Criminology
Department Chairperson for Justice, Law, and Society - Dr. Joseph Bobak
Criminology is a diverse discipline exploring the scientific study of crimes, criminals, victims, prevention, investigation, theories, the social reaction to crime and criminals, the effectiveness of policy, and the broader political context of social control. The core courses of the Criminology program are designed to provide a solid foundation and essential body of knowledge across the principal components of the Criminal Justice System. It is from that core knowledge that students are able to progress into select specializations, certificates, concentrations, and minors that will further prepare them for their future career. Our program offers an extensive number of electives for students to extend their expertise in the subject areas of interest to them. Additionally, our students have the option to participate in specially designed internships where they are immersed into a proactive professional experience that provides a personalized window into their selected profession. The Criminology program at Mount Aloysius College is long established as one of the finest criminology programs in the entire country. As such, our criminology program prepares students to achieve their professional goals and provides unique opportunities to graduate with a strong resume full of experiences that open doors and set our students far apart from their peers.
The curriculum has a social justice focus that advances the following core values:
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a recognition of the innate worth of all human beings, including criminal offenders;
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a belief in the potential for criminal offenders to be reintegrated into society;
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a recognition of the responsibility of the criminal offender to make good faith efforts to change; and
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a belief in society’s responsibility to assist the offender change process by providing reasonable assistance.
With this curriculum, the department has adopted the following foundational areas of development that will be assimilated throughout the curriculum and expected as a result of completing the program:
- Knowledge Base in Criminology - Students will demonstrate depth of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how criminological principles apply to social phenomena;
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Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking - Students will demonstrate skills and concepts in interpreting behavior and evaluating research to draw conclusions about criminological phenomena;
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Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World - Students will demonstrate proficiency with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in criminology and demonstrate that they have adopted the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in personal and professional settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns;
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Communication - Students will demonstrate the ability to construct a cogent argument, present information orally and/or in written form, engage in discussion of criminological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity, as well as produce a research study or other criminological project; and
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Professional Development - Students will be able to apply criminology-specific content and skills to succeed in post baccalaureate employment, graduate school, professional school, and/or professional organizations.
The Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminology is intended to prepare students for entry-level and certain mid-level criminal justice positions as well as for graduate or professional school.
Background Requirements for Most Law Enforcement Positions
Students who wish to pursue a career in criminology should be aware that to secure a position in law enforcement or to teach criminology or criminal justice at most universities and colleges the student is required to pass a background check.
In most states, specifically Pennsylvania, federal law enforcement positions require that the candidate provide reports on his/her background to law enforcement agencies in the particular state they are seeking employment. For example, in Pennsylvania these particular agencies are: the Pennsylvania Department of Public Welfare (if working with children) and the Pennsylvania State Police. Most state and federal positions require a report from the Federal Criminal History Record Information Department of the Federal Bureau of Investigation, and the candidate will also undergo future background checks by the particular agency to which he/she applied.
If your background check is unacceptable, you will be disqualified for employment in most law enforcement positions. In Pennsylvania and most states, students can seek a security background check from their state police agency.
Grade Requirements in Major
Students must earn a C or better in all major courses, designated with a CRIM prefix. Major courses for which a C- or less has been earned must be repeated.
Grade Requirements in Concentrations and Certificates
Students must earn a C or better in ALL courses listed for any concentration, minor, or certificate to be awarded the certificate or designation for the concentration or minor on the transcript.
Cybersecurity and Digital Forensics Investigation Concentration
A concentration is a selection or prescribed set of courses associated with a major designed to focus the student’s course of study according to interest and/or career goals. A concentration is not a required component of all majors. A concentration must be formally declared for it to appear on the transcript of record.
Students concentrating in Cyber Security and Digital Forensic Investigation will develop the skills required to utilize software to extract, analyze and present evidence that has been captured in a digital format. This concentration is unique and valuable for all students entering the law enforcement professions; as criminality and evidence have become intertwined with the vast array of technology. Students will apply this knowledge, along with industry standard software, to test and monitor systems for potential breaches and learn to mitigate cyber threats, conduct practical analyses of sample data sources, and present their findings in a manner appropriate to facilitate an investigation, or as testimony before a court of law. This concentration is designated by the NSA as a “Center of Academic Excellence”.
ACT 120 Basic Training Program
ACT 120 Basic Training Program by the Municipal Police Officer’s Education Training Commission (MPOETC)
Mount Aloysius College will award twelve credits of coursework for any individual who has successfully completed MPOETC’s curriculum and training standards for municipal police officers. Currently, individuals may complete the ACT 120 Basic Training program at twenty-four statewide locations.
These credits may be transferred to both the Associate of Science and the Bachelor of Arts Criminology programs. Students will be awarded credit for the following coursework:
CRIM 260 - Criminal Procedure and Admissibility of Evidence
CRIM 261 - Critical Issues in Criminal Justice
CRIM 263 - Introduction to Law Enforcement
Health and Wellness Elective
The transfer of credit will occur when an incoming students presents the Registrar’s Office with official documentation that the training program has been completed and enrolls in classes at Mount Aloysius College.
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