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Chatham University’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology examines crime, criminal behavior, and victimization through scientific and social perspectives. The interdisciplinary curriculum draws from fields such as psychology, sociology, law, and political science to help students understand why crime occurs, how it affects communities, and how institutions respond.
Through the criminology major, students build skills in research, critical analysis, communication, and evidence-based problem-solving. Graduates are prepared for careers and advanced study in justice, policy, social services, psychology, and related fields.
Our curriculum builds comprehensive criminology knowledge while integrating methods from various related disciplines, preparing students for employment after graduation.
Develop essential information literacy skills, including critical analysis and effective verbal and written communication, which are increasingly important across various fields.
Learn how to develop research questions, examine evidence, and use appropriate methods to investigate issues related to crime, behavior, and society.
Benefit from professional connections and faculty guidance that can support internship searches, networking, career planning, and preparation for graduate study.
The combination of fields and courses offered within the program provides a comprehensive understanding of crime that can connect you to careers in crime analysis, law enforcement, social work, juveniles, and humanitarian crimes. The internship networking offered from professors and within the area are amazing. My internship allowed me to pursue a career in forensics in Texas.
—KIMBERLY REMPER, '25
Chatham criminology alumni share how faculty mentorship, coursework, internships, and professional connections shaped their undergraduate experience. Their perspectives provide insight into the program’s academic community, applied learning opportunities, and career preparation.
Chatham’s criminology curriculum combines required coursework with opportunities to apply learning through projects, internships, and faculty-guided study. Students progress toward an Integrative Capstone seminar, where they complete a focused project that brings together their academic and practical experience from across the program.
Explore Criminology Curriculum : Checkerboard 1 - Criminology Courses and Curriculum
Chatham works with two nationally recognized cold case organizations, giving students opportunities to contribute to investigations involving unsolved cases. This applied experience allows students to use research, evidence review, behavioral analysis, and critical thinking skills in the context of real cases.
Students in the Integrative Capstone course apply criminology research to issues affecting the Chatham community. Past projects have evaluated gendered language in University policies, developed data collection strategies for a campus climate survey, and designed a survey on the prevalence of gender-based and sexual violence. Through this work, students gain experience defining research questions, developing methods, and producing findings that can inform institutional understanding and decision-making.
In the criminology program, students will work closely with faculty members who have had long and successful careers in social work, social psychology, research, law enforcement, and corrections. Click the button below to meet our faculty members.
Meet the Faculty : Checkerboard 4 - Program Faculty
Students have completed internships at organizations including:
Criminology students can apply for Chatham’s Summer Undergraduate Research Experience, an eight-week program that provides funding to work directly with faculty on research. The experience helps students investigate focused questions and strengthen research skills that can support capstone work, graduate school applications, and careers involving analysis or policy.
Chatham criminology faculty contribute expertise to local and national conversations about crime, behavior, justice, and related social issues. Their media contributions connect classroom topics with current events, emerging research, and public discussion.
Read More About Faculty : Checkerboard 7 - Criminology Faculty in the News
A Chatham criminology bachelor’s degree prepares students for graduate study in criminology, criminal justice, psychology, social work, public policy, law, and related fields. Chatham students have continued their education at Indiana University of Pennsylvania, the University of Central Florida, and John Jay College of Criminal Justice. Interdisciplinary coursework, research training, internships, and the Integrative Capstone help students build a strong foundation for advanced study.
A criminology degree can lead to work across the justice system, community organizations, public agencies, and research-focused settings. Career options may include:
