Program Overview

Bachelor's Degree in Criminology

The criminology program at Kansas State University gives students a comprehensive knowledge of crime, victimization, and criminal legal operations and prepares them for a broad assortment of careers. Professionals with a criminology degree have jobs ranging from crime prevention, law enforcement, corrections officers, victim's services, criminal legal research, and other related fields. It is also common for criminology graduates to continue their education in graduate studies or by attending law school.

Program Overview

The criminology program is intended for students preparing for careers related to criminology and criminal justice. The program provides a general understanding of many areas, including:

• Criminal justice system
• Sociological explanations of criminal behavior
• Prevention and treatment strategies
• Victimology
• Agencies created to deal with various crime
• Significance of social contexts to the understanding of crime and deviance

Degree Options

The university offers two degree options in criminology:

• B.A. in criminology
• B.S. in criminology

Suggested Coursework

The program provides a robust and flexible major that allows students to pursue their interests while also gaining career-ready skills. Courses are taught by award-winning and internationally recognized faculty.

Career Opportunities

Graduates of the criminology program are currently working in:

• Law enforcement agencies
• Juvenile and adult correctional facilities
• Adult and juvenile courts
• Probation and parole services
• Investigative services
• Community and correctional programs Other careers include:
  • Police officer/sheriff
  • Detective
  • Correction worker
  • Criminal justice specialist
  • Probation officer
  • Research worker
  • Social welfare

Continuing Education

The criminology program also provides clear pathways to graduate school for students interested in enhancing their careers through advanced degrees.

The K-State Difference

The K-State criminology program provides a robust and flexible major that allows students to pursue their interests while also gaining career-ready skills. Criminology students have opportunities to participate in a professional supervised internship and take lower-level graduate courses.

Undergraduate Research

At a public research university like K-State, students have direct access to research opportunities from the start. K-State undergraduates have studied sustainable energy, cancer cells, musical lyrics, and many other topics alongside nationally renowned faculty at K-State's 90-plus research centers.

Study Abroad

Studying in another country not only allows students to experience the wonders of another culture, but it also broadens their horizons and makes them a stronger citizen in our global society. There are more than 85 countries currently participating in K-State's education abroad programs.

Health Professions

Whether students are interested in a career in human or animal health, K-State is a great place to start the journey toward becoming a healthcare professional. Students will have a dedicated health professions advisor who will help them navigate the professional school application process for their chosen healthcare field.

Pre-Law

K-State pre-law students are accepted into law school at a rate substantially exceeding the national average. In preparing for law school, students will work with a dedicated pre-law advisor and select the major of their choice in any department in any college within the university.