Criminology

Study Crime and the Criminal Justice System

The Criminology minor at Miami University offers students an in-depth understanding of crime, deviance, and the criminal justice system through a sociological and interdisciplinary lens. Housed within Miami University’s Department of Sociology and Gerontology, the criminology minor explores topics such as criminal behavior, law enforcement, courts, corrections, juvenile justice, and social responses to crime. Students develop critical thinking and analytical skills while examining how social structures, inequality, and policy shape crime and justice in local, national, and global contexts.

The Miami University criminology minor is ideal for students interested in careers or graduate study in criminal justice, law, public policy, social work, psychology, homeland security, and related fields. This minor complements majors across the social sciences, humanities, and professional programs by strengthening research, ethical reasoning, and data interpretation skills. Through coursework that connects theory to real-world issues, the criminology minor prepares Miami University students to engage thoughtfully with contemporary challenges in crime prevention, justice reform, and community safety.

A crucial element of this minor is the completion of an internship in an agency, program, or organization within the criminal justice system. Open to all majors. (20-50 semester hours)

Eligibility

With the exception of the fieldwork, courses must be taken for a grade (not credit/no-credit). Students planning to take this minor should consult with the chief departmental adviser.