sociology and criminology degree personal statement

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A Guide to Writing A Criminology Personal Statement

Table of Contents

If you are interested in criminology, it’s about time you pursue your dream. Take a step by applying for a career course in any reputable institution. Sending out your application is not enough. You need to include a compelling personal statement. The criminology degree personal statement examples below is an excellent guide.

A personal statement allows you to market your skills and highlight your qualifications. If you have no idea how to write a personal statement, you’ll find some good samples in this article that will guide you. 

What Is A Personal Statement?

A personal statement is a document that expresses your reason for wanting to study criminology and describes any relevant experience or skills you have. Writing a personal criminology statement can be pretty tricky, but you must include all the relevant information about yourself.

In your statement, highlight your academic achievements and experience in the field of criminology. Explain your interest and motivation in studying criminology and detail what you’ll do after graduation.

Criminology Degree Personal Statement Examples

I am interested in studying criminology as it is a fascinating field that combines elements of psychology, sociology, and law. I want to gain an in-depth understanding of criminal behavior and the factors that contribute to it to help reduce crime rates. My previous academic achievements demonstrate my ability to engage with complex theoretical concepts. Studying Criminology at university will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this area. Through volunteering work experience, I have gained knowledge of how the criminal justice system operates, which has further cemented my interest in this topic.

My name is Megan Skye, and I am interested in studying criminology. I first became aware of this field when I was working as a psychiatric nurse and saw the link between mental health and crime. Since then, I have become increasingly fascinated by why people commit crimes and what can be done to prevent them.

I know that criminology is a necessary discipline, not just for understanding crime but also for developing effective strategies to tackle it. This is something that inspires me to continue learning about it. In my current role as an A&E nurse, I frequently see the consequences of crime on individuals. So I am keen to learn more about how we can address this issue from a wider perspective.

I got interested in criminology through the media. This was because of the broadcast messages about crimes that happened all over the world. I was displeased that people could go to any length to commit certain crimes.

Is there a reason why they derive pleasure from committing crimes? Are there people who are born criminals? How can we reduce the rate of crime in society? As these questions filled my mind, I took an interest in certain crime stories. I once volunteered in my community. And that experience equipped me to communicate with the public and criminology requires one to be good with the public. I have leadership skills that will make me successful in this field.

When I was younger, I loved watching detective shows on TV. The mystery and puzzle-solving always appealed to me. And as I got older, I began to see the criminal justice system in a new light. Seeing how crimes are investigated and criminals brought to justice has sparked my interest in criminology. A field that combines psychology, law, sociology, and investigative skills. 

Obtaining a Criminology degree will allow me to understand crime from all angles; its causes, effects on society and potential prevention methods. I would also like to gain practical experience through work placements with Police forces or similar organizations involved in crime prevention/investigation. This course of study is the perfect next step for me: it is both stimulating intellectually and offers plenty of scope for personal growth.

When I was younger, I wanted to be a police officer. However, over time I realized that I was more interested in why people commit crimes than in catching criminals. This led me to enroll in an online criminology and criminal justice course. 

I have enjoyed learning about crime and the criminal justice system. My favorite module so Far has been juvenile delinquency, which looked at why young people break the law. In addition to my studies, I also work as a volunteer with young offenders trying to help them stay away from crime. 

Studying for a criminology degree will equip me with the skills needed to pursue a career in this field. Ultimately, I hope to work within law enforcement or social work, helping offenders in rehabilitation.

I have always been interested in how societies work and why people commit crimes. This interest led me to study criminology at university, where I developed an understanding of the complexities behind criminal behavior. The course has given me a strong foundation in the theories and methods used by researchers in this field. I am keen to continue my studies and further develop my knowledge of criminology, aiming to become a researcher one day.

My fascination in criminology was born from my exposure to new ideas and contrasting ideologies surrounding crime and justice. After spending time immersed in this field, I am drawn to the notion that there is no single approach to tackling criminal activity. It is a complex issue requiring multifaceted solutions.

My current aim is to pursue a master’s degree in criminology. This is to develop a further understanding of both classical theories about crime and recent advancements within the discipline. Ultimately, I hope to play a role in shaping future policymaking around issues such as law enforcement, rehabilitation, and victim support services. This is while maintaining close collaboration with academics who are leaders within this field. In addition, working alongside those on the frontline will give me invaluable insight into how these policies impact those directly affected by crime daily.

