Earn Your Criminology Degree on the Coast of Maine

Are you committed to promoting social equality in law enforcement and criminal justice reform? Curious about how the criminal legal system operates in society as an agent of control? An interdisciplinary major grounded in the liberal arts, Criminology at UNE focuses on the study of the social construction of crime and criminals, theories of illegal and deviant behavior, social reaction to crime, and the effectiveness of anti-crime policies. You emerge prepared, through hands-on classroom learning and real-world research and professional experiences, for a variety of rewarding careers in this dynamic field.

Two students sitting in a Criminology lecture
A student reading a book amongst library stacks

Why UNE for Your B.A. in Criminology

Criminology is an exciting field in which to work – and, at UNE, it’s an exciting one to study as well. With student engagement as a top priority, we offer hands-on classroom experiences, research opportunities, and internships that make for an incredible student experience as well as an impressive resume for potential employers or graduate/professional schools.

  • Emphasis on engaging internships and capstone experience
  • Development of in-demand liberal arts skills
  • Travel abroad opportunities
  • Strong job and graduate school placement rates
     
Testimonial Place Holder

Aaron Fullerton ’13

Neuroscience

I chose Neuroscience as my major because of my long-term goals of becoming a neurosurgeon. This will provide the groundwork for my education and give me the best chance to succeed in these aspirations. This program also stuck out to me because it offered unique experience on the cutting edge in the classroom and in the laboratory.

I particularly enjoy that UNE offers many clubs and organizations for its size. I currently participate in Habitat for Humanity, Ride 24/7, and the EMS club. Since UNE is a smaller school, the professors in my department have plenty of time to dedicate to my specific learning experience. UNE's College of Osteopathic Medicine also proved to be an unexpected resource whose faculty and staff are more than willing to take the time to answer your questions.

I began working in a research laboratory my second semester at UNE. Since then I have had the opportunity to learn several different techniques in neuropharmacology and to apply my knowledge in several different behavioral assays. I am currently characterizing the effects on solubility and transport of opioid analgesics in behavioral assays related to drug addiction.

Since UNE is a smaller school, the professors in my department have plenty of time to dedicate to my specific learning experience.

Neuroscience

What Will You Study? Criminology Degree Curriculum Overview

B.A. in Criminology Courses

The following are examples of the exciting courses that you may take as a Criminology major at UNE:

  • Deviance and Crime
  • The Criminal Legal System
  • Theories of Race and Racism
  • Crime, Media, Culture
  • Human Trafficking
  • Juvenile Delinquency
Three U N E students study together a table next to windows with a view of the ocean

Career Paths for Criminology Majors

Criminology professionals may work in a variety of environments, including police stations, courts, prisons, government agencies, and a variety of non-profits, including victim advocacy groups. A degree in Criminology will position you well for careers such as:

  • Jury Consultant
  • Probation Officer
  • Forensic Psychologist
  • Criminal Attorney
  • Clinical Social Worker
  • Criminology Professor
  • Criminal Policy Analyst

Career Advising for B.A. in Criminology Students

Whether you have a specific career goal in mind or a vague idea of the field that interests you, Career Advising is here to help you plan your next step.

Experiential Learning in the Bachelor’s Degree in Criminology Program

Our Criminology major’s emphasis on hands-on learning engages you in problem-solving and provides opportunities for experiential learning via student research and professional experiences.

Internships for Criminology Majors

Our database of more than 900 internship sites allows you to gain valuable professional experience as an undergraduate student. You may intern with law offices, legal service organizations, social justice non-profits, government agencies, and other community organizations.

Senior Capstone Experience

You will choose a capstone experience to widen the scope of your expertise. We offer three options:

  • Study abroad with a focused concentration in your coursework
  • Complete an additional internship (This 360-hour experience often leads to a job offer after graduation)
  • Write a senior thesis (with the goal of publishing a professional article)
     

Bachelor of Arts in Criminology FAQ