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Many questions regarding the major of criminology and criminal justice have recently surfaced.  Since I am a Criminal Justice Major and I thought I could try and answer a few…

Why do I have to major in both Criminology and Criminal Justice?? Why not just one?

In order to give students a complete education, Keuka College has put both Criminology and Criminal Justice together to better prepare you for your career.  Criminology is the scientific study of a crime where as Criminal Justice involves the study of law-enforcement agencies, courts, corrections, and criminal law and their relationship. 

What types of courses do have to take?

We take courses in political science, sociology and psychology. Criminology Theory and Methods, Predatory Crime and Violence, Juvenile Delinquency, White-Collar Crime, Corporate Crime, and Victimology, Intoduction to Criminal Justice, Relations of Law Enforcement, Criminal Investigation, Criminal Law, Punishment, Treatment, and Corrections, and Juvenile Justice are a few classes that we are required to take before we graduate. 

How are the professors?

I have come to notice that most faculty here at Keuka are very approachable and supportive.  They know so much in their field of study it amazes me.  They have such a passion for teaching and they truly care about our success.   They are always willing to help in any way possible and are very understanding.   

What got you interested in Keuka’s Criminology and Criminal Justice Program?

As an incoming freshman, I was originally a Political Science and History major.  I was really unsure what I wanted to do.  I did my first field period at the District Attorney’s office in my hometown and sat in on a rape trial.  This is when I figured out that I am in the wrong major.  I knew I couldn’t be a prosecutor or defense attorney which I had originally wanted to do when I graduated.  I was really more interested in the rehabilitation or alternatives to incarceration process. 

It was that next semester when I changed my major to Criminology and Criminal Justice.  My advisor helped me tremendously through this process.  I feel as if this major fits me so much better and I am still really happy with my decision.  I feel on top of the world because I finally found my niche and even made the dean’s list this semester!! 

I hope this helps in helping answer some of the questions you may have.