The criminology and criminal justice major at Buena Vista University offers students a choice between three tracks depending on the student’s goals and interests.
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, cause, and control of criminal events, including offender motivation, the situation/context of crime, and crime victimization. Criminology also involves the measurement of crime; crime typologies; and theory construction and analysis. The criminology track provides a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences, law school, and other professional programs.
Criminal justice is the study of the law enforcement, judicial, and correctional systems that are directly involved in the apprehension, prosecution, defense, sentencing, incarceration, and supervision of those suspected of, charged with, or convicted of criminal offenses. The criminal justice track is designed to prepare students for various positions in the criminal justice system. Students pursue careers in community corrections (probation and parole), state and federal correctional institutions, the courts, law enforcement (local, state and federal), juvenile justice agencies, government agencies, social service agencies, and private industry.
Forensics is the study of the use of scientific processes to detect and collect evidence of criminal activity at a crime scene and analyze that evidence in a laboratory setting to determine the identity of the offender, the exact nature of the crime, and events leading up to the criminal incident. The forensics track is designed to prepare students for a career in investigations at the agency level or criminalistics for government or private entities.
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