Bachelors of Actuarial Science
The Actuarial Science program at Franklin College provides a comprehensive foundation i...
Bachelors of Sociology - Criminal Justice
Franklin, Indiana
INTAKE: Jan & Aug
Program Overview
The Sociology - Criminal Justice emphasis at Franklin College provides a comprehensive and interdisciplinary study of crime and the criminal justice system. Students delve into the sociological constructs that influence crime, such as poverty, race, and gender, while simultaneously exploring the functions of law enforcement, the courts, and correctional systems. The program aims to equip students with the analytical and practical skills needed to diagnose problems and implement solutions within the criminal justice field, preparing them to be informed citizens and effective professionals dedicated to social justice and public safety.
Curriculum: The curriculum for the BA in Sociology with a Criminal Justice emphasis is robust and interdisciplinary, drawing from both sociology and political science. Core sociology requirements include Introduction to Sociology, Basic Applied Statistics, Inquiry in the Social Sciences, Sociological Theory, Research Methods I, Research Methods II, and a Senior Comp Practicum. The criminal justice emphasis specifically requires courses such as SOC 210 – Criminal Justice, SOC 321 – Criminology, SOC 340 – Corrections, POL 110 – American National Government, and POL 420 – American Constitutional Law II. This blend ensures students understand the social roots of crime, the various components of the justice system, and the legal frameworks that govern them, alongside strong research and analytical skills.
Research Focus: Franklin College's Sociology program, including the Criminal Justice emphasis, places a significant focus on developing students' research capabilities. Through courses like "Inquiry in the Social Sciences" and "Research Methods I & II," students learn to design experimental plans, collect and analyze data, and extract significant conclusions. The "Senior Comp Practicum" often serves as a capstone, where students integrate and apply their learned skills, potentially conducting their own research projects related to criminal justice. Students have opportunities to present their undergraduate research, even at national conferences like the American Sociological Association's annual meetings, demonstrating their ability to contribute to scholarly inquiry.
Industry Engagement: Franklin College shows a strong commitment to industry engagement for its Sociology - Criminal Justice students. A defining feature of the program is that every sociology major, including those with a criminal justice emphasis, completes at least one internship. These internships provide invaluable "real-world experience" and often lead directly to full-time positions upon graduation. Students have interned at significant organizations such as the Indiana Department of Public Corrections, state prisons, and domestic violence centers. The program also leverages its location, using Indianapolis as a "laboratory" for studying jails, prisons, and related non-profits, ensuring students gain practical insights and networking opportunities within the criminal justice field.
Global Perspective: The study of criminal justice and social issues inherently includes a global perspective, as crime and justice systems vary significantly across cultures and nations. While the program at Franklin College is based in the U.S., its liberal arts foundation encourages a broader global understanding. The curriculum's exploration of criminology and corrections may include "cross-cultural perspectives." Additionally, Franklin College actively promotes study-away opportunities, including Immersive Term study-away courses and semester-long programs. These experiences can expose students to diverse legal systems, policing philosophies, and societal approaches to crime and punishment in international contexts, broadening their analytical capabilities and preparing them for a globalized world where issues of justice are increasingly interconnected.
Location
Franklin, Indiana
Score
IELTS 6.5
Tuition Fee
USD 40010
Undergraduate Entry Requirements
Application Fee: $40
Academic Qualifications: Applicants for undergraduate programs typically require a minimum academic achievement of 70% 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 79 or higher.
- PTE: Overall score of 53 or higher.
- DET (Duolingo English Test): Minimum score of 105.
Franklin College offers a range of scholarship opportunities to support international students in pursuing their academic goals. These scholarships are designed to recognize outstanding academic achievement, leadership qualities, and extracurricular involvement, making higher education more accessible and affordable for students from around the world.
Merit-Based Scholarships: International students are automatically considered for merit-based scholarships upon admission. These awards are competitive and primarily based on academic performance, standardized test scores, and personal achievements. Scholarships can significantly reduce tuition costs and may be renewable each year based on satisfactory academic progress.
Specialized Scholarships: In addition to general merit awards, Franklin College provides targeted scholarships for students excelling in specific fields such as science, arts, athletics, or community service. Some scholarships also focus on promoting diversity and inclusion by supporting students from underrepresented regions or backgrounds.
Franklin College's Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with a Criminal Justice emphasis offers a robust and practical education for students passionate about justice, public safety, and addressing the root causes of crime.
Police Officer/Deputy Sheriff: A primary career path for criminal justice graduates. These roles involve enforcing laws, responding to emergencies, investigating crimes, apprehending suspects, and engaging with communities to ensure public safety. A bachelor's degree is increasingly preferred or required by many police departments and is crucial for advancement.
Probation/Parole Officer: Graduates work with individuals who have been released from prison or are serving community sentences. They supervise offenders, ensure compliance with legal conditions, and connect them with resources for rehabilitation and reintegration into society.
Correctional Officer: These professionals maintain order and security within jails, prisons, and other detention facilities. They supervise inmates, enforce rules, conduct searches, and ensure the safety of both staff and incarcerated individuals.
Forensic Science Technician/Crime Scene Investigator: For those interested in the scientific aspect of crime, this role involves collecting, preserving, and analyzing physical evidence from crime scenes. They work in crime labs, often specializing in areas like DNA analysis, fingerprinting, or ballistics, to aid criminal investigations.
Victim Advocate: These professionals provide support, information, and resources to victims of crime. They help victims navigate the legal system, access counseling, and understand their rights, working with law enforcement, courts, and social service agencies.
Paralegal/Legal Assistant: With their understanding of constitutional law and the legal system, graduates can assist lawyers with legal research, drafting documents, organizing case files, and preparing for court proceedings in law firms, government agencies, or corporate legal departments.
Juvenile Justice Specialist/Counselor: These roles focus on working with young offenders within the juvenile justice system. They may provide counseling, case management, or oversee rehabilitation programs aimed at preventing recidivism and supporting positive youth development.
Intelligence Analyst (Federal Agencies): For those interested in national security, roles within agencies like the FBI, CIA, or Department of Homeland Security often require a bachelor's degree. Intelligence analysts gather, evaluate, and interpret information to assess threats and provide strategic insights for law enforcement or national security efforts.
Social Worker (Entry-Level/Case Manager): While an MSW is often required for clinical roles, a Sociology with Criminal Justice background is excellent for entry-level social work positions, particularly those dealing with at-risk populations, families affected by incarceration, or substance abuse issues. They connect clients with vital social services.
Research Analyst (Criminal Justice/Policy): Graduates with strong research methods and data analysis skills can work for research institutions, government agencies, or non-profits specializing in criminal justice reform. They analyze crime trends, evaluate the effectiveness of programs, and contribute to evidence-based policy development.
