Criminology and Criminal Justice BA

The Criminology and Criminal Justice BA at Whitworth University prepares students to work with complex issues and perspectives in the criminal justice system. The major includes rigorous study of criminology theory, communication, and diversity. Students explore topics such as the development and history of policing, courts and corrections, and juvenile justice.

Learning includes theory-focused and skills-focused coursework that incorporates organizational management, communication skills, statistics, and research. Students apply learning through criminological simulations such as mock investigations and trials. The program also includes internships in criminal justice agencies and provides opportunities for visits and tours connected to course experiences.

Graduates gain experience for roles across law enforcement, courts, and corrections, including work in federal agencies such as the FBI, CIA, DEA, State Department, and Customs and Border Protection. The program also supports paths in computer forensics, crime scene and criminal investigation, adult and juvenile counseling, and court administration.

Modules

• Deviance Crime & Criminal Justice

• Law enforcement roles
• Courts and corrections roles
• Federal agencies: FBI
• Federal agencies: CIA
• Federal agencies: DEA
• Federal agencies: State Department
• Federal agencies: Customs and Border Protection
• Computer forensics
• Crime scene and criminal investigation
• Adult and juvenile counseling
• Court administration
• Research and data analyst, Washington State Department of Corrections
• Fire specialist, Idaho Department of Lands
• Spokane County sheriff's deputy
• Military aviator, U.S. Army
• IRB editor, Advarra