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.
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
Allie Symonds ’18
Experiential Education
During my time at UNE, I did an internship at Sweetser in the Crisis Unit working with children ages 5–17. When my internship was over, I was offered a job as a youth and family counselor in the crisis unit where I worked for about a year until moving on to digital research. I am grateful that UNE provides internship opportunities for students while they’re in school because it provides on-the-ground experiences that you aren’t able to get in the classroom. For me, it showed me that I did not want to pursue the counseling/therapy track and instead focus on research.
I took a few research classes but the most influential experience I had was working in the Self and Close Relationship Lab. I started in the lab as a freshman and it opened my eyes to another side of psychology I didn’t know was available. While working in the lab I gained extensive experience in all aspects of the research process and currently use much of what I learned in my full-time job. I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research. The number of hours I spent in the lab along with the ability to work one-on-one with Dr. Peterson afforded me so many experiences and learning opportunities that aren’t available through only classes.
I wouldn’t be on the track I am — on the career path I’m on — if I hadn’t gotten involved in undergraduate research.
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
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)
Apply Today
Ready to begin your future in UNE’s Bachelor of Arts in Criminology? Get started today.
