Criminology Minor
Study why crime happens, how society responds to it, and how the law works in practice — in a 21-credit minor that lets you pick the angle that fits your career plans.
Program Overview
The Criminology minor provides students with an understanding of the causes, social functions, societal reactions, nature, and application of criminal law. Completing this coursework prepares students with diverse theories that explore the social dimensions of crime and current criminal justice policies.
At A Glance
Criminology Minor
Degree
Minor
Format
On campus
Length
Typically completed alongside a bachelor's degree
Credits
21 credit hours
Why Study Criminology Minor at Shawnee University
You'll work through the major theories of crime alongside the actual operations of the criminal justice system — both sides of the picture, not just one.
The elective groups (Criminal Behavior, Legal & Social Systems, Practical Experience) let you steer the minor toward where you want to work after graduation. A hands-on practicum option lets you apply what you've learned in a real setting before you graduate.
The minor draws on several disciplines — sociology, psychology, political science, law — so you finish with a well-rounded understanding of how crime is studied and addressed.
The Criminology Minor requires 21 credit hours. Two required core courses set the foundation, and the remaining electives come from three groups so you can shape the minor around your interests.
- Required core: Introduction to Criminology; Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Elective groups: Criminal Behavior; Legal & Social Systems; Practical Experience (includes a hands-on practicum option)
- Curriculum spans criminology theory, criminal law, social responses to crime, and current criminal justice policy
- Criminal Justice majors who want deeper theoretical and policy grounding
- Sociology and Psychology majors interested in deviance, social control, and the law
- Pre-law students preparing for law school applications and coursework
- Social Work and Public Health majors who'll work in systems that touch the justice system
- Anyone planning to work in corrections, advocacy, victim services, or policy
Courses meet on Shawnee State's Portsmouth campus, primarily in Massie Hall.
Criminology Minor Frequently Asked Questions
Criminology focuses on the causes and social context of crime — why it happens and how societies respond. Criminal justice focuses on how the system works in practice — police, courts, corrections. This minor covers both.
Yes. It's open to any major and is often paired with Sociology, Psychology, Political Science, Pre-Law, and Social Work.
Yes — the Practical Experience group includes a practicum option, so you can apply coursework in a real setting before graduating.
No — the Criminology minor is offered on campus.
