The course sequencing for criminology majors begins with an introduction to criminology, criminological theory, and the historical, philosophical, and modern-day approaches to policing, courts, and corrections. Throughout the course sequencing, students are exposed to empirical research, governmental reports, and readings in required texts. As part of the rich undergraduate educational experience that is offered at The College of New Jersey, criminology majors are also required to study a modern language and complete courses in quantitative reasoning, historical perspectives, and natural science, to name a few, as part of the college core curriculum. In the junior and senior years, criminology majors hone their skills in advanced criminology topics, research methodology, applied data analysis, and policy analysis.
Suggested Four-Year Sequence: 30 Total Course Units (as of Fall 2025)
First Year
FYS First Year Seminar (1 course unit)
HSS 099/Orientation to Humanities and Social Sciences (0 Course unit)
CRI 100/Intro to Criminology (1 course unit)
CRI 200, 201, or 202 (1 course unit)
STA 145 (preferred) or STA 115 or STA 215 – Statistics (1 course unit)
Foreign Language* (2 course units)
College Core (2 course units)
Total (7-8 course units)
*Course required unless exempt. Intensive language courses carry two course units of credit each. Students should take this into account when planning a normal four-course semester.
Second Year
CRI Elective (1 course unit)
CRI Elective (1 course unit)
CRI 205/Criminology (1 course unit)
CRI 306/Research Methods (1 course unit)
Foreign Language (1 course unit)
College Core (3 course units)
Total (7-8 course units)
Third Year
CRI Elective (2 course units)
CRI Tech Option (CRI 315 or 317, or 370 Qual Research)) (1 course unit)
College Core (2 course units)
Electives (3 course units)
Total (7-8 course units)
Fourth Year
CRI 499/Senior Capstone (1 course unit)
CRI Elective (2 course units)
College Core (3 course units)
Electives (2 course units)
Total (7-8 course units)