A personal statement is a document in which you describe your reasons for wanting to study criminology and highlight your academic and professional qualifications. A criminology personal statement also shows off your knowledge of the criminal justice system and why you are interested in studying it.

When writing your statement, highlight any relevant experience or skills that could make you a valuable asset to any criminology program. With a well-written personal statement, you can achieve your career goal just like you desire.

The criminology degree personal statement examplesabove were generated using Hey INK . Why not try it out?

Abir Ghenaiet

Abir is a data analyst and researcher. Among her interests are artificial intelligence, machine learning, and natural language processing. As a humanitarian and educator, she actively supports women in tech and promotes diversity.

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How to write a personal statement for sociology

Whether it’s by doing a job at McDonalds or volunteering to work in your community, show how your life has given you an interest in sociology

F rom social inequality and crime, to culture and the media, sociology can be applied to most aspects of life. It's an exciting subject to study at university and to secure a place on a course you must demonstrate particular qualities and interests. Equally, there are important things you should avoid as a budding sociologist.

What to include

"Include a mixture of three things: a passion for the subject, what you want to get out of university, and what you can offer the university," says Dr Mark Monaghan, admissions tutor for sociology and social policy at Leeds University.

Sociological interests: Dr Wendy Bottero, senior lecturer in sociology at Manchester University, says: "People often don't get the opportunity to study sociology at school or college, so we're interested in how they view the subject, why they want to study it and how it fits in with their life".

Tailor your statement to the institutions you're applying to. "Look at departments' webpages to see the modules on offer. Gear your application towards your preferred department, but be careful not to alienate other universities. Mention broad areas of sociology that are taught by a number of your choices," says Dr Gareth Millington, admissions tutor for sociology at York University.

Applicants who are new to the subject should say how they became interested in it: "Everyone will have had experiences that can be linked to sociologically relevant issues. Your part-time job in McDonalds is as relevant as having done work experience with an MP – the important point is how you link what you've done to thinking about social issues and how society works," says Dr Patrick White, admissions tutor for sociology at Leicester University.

Sociological texts: Show that you've read some relevant books. Monaghan recommends Zygmunt Bauman's What Use is Sociology? and C Wright Mills' The Sociological Imagination. Monaghan also recommends the Guardian's Society section to give you "an awareness of current debate".

Career aspirations: You should have at least some knowledge of what you can do with a sociology degree, but don't worry if you don't know exactly what job you want. "We expect applicants to be aware of the kinds of jobs available, but we wouldn't expect you to have any specific career in mind," says Monaghan.

Non-academic interests: Universities are looking at more than just your academic interests: "We want someone who shows enthusiasm and passion more generally, for example through clubs and societies. But sociologists know that this is often down to how well-off someone is, so we don't discriminate on this basis," says Bottero.

"We want someone who takes a critical view of common assumptions that people lazily accept."

What to avoid

Confusion: Sociology may be offered as part of a joint honours degree at some universities and as a single subject at others, which can result in a confused statement. Monaghan says: "Be consistent about the degree you're applying for. You may be applying for different courses at different universities, so think about the social sciences in general."

"Work out where there's common ground between degree programmes, such as politics or history, and stress that your interests are in those areas of overlap," says Bottero.

A rigid structure: The statement needs to be clear, but your personality should still shine through. "There is no set recipe for personal statements because we like to see students express who they are," says Dr Anne-Marie Fortier, from the sociology department at Lancaster University.

At Bristol University, templates are "strongly discouraged" because they result in a "generic" end product.

Sloppy writing: It might sound obvious, but as White says: "This is your chance to show that you can write well. Whatever the content, an applicant with a poorly written personal statement is unlikely to be offered a place".

Last but not least: "There's no need to overdo it with superlatives. Keep it simple and honest", says Fortier.

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Criminology Personal Statement Example

Writing a Criminology personal statement and don’t know how to start? You can use our Criminology personal statement example as an inspiration and guide to perfect your own when applying through UCAS .

In my experience, I have always been able to tell when people are lying and find out the truth. Reading about forensic psychologists in prisons and discovering Criminology, I became convinced that my talents could be best utilized as a Forensic Psychologist within the criminal justice system.

In order to fulfill my ambition and become a prison service psychologist, I intend to study Criminology at the Masters’s level. Besides History and German, I also studied Film and Sociology at A-Level. The linguistic skills I acquired at school will be valuable when I discuss psychological issues with prisoners. Due to its proximity to Criminology, Sociology was my favourite subject. Throughout the course, I learned about societal attitudes toward criminals and punishment methods that I can apply to my degree.

