What leads to deviant behavior? How does someone go from antisocial to a sociopath? Why does one person rise above adverse conditions while another adopts a life of crime? What's behind the criminal mind? Explore the answers to these questions and more in SNHU's online Bachelor of Science (BS) in Criminal Justice with a concentration in Criminology and Crime Analysis. Building on our core criminal justice curriculum, this concentration will give you the opportunity to apply criminological theory to develop crime reduction and prevention strategies.

You'll examine the important roles that criminologists and crime analysts play in the development of data-based, proactive policing methods and crime prevention policies. You'll then bridge the study of deviant behavior with the analysis of data designed to solve real-world problems associated with the prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency. Plus, you'll learn this critical knowledge of the criminal justice system from faculty who've served on the front lines of the field. As you complete your criminology and crime analysis courses, you'll develop the skills and knowledge to succeed in law enforcement, social services, and related fields. Armed with specialized knowledge in data-driven problem solving, you can position yourself for success in today's criminal justice job market.

Learn how to:

- Evaluate the impact of technology and societal trends on criminal justice

- Communicate effectively and professionally to diverse audiences

- View other people and cultures with empathy and compassion

- Make sound decisions in relation to laws, regulations, and ethical standards

- Develop research-based solutions to complex problems facing the field

- Examine human behavior via social, behavioral, and criminological theories

A criminology degree provides an intense exploration of the criminal mind. Topics range from theories of crime and punishment to the psychological and social basis of criminal behavior. The degree also offers you a window into rehabilitation and recidivism, studies of specific types of crime, and social attitudes and policy. Throughout the criminology courses in the online criminal justice degree program, you'll acquire the skills and knowledge you need to pursue your career goals.

Our unique criminology degree online program gives you a foundation in essential criminal justice principles with courses such as:

- Cultural Awareness in Criminal Justice

- Communication Skills for Criminal Justice

- Technology in Criminal Justice

Critical thinking and communication are crucial for success in the field. That's why this program includes courses that build to a criminal justice communication certificate a bonus if you want to move up the ranks.

"Criminal justice programs have the direct responsibility to help ensure that future law enforcement professionals have an enhanced understanding of the human condition along with strong critical thinking skills in order to become culturally competent public servants, said Dr. Jeff Czarnec, SNHUs associate dean of criminal justice and social science programs. Beyond your core criminal justice courses, you'll enhance your knowledge with this criminology specialization."

The criminology and crime analysis degree concentration consists of 4 freshly designed courses:

- Criminology and Public Policy. Discover how the role and responsibilities of criminologists in the criminal justice field influence the development of various forms of public policies. Explore social control, deviance theories, and the relationship between the constitution and civil liberties and public policies.

- Prevention of Crime. Apply your knowledge of criminological theory to analyze how it contributes to the effective prevention of crime within communities. Study the relationship between environmental design, evidenced-based interventions, and criminological research in preventing crime.

- Data-Based Policing Strategies. Examine the historical evolution of data in policing strategies and study the challenges and benefits of data analysis in the deployment of proactive policing strategies. Apply knowledge of data to determine how it is used to prevent crime.

- Crime Analysis and Solutions. Learn the various methodologies used in research to analyze the successes and failures of research-based policing strategies. Use common tools and technology to determine patterns and trends related to criminal activity. Courses in our bachelor of criminology degree are taught by highly regarded, accomplished faculty with years of real-world, hands-on experience. SNHUs online faculty reflect the advanced academic qualifications and practical experience of a top-ranked, accredited university.

Bara Alkafil 16 appreciated that many of her criminal justice classes were taught by current and retired police officers. "Whenever they discussed what happens in the real world, it made me want to learn more about law enforcement, she said. Alkafil, a refugee from Iraq, chose criminal justice to help people the way she and her family were helped many years ago. It is because of people's ability to help one another and serves justice (that) I am no longer a refugee and (now) a citizen of the greatest country in the world, she said."

Our criminal justice faculty have experience working for major law enforcement agencies, including:

- Atlanta Police Department

- Chicago Police Department

- Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI)

- Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA)

- Homeland Security

- Houston Police Department

- Miami Police Department

- New York City Police Department

Kelcey Kennedy '19 '21G could feel just how much the instructors wanted students to succeed. "They understand that life gets busy and that we all have different things going on, so they make the workload manageable," she said. "They are very fair with the workload and grading processes and if for any reason you need help, they are there every step of the way. In the end, they want you to learn and become successful and will do anything they can to be a positive piece in your educational journey."

Expanding access to quality higher education means removing the barriers that may stand between you and your degree. That's why you can apply at any time and get a decision within days of submitting all required materials:

- Completed free undergraduate application

- Prior transcripts, which we can retrieve at no cost to you

- Test scores are not required as part of your application Acceptance decisions are made on a rolling basis throughout the year for our 6 (8-week) undergraduate terms.

$150 Graduation Fee, Course Materials ($ varies by course)