BA in Criminology and Justice Studies
Program Details

Program Costs

Complete the Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice Studies in just four semesters, including summer, thanks to guaranteed class availability that ensures no delays in your educational journey. The bachelor’s program consists of 55 units, priced at $490 per unit.

Invest In Your Future: A Breakdown of Your Educational Journey's Cost 

*Not all university semester fees are included in this table—see the comprehensive breakdown of Extended Learning fees. Semester tuition subtotals are based on a sample program sequence. All quoted tuition rates are based on previous academic years and are subject to change without notice.

Year One

Fall Semester 1

• SOC 100: Academic Success (1)

  Introduces students to, and teaches academic success in, the Sociology and Criminology & Justice Studies majors. Explores writing for the discipline(s), current faculty research, and resources on campus. Develops essential scholarly and real-world capacities such as analytical and problem-solving skills, effective communication, information literacy, and teamwork.

  Units: 1

• UDGE CC(DEg) (3)
   Units: 3
• SOC 105: Intro to Justice Studies (4)

  An introduction to the interdisciplinary field of Justice Studies. Explores economic, social, and criminal justice issues by means of sociological, philosophical, and legal perspectives and methodologies. Students will critically assess the obstacles and opportunities central to the pursuit of justice in the United States and abroad. Topics of analysis may include formal legal systems, institutionalization of injustice, environmental justice, and genocide.

  Units: 4

• SOC 311. 313, or 315 (Inequality Sequence) (4)

  SOC 311

  An examination of inequality in opportunity, educational and occupational attainment, wealth and power, and its effects on individuals, groups, and societies. Will be analyzed by interdisciplinary readings from historical and contemporary sources and analyses of computerized data comparing social indicators by gender, race, and class. Diverse perspectives on the quest for equality of different social groups.

  Units: 3

  SOC 313

  A critical examination of the origins and character of contemporary relations among ethnic and racial groups in the United States. Applications of sociological concepts and theories to contemporary issues such as affirmative action, immigration, and racial/ ethnic stratification.

  Units: 3

  SOC 315

  A consideration of the development of gender identity and gender socialization in a social context; how notions of femininity and masculinity are shaped within various social institutions-family, work, media, education; and how these social definitions change across the life course. Emphasis on how gender relations vary across communities-race and ethnicity, sexuality, age, socioeconomic class, and nationality.

  Units: 3

• SOC 325: Criminology (4)

  The nature and extent of crime in American society, theories of factors and influences that are related to criminal behavior, and the impact of crime on society.

  Units: 4

Spring Semester 1

• SOC 361: Qualitative Research Methods (4)

  Focus on the range of qualitative methods which may include participant observation, qualitative interviewing, and textual and visual analysis. The course also considers the applicability of qualitative methods to particular research questions as well as the theoretical, ethical, and practical issues that arise in conducting qualitative research. Students will engage in qualitative research that includes intensive collection and analysis of qualitative data.

  Units: 4

• SPAN 101: Beginning Spanish (3)

  An introduction to the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures, with emphasis on the development of communicative skills and grammatical structures. Language laboratory practice is a mandatory component of the course. 

  Units: 3

• SOC 323: Juvenile Delinquency (3)

  An examination through multicultural and interdisciplinary perspectives of the nature of juvenile delinquency and its causes. Choices in treatment, prevention, and control of delinquents in different historical and cultural contexts, and variations in policies affecting juvenile justice systems across nations.

  Units: 3

• UDGE BB (3)
  Units: 3

Summer Semester

• Spanish 102: Beginning Spanish II (3)

  Continuation of SPAN 101. Further study of the Spanish language and Spanish-speaking cultures, with emphasis on the development of communicative skills and basic structures.

  Units: 3

• SOC 400-Elective (4)
   Units: 4
• SOC 400-Elective (4)
   Units: 4
• SPAN 201: Intermediate Spanish I (3)

  Continuation of Spanish language fundamentals. Emphasis on the development of the skills of reading, listening comprehension, speaking, writing, and on culture.

  Units: 3

Year Two

Fall Semester 2

• SOC 442: Analysis of the Justice System and Criminal Law (4)

  Sociological examination of the juvenile and adult justice systems in the United States within the context of race, gender, and social inequality. Overview of the processes of the justice system from the commission of crimes and offenses through sentencing and appeal procedures, with special consideration of the role and applications of criminal law.

  Units: 4

• SOC 360: Quantitative Research Methods (4)

  The logic of procedures of social science methodology. Range of types of methods available for various approaches to quantitative social research. Problem formulation, design, data collection, and analysis of a research project.

  Units: 4

• SOC 491: Career Readiness (1)

  Explores the multi-faceted career paths for both Sociology and Criminology and Justice Majors, with resources, readings, and activities to prepare students for post-graduation employment and graduate school. Includes the exploration of diversity in culture, social structures, groups, and human interaction. Develops skills and awareness relevant to employment in the public, private sector, grassroots organizations, and social justice campaigns.

  Units: 1

• SOC 400-Elective (4)
  Units: 4
• Upper-division GE: DD DEu (3)
  Units: 3