Throughout my studies, I have held a variety of jobs. As a waitress at a very popular restaurant venue, I developed excellent teamwork skills and learned how to keep a level head under pressure. With three jobs and my studies, I have managed to juggle my time at London South Bank. Over the course of nearly two years, I worked at the O2 centre as a customer service representative.

Additionally, I used my German language skills as a German Market Researcher for MPeurope, conducting numerous telephone interviews with consumers each day to meet research goals. I learned how to convey complex information in a clear and confident manner, a skill that will be useful when I present and give seminars about the degree.

It has required exceptional time management and organizational skills to juggle three jobs and study. Many events at school were organized by me as a result of my teachers recognizing my organizational skills early on. As a student, I enjoyed playing competitive basketball at school, and I hope to join the university’s female basketball team.

To improve my knowledge of Criminology outside of school and the workplace, I enjoy reading books on the subject. Having read the Oxford Handbook of Criminology religiously, I became convinced that I wanted to work in prisons after reading the chapters prisons. Roger Matthews’ book Doing Time, an Introduction to the Sociology of Imprisonment, and Michel Foucault’s Discipline and Punish have taught me about changing attitudes toward punishment in Europe over the past three centuries.

Travelling with friends to new places and learning about new cultures is also one of my favourite things to do. I know how enriching it is to be part of a multicultural environment. On the course, I hope to befriend people of many different backgrounds and organise trips abroad with them.

For, I feel duty-bound to take advantage of every opportunity university life will offer me since I am the first member of my family to go to university and have chances that were not available to my parents. I feel ready and prepared to complete my studies and start my career as a psychologist within the prison service.

Criminology Personal Statement

A criminology personal statement is a part of your UCAS application and is sent to all of the criminology courses you are applying to. The goal is to convince the admission staff that you are the perfect candidate to study Criminology, and it should be very personal. Write about your interests, college, your apprenticeship, your motivations, and the reason you want to study Criminology at university.

Recommended reading:

• How to Write a Personal Statement That Stands Out
• How to Write a Personal Statement for a PhD
• UCAS Personal Statement: A Writing Guide And Tips For Success
• Tips for Writing a Personal Statement for the University
• UCAS Reference Letter: Ultimate Writing Guide

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Personal Statement for Criminology Tips: With Helpful Examples

In this article, we discuss how to write a personal statement for criminology with helpful examples.

One student dreams of being an FBI officer and the other is fascinated by designing surveys. What do they have in common? Criminology will help both of them land their dream jobs. Read on for our top tips for writing a personal statement for criminology.

Table of contents, what is a personal statement for criminology, what should you consider when writing a personal statement for criminology, how to write an effective personal statement for criminology.

• Example 1 – A focus on academic achievement
• Example 2 – A focus on a professional goal

FAQ (Frequently Asked Questions)

It’s a short essay that applicants of criminology programs submit when they apply for specific criminology courses at colleges or universities.

It helps applicants show their preparedness and convince the selection committee of their suitability to undertake the program.

The personal statement should include details of the applicant’s skills and strengths, motivations, career aspirations, and ability to contribute to the institute. It shows how the applicant stands out from other contenders.

1. Qualifications

To study criminology for an undergraduate (4-year) degree, applicants should generally have achieved a good GPA in High School and may be required to attend an admissions interview.

Furthermore, applicants may be asked to have achieved good grades in certain subjects such as psychology, sociology, and law. Finally, some courses may require applicants to have specific work experience or to have completed certain courses before they can be accepted and being able to use a computer is essential.

In order to ensure that applicants are well-prepared for a degree in criminology, they may also be expected to demonstrate knowledge of wider research, current affairs, and social, organizational, or global issues.

2. Motivation and interest in Criminology

It is important to consider motivation when writing a personal statement for criminology to show why you are interested in the field and what you plan to do with your degree.

Motivation can be personal, such as wanting to help people or make a difference in society, or professional, such as wanting to use your skills and experience to advance your career. You must be motivated to pursue this field to the best of your ability and use the knowledge you gain to benefit both yourself and society.

Motivation can include a commitment to research, a desire to solve problems, and a willingness to take on difficult tasks.

‘When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive.’

