The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies offers a rich educational experience that emphasizes justice and criminological theory, in addition to translating concepts into practice. Drexel’s Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies degree is concentrated on Criminal Justice — our program provides students with foundational knowledge and hands-on experience across tools of the discipline, while allowing them to specialize in different areas of interest.

Degree Requirements

The Bachelor of Science in Criminology and Justice Studies at Drexel can be completed in four years, and reserves at least 27 free electives so students can earn a minor outside of the department.

International Justice, Language Minors and Study Abroad

Given the global nature of crime and justice issues, the department requires one course on international justice systems. Students interested in intelligence and security-related careers should consider minoring in a language. Drexel’s Department of Global Studies, Modern Languages offers a wide variety of language minors.

We also encourage all students to participate in at least one faculty-led study abroad program during which students will explore various justice-related themes. Past study abroad courses have included: The Legacy of Nazi Policing and Cold War Justice in Munich and Prague; and The Roots of Common Law Justice in London. We encourage you to visit the Drexel Study Abroad program to review upcoming course locations and itineraries.

Drexel Co-op for Criminology Majors

Through Drexel’s renowned cooperative education program, students embark on up to three, six-month periods of full-time employment, exploring their career options, strengthening their resumes and building a professional network in the process.

The Department of Criminology and Justice Studies offers two options for students: a four-year one co-op option and a four-year, no co-op option. While both options exist, we encourage students earning their bachelor's degree in criminology to take advantage of the co-op program.

Criminology and Justice Studies students have held co-op positions at the Philadelphia District Attorney's Office, at local sheriff and police departments, with local judges, at criminal justice agencies, law firms, community agencies and nonprofit organizations locally and nationally. Our students have also had co-ops in highly competitive organizations, such as the Department of Homeland Security and the Delaware Valley Intelligence Center — a federally funded regional intelligence agency consisting of several policing and other law enforcement organizations.

Learn More About Co-op at Drexel University

Community-based Learning in Crime and Justice Studies

The College of Arts and Sciences offers a range of community-based learning courses that allow students to immerse themselves in course material and learn side-by-side with community partners. To explore justice studies in America, we take our students straight to the source; we offer two of our core courses in community settings — one of which (Prison, Society and You) is taught in a local prison.

View Current Community-Based Learning Courses

Careers in Criminology & Justice Studies

Criminology and justice studies is an exciting field that leads to careers in a range of disciplines — from law to cybersecurity, social science research and federal intelligence. Recent criminology and justice studies graduates have gone on to successful careers at:

• Top graduate programs in law, criminal justice and related disciplines
• Government agencies like the Department of Justice and the Philadelphia District Attorney’s Office
• Technology, security and software companies
• Financial companies and investment firms

Learn More About Careers in Criminology