Criminology

Major in Criminology

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A major in criminology allows students to think critically about any situation they encounter.

If you have an insatiable curiosity, a strong sense of justice, and a desire to improve social conditions, a bachelor’s in criminology will build on your natural abilities to prepare you for a fulfilling career. With Coker’s criminology major, you will study all facets of crime—from the psychological motivations of criminals to the intricacies of law enforcement, prisons and parole systems—to fully understand the American criminal justice system and explore how to improve it.

KEY CLASSES FOR YOUR SUCCESS

Substance Abuse

The abuse of alcohol and other drugs affects our society as a whole, as well as our criminal justice system. This course in the criminal justice major studies addiction and addiction support groups, with an emphasis on the classification of drugs, models of addiction, and the impact of addiction on individuals, children, families, and culturally and ethnically diverse groups of people.

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Corrections

In this course, you will be introduced to the correctional response to criminal behavior. Along with your classmates and professor, you will discuss the nature of punishment and issues involved in sentencing, incarceration, probation, parole, and capital punishment.

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White Collar Crime

We’ve all seen news stories about executives who have embezzled funds, professionals who have committed fraud, or the abuse of power in healthcare, banking, government, insurance, or corporate industries. How does this happen, and what are the implications of corruption on a multimillion-dollar scale? In this course, you’ll explore these themes and more in an introduction to white collar crime.

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In this program, students will embrace the concepts of crime, the court process, victimization, theory, juvenile justice, and how society has responded to the aforementioned elements throughout history. Learning invaluable life skills, such as public speaking, research, content expertise, internship opportunities, and teamwork will maximize the students ability to find employment after successful completion of this major.

100% Online

You can earn your bachelor’s degree in criminology on your time and wherever you want!

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One Degree That Opens All These Doors

  • $70,000

    Criminologist

  • $70,940

    Police Officer

  • $84,176

    Detective/Investigator

  • $55,265

    Probation Officer

  • $35,724

    Correctional Officer

  • $64,940

    Forensic Science Technician

  • $45,539

    Private Investigator

  • $45,000

    Victim Advocate

  • $70,000

    Crime Analyst

  • $75,000

    Intelligence Analyst

Note: Salary and job outlook data are based on national averages and may vary by location and experience.

CORPORATE AND COMMUNITY PARTNERS

Gold & Blue Scholarships

Coker offers the Corporate and Community Partners Gold Graduate Scholarship (25% off tuition) to employees of five local organizations:

  • Carolina Pines Regional Medical Center
  • Duke Energy
  • McLeod Health
  • North Industrial Machine
  • Sonoco Products Company

Coker offers the Corporate and Community Partners Blue Graduate Scholarship (10% off tuition) to employees of three local technical colleges:

  • Florence-Darlington Technical College
  • Midlands Technical College
  • Northeastern Technical College
Learn more here
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Meet Your Mentors

Michael L. Siegfried

Professor of Criminology and Sociology

Currently Serving as Coordinator of the Criminology program Areas of expertise Criminology Criminological Theory Violent Crime White Collar Crime Organized Crime Sociology Sociology of Occupations and…

View Michael’s profile

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