3. Life Experiences that relate to criminology

These could include:

• Family situations that involve law enforcement or the judiciary system. How have these experiences shaped your life and motivated you to pursue a criminology degree?

‘Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part-time job, volunteering and schoolwork. I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college-level classes’

• Personality traits that are suited to the intended career. Have you always been fascinated by the work of the police and the FBI?
• Do you have a relative or family friend that worked in law enforcement, social services or in the courts that you want to emulate?
• Talking about how psychology has had a direct impact on your life, such as having counselling sessions for anxiety and how this has given you the desire to work with people that have been affected by crime.

4. Background knowledge of criminology

It’s important to show an understanding of some elements of criminology. These could include some criminological research and theories or having an awareness of contemporary crime prevention strategies.

‘As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behavior.’

Being familiar with laws and criminal justice systems in your state, and an understanding of the ethical considerations applicable to criminology will be valuable to you.

During the application process, it is important to demonstrate that you have the following skills:

• written and verbal communication skills,
• critical reading and writing skills,
• technology and analysis skills,
• research and problem-solving skills,
• understanding of social, organizational and global issues,
• an awareness of current affairs on both a local and a global perspective.

Enhanced communication skills such as clarifying, listening and offering advice as well as the ability to gather and assess data and other information will help your application.

6. Experience

Think about your experiences in jobs, work experience, work placements, apprenticeships and any other relevant education or professional background.

Additionally, one should reflect on any current or past work in the criminal justice field, such as working in youth corrections.

Furthermore, it is important to consider any personal experiences that may have influenced the decision to pursue criminology, such as volunteering with victims or exposure to the criminal justice system.

Step 1: Talk about your qualifications

Discuss how your qualifications or current GPA specifically prepares you for a criminology degree.

Mention any other qualifications, volunteering positions or work experience you have that may be relevant.

Step 2: Explain why you chose criminology.

Show the reader your enthusiasm and knowledge of the field by providing evidence of your passion for the subject. This could include discussing your experience with law enforcement or the judicial system or providing examples of research on crime and criminal justice topics.

‘My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology.’

Your personal statement should include stories that highlight your experiences and explain how these contributed to your choice of a career in criminology. Make sure to connect your experiences and goals by emphasizing how they have helped shape your path.

Step 3: Share your knowledge of criminology and solving crime.

Show an intellectual interest in which authors, modules, theorists, and debates have interested you, and how they could help you with your criminology degree.

Demonstrate your knowledge of criminology by discussing the topics you’ve researched on your own. This could include specific theories, current events, or other relevant topics.

Step 5: Show your initiative and drive

Showing initiative and drive is important. You can do this by writing about your academic achievements, your extra-curricular activities, and any relevant work experience to show the review committee the level of commitment and dedication you have towards your chosen career path.

You should also include details of any wider research or current affairs you are interested in. This could include discussing how you understand local law enforcement and crime concerns and how they can be integrated into a larger global perspective, or mentioning articles or books you have read about your chosen field of study.

Step 6: Proofread and edit your personal statement before submitting it

Accuracy in grammar and spelling is of utmost importance when writing a personal statement for criminology. Good written communication skills are essential for this field of study, as they are necessary for understanding, interpreting and critically analyzing any given data.

These communication skills also have a direct impact on the overall impression of a written statement, as a document full of errors can create a negative impression and make it appear as though the author is sloppy or not careful enough. In addition, as criminology is a field that requires much research and problem solving, attention to detail is critical for any successful analysis.

Examples from winning personal statements for Criminology

Example 1 – a focus on academic achievement.

Being the eldest daughter of two police officers has taught me how to balance life, a part time job, volunteering and schoolwork. With a 4.0 GPA, I have been taking college courses at our local community college while finishing up high school in order to accelerate my degree and I gained a great deal of knowledge from my social work college classes. I was also fortunate enough to learn about the law, criminal justice system, and how the court process works when my sister obtained an Associate’s Degree in Criminal Justice from Chelmhurst College – she jokes that I spent more time reading her notes and textbooks than she did! I am committed to a career in criminal justice research and have already volunteered on two projects undertaken by the state office, working on collating survey data relating to local crime.

My ambition has always been to work in Criminology, and I am confident in my ability to remain dedicated and professional. My academic and professional achievements have set me up to be an ideal student for a degree in Criminology. When people think of fighting crime it’s natural that they might think of police officers and the FBI, but I believe that without skilled researchers gathering and interpreting data policing will remain reactive rather than proactive. I want to be a big part of better understanding and lowering crime rates in my state through well-designed research projects that connect with the citizens we are working hard to protect.

