We are pleased to learn of your interest in Criminology and want to take this opportunity to tell you more about our program on the New Brunswick campus of Rutgers, The State University of New Jersey. A wide range of course work in criminology, criminal justice, deviant behavior, abnormal psychology, and the legal system is offered in a number of departments at the University. Students who wish may obtain a criminology certificate in addition to their major field of study through enrolling in eight specified courses related to issues in criminal justice. In addition to formal course work, students have the opportunity to gain firsthand knowledge of the criminal justice system through courses offered by the Criminal Justice Department (previously Administration of Justice). Rutgers also offers the chance for students to become involved in research about the criminal justice system.   A rich course curricula combined with field work and research opportunities makes Rutgers University a place where students can gain excellent and well-rounded training in Criminology within a broader liberal arts education.  This training equips students for careers in the criminal justice system, for law school, and for graduate work in disciplines that study various aspects of crime and the criminal justice system. We would be happy to answer any questions you have about the Criminology program at Rutgers. Feel free to call the department at (732) 445-4035. Also, please take every opportunity to explore the special advantages which Rutgers, a distinguished state university, can offer you. Criminology certificates are awarded only to students who have earned a baccalaureate degree that required the successful completion of a major.  The Criminology Certificate does not substitute for a major.  Any major recognized by your college is fine for the purposes of earning the Criminology Certificate.

To receive a Criminology Certificate, a student must complete 24 credits or 8 courses including:

FIVE REQUIRED COURSES:

Introduction to Sociology                                 01:920:101

Introduction to Psychology                              01:830:101

Abnormal Psychology                                     01:830:340

Criminology                                                     01:920:222

Race Relations                                               01:920:306


ONE OF THE FOLLOWING COURSES:

Sociology of Deviant Behavior                        01:920:304

Sociology of Mental Illness                              01:920:307

Law and Society                                              01:920:349

ANY TWO COURSES OFFERED BY CRIMINAL JUSTICE DEPARTMENT (previously The Administration of Justice): (01:202). Only courses with a grade of "C" or better earn credit toward the certificate.

As soon as a student has registered for his/her final semester, he/she should fill out an application form available at the Department of Sociology, Room A268, Lucy Stone Hall, Livingston Campus, or by clicking here.  Completed applications should be returned to the same office along with an updated copy of your transcript.  Certificates are awarded only at May commencements, either when students graduate or at some later time.  (Those who earn their degrees in the Fall can receive their Criminology Certificates the following May.)  A list of students scheduled to receive their certificates in May will be posted at the Sociology Department by April 25 of each year. Accordingly, the absolute deadline for submitting applications to receive a certificate in May is April 15.  A student who expects a certificate should be sure to check this list and to verify that his/her name appears there just as it should on the certificate itself.  The certificate will be handed out at commencement (to those who attend) or mailed within a few weeks  (to those who did not attend).

If you have any further questions, please contact the Undergraduate Program Assistant, Sociology Department, Lucy Stone Hall A268; phone: (732) 445-4035.