Criminology (BA)

Majoring in Criminology prepares you to examine policing, courts, and corrections. You will explore how the criminal justice system is shaped by social factors, including race, class, and gender. You will be equipped to partner within your community to enhance security, justice, and reconciliation.



The interdisciplinary curriculum for this major examines criminology, crime mapping, the contexts in which crime is rooted, as well as ethical issues in the field.

With a degree in Criminology, you'll graduate with an understanding of criminal behavior and the procedures and institutions within the criminal justice system. You'll see the links in the criminal justice system between criminal behavior and larger social forces. You will learn alternative approaches to address crime and related social problems. You will also learn to apply Christian values and ethical principles to the criminology system.

This major provides the academic foundation for a career in law enforcement, social work, mental health services, or corrections, as well as graduate work in criminology, sociology, social work, social policy, or law.

  • A minimum 66 credits is required for this major, including at least 30 upper-division credits.
  • Acceptance into this major requires at least a 2.5 GPA in the Criminology curriculum at SPU, as well as a minimum 15 completed credits in Criminal Justice courses.
  • A maximum 10 credits of URB 4940 “Internship in Criminology” can apply to this major.

View degree requirements for the bachelor's degree in criminal justice.

Karen Snedker

Why I Teach at SPU

Karen Snedker, Associate Professor of Sociology

“I teach at SPU because I believe in liberal arts education and enjoy teaching in a student-centered learning environment. I am an enthusiastic and passionate teacher and appreciate opportunities to mentor students. At SPU I am able to equip my students with the tools of social science and push them intellectually to think more critically about the social world within a caring and supportive community.”

Tent City

Engaging Homelessness

SPU is assisting, supporting, and enhancing work to end homelessness in King County and beyond. Discover how sociology professors and students have been involved.