B.A. in Criminology

The B.A. in Criminology at Lycoming College provides a rigorous academic exploration of crime and its impact, drawing upon sociology, psychology, law, and other social sciences. The program emphasizes critical thinking, research methodologies, and theoretical frameworks to understand why crime occurs and how society attempts to control it. It is ideal for students interested in academic research, policy analysis, or fields that require a deep, theoretical understanding of criminal behavior and social control. The program benefits from small class sizes, fostering rich discussions and personalized faculty mentorship.

Curriculum: The Criminology curriculum is designed to build a strong theoretical foundation. Core courses typically include "Introduction to Criminal Justice" (CJ 100/CJCR 100), "Policing and Society" (CJCR 201), and "Youth, Deviance, and Social Control" (CJCR 204). While sharing some commonalities with the Criminal Justice major, the Criminology program places a greater emphasis on courses like "Criminological Theory," "Research Methods in Criminology," and "Statistics for Social Sciences." Students explore topics such as the social origins of crime, the role of social institutions in crime causation, patterns of criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of various crime prevention and intervention strategies. The program culminates in a capstone experience that often involves a significant research project.

Research Focus: Research is a cornerstone of the Criminology program at Lycoming College. Students are provided with extensive hands-on opportunities to engage in scholarly inquiry and work closely with department faculty on collaborative research projects. This focus on research aims to deepen students' understanding of criminological theory, methodology, and practice. Students are encouraged to present their findings at national conferences and contribute to the ongoing academic discourse in the field. The annual Strauser Lecture Series, which brings distinguished researchers and practitioners to campus, further highlights the program's commitment to cutting-edge research and its application to criminal justice policy and practice. The college library also offers dedicated "Criminal Justice & Criminology Resources" to support student research, emphasizing how to formulate research questions and identify reliable sources.

Industry Engagement: Lycoming College strongly emphasizes practical industry engagement for its Criminology students, despite the program's theoretical focus. Students are encouraged to pursue a robust program of internship experiences with local, state, and federal agencies. While the Criminology major leans more academic, internships still provide invaluable real-world exposure to how criminological theories play out in practice. Opportunities include police ride-alongs, observations of county court hearings, tours of local correctional institutions, and volunteering with various agencies. For instance, the Lycoming Regional Police Department and the Lycoming County Coroner's Office offer internships that allow students to connect theoretical knowledge with practical criminal justice operations. These experiences are crucial for building professional networks and exploring potential career paths.

Global Perspective: A global perspective is integrated into Lycoming College's Criminology program through the inherent universality of crime as a social phenomenon and the study of diverse responses to it. The curriculum may include comparative analyses of criminal justice systems around the world, discussions on international crime trends, and examinations of global issues such as human trafficking or cybercrime. Lycoming College's broader commitment to global education, offering study abroad opportunities in over two dozen countries, also allows students to gain diverse cultural experiences. These experiences can significantly enrich their understanding of how different societies perceive and respond to crime, fostering a more nuanced and internationally informed criminological perspective. The expertise of the faculty, some of whom may have international research interests, also contributes to broadening students' horizons.

Undergraduate Entry Requirements

Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 65% or above in their previous academic qualifications.

English Language Proficiency:

• IELTS: Overall band score of  6.0 or 6.5 with a minimum of 6.0 in each component.
• TOEFL: Overall score of 70 or higher.
• PTE: Overall score of 50 or higher.
• DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 100.

Lycoming College is attracting talented international students by offering generous and competitive scholarship opportunities. These scholarships help make a high-quality liberal arts education accessible and affordable for students from around the world, fostering a diverse and vibrant campus community.

Merit-Based Scholarships: All international applicants to Lycoming College are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships there is no separate application required. These scholarships reward academic excellence, leadership, and extracurricular achievements.

Renewable Scholarships: Scholarships awarded to international students at Lycoming are renewable for up to four years, provided that students maintain satisfactory academic progress and good standing with the college. This continuity offers financial stability throughout the undergraduate journey.

Need-Based Aid: In addition to merit scholarships, Lycoming College offers limited need-based financial aid to international students who demonstrate financial need. Students may be required to submit additional documentation to be considered for this aid. Need-based support complements merit awards to further reduce the overall cost of attendance.

Specialty Scholarships and Awards: Lycoming College occasionally provides targeted scholarships based on students’ fields of study, leadership qualities, or unique talents. International students are encouraged to inquire about available departmental awards or special grants during the admissions process.

A Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) in Criminology from Lycoming College offers a unique pathway for graduates, focusing on the why and how of crime and societal responses, rather than solely on law enforcement operations.

Criminologist/Social Researcher: Graduates can work in academic institutions, government agencies, or think tanks, conducting research on crime trends, causes of criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of various interventions and policies. This often involves data analysis, report writing, and presenting findings.

Policy Analyst: Understanding the theoretical underpinnings of crime, graduates can contribute to the development and evaluation of criminal justice policies for government agencies, non-profits, or advocacy groups, aiming to create more equitable and effective systems.

Crime Analyst: Working with law enforcement agencies or research organizations, graduates collect and analyze crime data to identify patterns, predict trends, and help allocate resources for crime prevention and intervention strategies.

Victim Advocate/Services Coordinator: With a deep understanding of victimization and its impact, graduates can support crime victims, connecting them with resources, guiding them through the legal process, and advocating for their rights.

Probation/Parole Officer (with emphasis on theory): While a criminal justice degree is common, a criminology background provides a deeper understanding of the sociological and psychological factors influencing offender behavior, enhancing effectiveness in supervising and rehabilitating individuals.

Intelligence Analyst: Graduates can work for federal agencies (e.g., FBI, CIA, DHS) or private security firms, analyzing information related to criminal activities, terrorism, or other threats, and providing insights for prevention and response.

Social Worker/Counselor (with further training): A criminology degree provides a strong foundation for understanding human behavior, deviance, and social problems. With additional master's level training, graduates can work as social workers or counselors, often with at-risk youth or offenders.

Juvenile Justice Specialist: Focusing on youth deviance and social control, graduates can work in juvenile detention centers, youth rehabilitation programs, or court services, aiming to understand and address the root causes of juvenile crime.

Legal Assistant/Paralegal (Criminal Law focus): Graduates' understanding of criminal theory and the legal system is valuable in legal settings. They can assist attorneys with research, case preparation, and understanding the social context of criminal cases.

Academic Researcher/Lecturer (with graduate studies): For those passionate about advancing knowledge in the field, a criminology bachelor's degree is an excellent stepping stone to master's and doctoral programs, ultimately leading to careers as professors and leading researchers in criminology.