396
Email: yabosch@csufresno.edu
or
Jason Kissner, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor/Legal Studies Option Coordinator
California State University, Fresno
Department of Criminology
Office: S2 143
Phone: 559.278.2369
Email: mkissner@mail.fresnostate.edu
The Victim Services Certificate is cooperatively sponsored by the Department of Criminology and the Department of Women's, Gender, and Sexuality Studies at Fresno State. The primary goal of the 12-unit (180-hour) program is to provide the knowledge, foundation, and skills needed for work with crime victims.
The program has been preapproved by the National Advocate Credentialing Program® (NACP) as a basic educational program. Successfully completing the program will result in eligibility, at a minimum, for the NACP Provisional credential (successful completion of a NACP Preapproved Training course, no experience in the field required).
Victim Services Certificate: Course Requirements
A minimum of twelve (12) units is required with three (3) units selected from each of the four emphasis areas (1)
Those who complete all four required courses earn the Victim Services Certificate.
Victim Services Certificate: Application Process
Before you apply for the Victim Services Certificate, you will need to complete the
twelve (12) required units within the four emphasis areas. Once all 12 units are
completed and grades have been posted, complete the Victim Services Certificate Application.
We will be accepting applications via email or in-person. Please download and email
completed application to the department at criminologydept@mail.fresnostate.edu.
For additional information, please contact:
Tinneke Van Camp, Ph.D.
Associate Professor/ Victimology Coordinator
California State University, Fresno
Department of Criminology
Office: 559.278.7027 Fax: 559.278.7265
Email: vancamptinneke@mail.fresnostate.edu
This program has been postponed to a later date.
The certificate is currently on hold.