Example 2 – a focus on a professional goal

My biggest dream is to be an FBI agent and with that goal in mind I am committed to studying the field of criminology, to gain a deeper understanding of the complexities of criminal justice, law, and psychology. As part of our High School Psychology course, we studied critical analyses of crime studies, which involves looking at the various aspects of a crime such as the social and economic factors that lead to it and the use of theoretical frameworks to understand the underlying causes and effects of criminal behaviour. I was fascinated by the process of researching and analyzing data from crime statistics, identifying patterns, and coming to logical conclusions.

Working on interviews and other investigative techniques to gain insights into criminal mindsets and motivations will, I hope, make me a better FBI officer in the future and develop my sense of compassion for people trapped in challenging situations, as both the victims and perpetrators of crime. I have strong communication skills and am a team player, which I believe will fit well with the ethos of Milwaukee College.

Some of these questions were already covered in this blog post but I will still list them here (because not everyone carefully reads every paragraph) so here’s the TL;DR version.

What is Criminology?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, including its causes, consequences, and control. It examines the legal and social aspects of crime, as well as the social, economic, and political factors that influence it.

It also looks into the various theories and approaches used to explain criminal behaviour and the effectiveness of various strategies used to control it. Furthermore, it considers the ethical issues related to criminal justice, such as the rights of victims and offenders, and the impact of crime on society.

By studying criminology, students can gain a better understanding of the criminal justice system, the causes of crime, and the ways in which it can be prevented and controlled.

What kind of career can be achieved with a Criminology degree?

With a degree in criminology, a wide range of career aspirations can be achieved.

• Law enforcement, such as a police officer, detective, or federal agent;
• Corrections, such as a probation officer or correctional officer;
• Social work, such as a case manager or community outreach worker;
• Criminal justice research, such as a crime analyst or research assistant;
• Victim advocacy, such as a victim advocate or crisis counsellor.
• Forensic psychology, forensic accounting, and cybercrime.

What traits are needed to be successful in Criminology?

Criminology is an exciting and challenging field which requires a range of skills and qualities to be successful. These include:

• Dedication: Being dedicated to the study of criminology and its related fields, and having a strong commitment to learning.
• Reliability: Being dependable and able to complete tasks accurately and efficiently.
• Concentration: Having the ability to focus intently and pay attention to detail.
• Professionalism: Being able to ethically and responsibly handle sensitive matters.
• Adaptability: Being able to adjust to changing environments and quickly respond to issues as they arise.
• Compassion: Being able to empathize with others, understand their views and opinions, and provide necessary assistance.

What kind of research should I do to write a personal statement for Criminology?

• Review the Course Overview and Requirements: Research the topics that will be covered in the course, such as criminal law, criminal justice, criminology theories, and research methods.
• Identify Your Interests: Think about why you are interested in Criminology and what experiences or skills you can bring to the course. Consider your past experiences, such as volunteering in a criminal justice organization or working in a related field, and any research or writing you have done on criminology topics.
• Collect Evidence: Collect evidence to support your personal statement. This could include academic qualifications, recommendations, and any other evidence that shows your commitment to the field of Criminology.
• Brainstorm and Outline: Create an outline of your personal statement. Brainstorm ideas and develop a strong thesis statement that outlines why you would be a good fit for the course and why you are passionate about Criminology.
• Write and Edit: Once you have outlined your personal statement, it’s time to write and edit. Make sure to review your statement for grammar, spelling, and clarity and get feedback.

What should a Criminology personal statement include?

A Criminology personal statement should include information about the applicant’s interest in and knowledge of the field of Criminology, as well as their skills, experiences, and achievements in relation to the subject. It should also include their future ambitions and plans for contributing to society through their study of Criminology. Additionally, applicants should demonstrate their ability to research, their ability to work with others, and their readiness for the degree course.

In order to make their personal statement unique, applicants should start the essay with a personal experience, carefully curate the most relevant points, use storytelling instead of making formal statements, use simple language, and personalize the essay.

