School of Criminology and Security Studies

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Director: Dr. DeVere D. Woods, Jr.
Department Office: Holmstedt Hall, room 208
Web site: http://www.indstate.edu/cas/ccj
E-mail: criminology@indstate.edu

Crime and security issues affect nearly everyone in society. It is a real threat to the safety and security of many people; it is a source of fascination for the general public as evidenced by the popularity of books, films, and television shows about crime; it is a mystery of human nature which challenges society to understand why some people choose lives of crime while most choose productive and decent styles of life. This continuing curiosity about crime has made criminology and security studies one of the most popular academic fields in the nation.

Criminology and security studies are empirical disciplines that scientifically studies the nature and extent of crime and security threats, their causes, and methods designed to effectively prevent and control criminal risk. The School of Criminology and Security Studies has created liberal arts programs rooted in the social sciences and as a professional preparation program in the criminal justice and security fields. Through traditional classroom instruction and required hands-on experiences in professional agencies and facilities, the school provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for a successful career in criminal justice and security studies or related disciplines. Employment opportunities in these fields are plentiful, and students work with faculty advisors to determine the best preparation for their career goals.

In support of the liberal arts mission of the College of Arts and Sciences and Indiana State University, the School of Criminology and Security Studies participates in the Foundational Studies Program and the Gender Studies Program. The department also offers a baccalaureate degree-completion program in criminology and criminal justice to students in the University’s DegreeLink Program. DegreeLink, an extended access, degree-completion program, enables students who have earned credit hours or associate degrees from accredited collegiate institutions to transfer credit hours, as a block or on a course-by-course basis, to Indiana State University baccalaureate degree programs. (See the DegreeLink Program description in this Catalog.)

ACADEMIC PROGRAMS

Degrees Offered

The School of Criminology and Security Studies offers curriculums leading to bachelor of science degrees in Criminology and Criminal Justice, Intelligence Analysis, and Cybercriminology & Security Studies. Candidates must complete the University requirement of a minimum of 120 credits, including Foundational Studies course work, as well as the requirements for the school’s major. The School of Criminology and Criminal Studies also offers minors in Criminology and Criminal Justice (not available to Criminology and Criminal Justice Majors), Law Enforcement and Evidence, Corrections, Law and Administration, and Forensic Investigation.  Although selection of a relevant minor may enhance employability and is thus encouraged, a minor is not required for these degrees.

Departmental Opportunities

The School of Criminology and Security Studies expects its students to share fully in the intellectual and social life of the department and the University. In support of this goal, the school offers frequent opportunities for majors and minors to participate in professional activities in these fields (practicums and internships), student activities in the school (Lambda Alpha Epsilon professional fraternity and Alpha Phi Sigma honor fraternity), and scholarly activities at professional meetings and conferences. Students who are interested in conducting research may wish to assist in faculty-sponsored research projects or to apply for funds to conduct their own research project from the schools Institute of Criminology. The Institute provides administrative services for activities that supplement the school’s traditional academic programs.  

Majors and minors in the School of Criminology and Security Studies are encouraged to maintain regular contact with their academic advisors and are expected to work with their advisors prior to registration each semester. Students who do so are more likely to meet their goals and achieve academic success. Students can find their assigned advisors by consulting the college, the school, or their Degree Audit Tools (MySam or DARS). The school also offers group-scheduling sessions prior to the priority scheduling period each semester. Students are encouraged to attend one or more of these sessions prior to meeting with their advisor. Current information about classes, schedules, graduation requirements, and the work of the department in general is available on the school Web site.

Experiential Learning

School of Criminology and Security Studies majors have opportunites for internships in professional settings. Internships are designed to integrate work experience in the appropriate agencies with knowledge gained through research and past classroom instruction for the student. The internship provides the student with an opportunity to gain first-hand experience in a professional setting; allowing the student an opportunity to work directly with agency personnel and clientele, incorporating both academic and experiential knowledge.

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