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Return to: 2105 Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology    

The mission of the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology is to generate and disseminate knowledge and information that is theoretically driven and policy relevant for the fields of criminal justice and criminology. This is accomplished by engaging in research and scholarly activities to address issues of crime and justice affecting diverse populations in urban settings; producing students who are critical and ethical thinkers, knowledgeable about the issues of crime and justice, and prepared for leadership positions in the public and private sector that address crime and justice problems; and collaborating with communities, including public and private agencies through education, training, and research ventures that enhance our understanding of, and response to, issues associated with crime and the administration of justice. Through these activities, the Department promotes excellence in teaching, scholarship, and service that enhances the criminal justice profession and benefits the community at large.

The Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D.) degree program in Criminal Justice and Criminology provides in-depth training in criminological theory as well as advanced statistics, qualitative methods, and research methodology. The Ph.D. program prepares students for careers in research, teaching, management, and community service.

The development of the doctoral program is a response to several areas of societal need, including a growing need for policy-relevant, theoretically driven research on crime and criminal justice, the need for individuals with the requisite training and expertise to conduct such research, and the need for individuals to teach in the expanding number of criminology and criminal justice degree programs offered in institutions of higher education. Graduates of the doctoral program find employment in academic, government, non-profit and private research. Universities are a leading employer of scholars, and virtually all assistant professor positions in the field require a Ph.D. Opportunities for doctoral-trained researchers are also available outside of higher education, including research or management positions in government and non-profit agencies. Some doctoral-trained researchers find positions in think tanks or private research firms, where they utilize their expertise in survey design, data collection, and statistical analysis.

Program Objectives

By completing the requirements of the doctoral program, students become knowledgeable of both the substantive areas of criminology (knowledge about the extent and causes of crime) and the criminal justice system (society’s response to crime). In addition to general knowledge of these areas, it is expected that they will also acquire advanced knowledge in one or more areas of specialization within criminology or criminal justice (e.g., policing, victimization, criminological theory). Students also learn to apply appropriate and sophisticated analytical techniques necessary to conduct original research in criminology and criminal justice. In addition, our doctoral students are socialized into the related roles of scholarship, teaching, and service. At the time of graduation, students who successfully complete the doctoral program will be able to:

• Demonstrate scholarly expertise in one or more specialty areas within the field of criminal justice or criminology.
• Develop and apply advanced conceptual and technical skills to conduct high-quality, independent research.
• Teach graduate and undergraduate courses in criminology and criminal justice.

Degree Requirements

The doctoral program in criminal justice and criminology requires completion of a minimum of 54 credit hours beyond the Master’s degree. This includes 24 credit hours of required courses, 12 credit hours of elective courses, and 18 credit hours in directed work, including dissertation credits. Semester hours are shown in parentheses after each entry. Special topics and issues courses marked with an asterisk (*) can be repeated for credit only if the section topic is not also repeated.

Required Courses (24 Credit Hours)

• CRJU 9010 - Contemporary Criminal Justice Policy 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9030 - Graduate Orientation Seminar 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9450 - Criminological Theory II 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9550 - Directed Teaching Seminar 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9610 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice II 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9630 - Statistics in Criminal Justice II 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9830 - Readings in Area of Specialization 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9920 - Qualitative Research Methods 3 Credit Hours

Elective Courses (12 Credit Hours)

• CRJU 6040 - Comparative Criminal Justice Systems 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 6940 - Internship in Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 7630 - Applied Regression Analysis for Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 7920 - Independent Study in Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8010 - Theory and Practice in Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8050 - Criminological Theory I 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8110 - Law Enforcement Issues 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8210 - Juvenile Justice Issues 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8310 - Correctional Issues 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8410 - Criminological Issues 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8610 - Research Methods in Criminal Justice I 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8620 - Statistics in Criminal Justice I 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8710 - Legal Aspects of Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 8720 - Legal Issues in Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8830 - Selected Topics in Methods, Data, and Analysis 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8900 - Selected Topics in Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours *
• CRJU 8910 - Readings in Criminal Justice 1 to 3 Credit Hours

Directed Work (18 Credit Hours)

• CRJU 9800 - Directed Research in Criminology/Criminal Justice 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9820 - Research Externship 3 Credit Hours
• CRJU 9900 - Dissertation Research 1 to 18 Credit Hours

Entering Doctoral Program Without Master’s Degree in Criminal Justice

Students matriculating into the doctoral program in criminal justice and criminology without a terminal Master’s degree in Criminal Justice or closely related discipline must complete a minimum of 72 credit hours of coursework beyond the baccalaureate degree. This includes 36 credit hours of required courses, 18 credit hours of elective courses, and 18 credit hours in directed work, including dissertation credits. Semester hours are shown in parentheses after each entry. Special topics and issues courses marked with an asterisk (*) can be repeated for credit only if the section subtopic is not also repeated.

Required Courses (36 Credit Hours)

Elective courses (18 credit hours), graduate assistantship.

Please note, graduate assistants are required to enroll for a minimum of 12 credit hours each Fall and Spring semester and 9 credit hours each Summer semester. These credit hours consist of courses required for the prescribed 72-hour program of study, as well as additional hours of CRJU 7980 - Research Practicum   . Research Practicum includes supervised research as an assistant to faculty members. 

Outside Credit/Courses

With approval of the Director of Graduate Studies, doctoral students can take no more than a combined total of 12 credit hours outside of regularly scheduled classes in the department, including (1) classes from other GSU departments and colleges and (2) transfer credits. Transfer credits are allowable for courses (1) corresponding to a required or elective course in the program, (2) that were restricted to graduate students only, (3) completed within the previous five years, and (4) in which the student earned a grade of B or higher. Students requesting transfer credit must submit a course description from the catalog of the institution, a syllabus or course outline, and written justification stating why the course is relevant to the program of study.

Program of Study

A program of study plan must be completed by the student in consultation with and approved by the department’s Director of Graduate Studies. The program of study plan lists the required and elective courses to be taken by the graduate student to meet the degree requirements of the doctoral program. The program of study must be approved by the Director of Graduate Studies and submitted to the Office of Academic Assistance by the end of the second year or after thirty-six (36) semester hours of coursework have been completed. The Program of Study form is available from the Department.

In addition to coursework, students must successfully pass a written area examination and a dissertation proposal defense, write a dissertation, and successfully defend it.

Area Examination

In partial fulfillment of the requirements for the Ph.D., doctoral students complete an examination paper in a substantive area within criminology or criminal justice. The purpose of the examination paper is two-fold: (1) to assess students’ knowledge and understanding of the theoretical foundation from which the student’s specialty area arises, including an assessment of the key conceptual and methodological approaches used, critical issues and debates in this theoretical area; and (2) to assess the student’s ability to formulate a compelling research question which is narrower in scope, derived from this theoretical foundation, and which reflects the student’s understanding of this specialization and the big questions that push it forward.

The format of the area examination is normally that of a review essay of thirty to forty pages (maximum excluding title page, references, and tables/appendices) that discusses the theoretical foundations, key concepts and methodologies, findings, and controversial issues or debates within the student’s chosen area of specialization. The essay should follow the format of a critical review of the literature (for example, consult recent editions of Crime and Justice: An Annual Review of Research or Annual Review of Sociology). In part, the essay should reflect a synthesis of the literature that highlights key points rather than discussing individual studies in great detail. It should also display the student’s analysis of this literature. See below for specific evaluation criteria.

Although the essay should facilitate the eventual development of a dissertation proposal, it is not intended that the essay duplicate the first half of a dissertation. Rather, the purpose of the essay is to establish the writer’s command of a relatively broad literature in a recognized sub-area within criminal justice or criminology. “Offender decision-making” would be an example of such an area, whereas the student’s dissertation might focus more narrowly on “The meaning of punishment: the influence of street culture on offenders’ perceptions of, and response to, official sanctions.”

The area examination committee is comprised of three Criminal Justice and Criminology (CJC) faculty members, selected by the student and approved by the Director of Graduate Studies. The student and the examination committee determine the precise area covered by the examination. Before beginning to write the first draft of the examination, the student shall submit an outline (in thesis statement format) that identifies the theoretical foundation, key conceptual issues, methodological approaches, and critical debates of the specialty area, culminating in a tentative research question(s) that they plan to address in the paper. This draft outline shall also include a tentative bibliography of key sources. The student’s coursework should provide a useful starting point for the bibliography. In most cases, however, the student will need to go beyond the course work to master his or her area of specialization. The outline should be submitted to the examination committee for revision and final approval.  Once approval has been given, the student is able to begin writing the paper. At this point, the student should work independently from the committee except a) to address logistical issues or b) to address questions regarding breadth and depth of paper (not specifics and committee should not read drafts).

Expected progress in the program is defined by completion of the area paper by the semester following the completion of all required coursework. Students generally take the Readings in Area course the semester before they turn in their area paper. Failure to make such progress can result in the loss of funding and/or dismissal from the program. The faculty will grade the paper within three weeks of receiving it from the student. It is up to the committee to determine if a formal presentation and defense of the area exam before a final decision is made is warranted. Formal written notice of the committee’s decision should be provided to the student and the Graduate Director. Papers will be graded as “Pass” or “Major Revise and Resubmit” will be determined by a majority vote of the committee. The determination of “Major Revise and Resubmit” should be made if the paper needs substantial, substantive revisions based on the grading criteria listed below. If the exam is not acceptable to a majority of the committee, the student has no more than four months to submit a revised version. Failure to submit the area exam by the above deadline results in failure of the exam. The committee will again evaluate the exam and determine a grade of “Pass” or “Fail”. An area exam not successfully completed at this time will result in dismissal from the program. Students must pass the area examination before they will be permitted to defend a dissertation proposal.

Grading of the exam will be based on the breadth of knowledge, the creativity or innovation of the approach taken, the depth of the critical analysis, and the ability of the student to write well. Additional details are provided below. The examination committee evaluates the manuscript on its success in meeting these four objectives. In particular, exam papers will be judged on an overall assessment of the following areas:

• Breadth of Foundational Knowledge. The essay should demonstrate that the writer is familiar with the literature in the selected area of specialization. It is essential that the student cite and summarize the most influential publications in the field (both classic and recent publications). The student must remember to summarize or explain key ideas.
• Creativity/Innovation. The essay should demonstrate that the writer is not only familiar with the readings but has integrated the literature and can identify the big questions that push the area forward. What are the relative strengths and weaknesses of relevant theoretical perspectives? What are the key conceptual issues, debates, and questions on the cutting edge? Which claims have been substantiated, and which remain speculative? What key questions have yet to be answered? What new lines of empirical research are required to answer these questions? What type of study would the student design to answer one or more of these questions? Students should highlight the degree of innovation in their proposed line of research.
• Critical Analysis. This manuscript should convey to the reader the existing body of knowledge; a successful area exam not only sorts the literature in terms of importance, centrality, and research generated, but also expresses the unique scholarly voice of the writer. The author must provide his or her own assessment of the current state of the literature (or of key perspectives or debates) and clearly distinguish personal views from those of existing sources. The author should take a position and clearly identify where and why they agree or disagree with existing sources (while properly citing these sources).
• Written Communication. Fourth, this manuscript should demonstrate the author’s ability to write well. In addition to proper grammar and sentence structure, the paper should be well-organized and ideas should flow logically, with strong transitions from point to point and from one section of the paper to the next. The paper should reflect a tone that is appropriate for doctoral-level work, with an emphasis on critical thinking rather than simple summary or description.

Dissertation Requirements

For the student, the Ph.D. degree program culminates in the writing and successful defense of the doctoral dissertation. The dissertation must demonstrate mastery of the research process and should be based on an original investigation. When developing an idea for the dissertation, and when executing the research project, it should be the goal of the student to provide a significant and original contribution to the existing knowledge base in the selected topic area.

• Dissertation Committee. Initial deliberations regarding an acceptable research project for the dissertation may begin in the early stages of the student’s doctoral training and should involve the student’s major advisor. Following successful completion of the area exam, students assemble a dissertation committee in consultation with their major advisor (subject to approval by the Director of Graduate Studies). The dissertation committee is comprised of three faculty members from the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology (all must hold graduate faculty status) and one outside member. The outside member typically represents a department at the university other than Criminal Justice and Criminology but can be from another university. Following the formation of the dissertation committee and the identification of a mutually acceptable research project, the student submits the dissertation committee form listing the committee chair and members to the DGS, requesting that they be officially appointed. Once a committee has been appointed, any changes to the committee must be approved by the DGS and all members of the new committee.
• Dissertation Proposal and Proposal Defense. The next step toward the production of a dissertation involves the development of a defensible dissertation proposal or “prospectus.” Students entering the program with a Master’s degree must defend their dissertation proposals no later than 8 semesters after the start of the program. Students entering the program without a Master’s degree must defend their dissertation proposals no later than 11 semesters after start of the program. The dissertation proposal typically includes an introduction and problem statement, a review of the relevant literature, hypotheses section, and a data and methods section that details how the student will execute the proposed research and how s/he plans to address any potential limitations of the project. For detailed guidelines, visit aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/dissertation-guidelines/ . To obtain approval, the student must successfully present and defend the proposal before the dissertation committee. Other faculty members and graduate students in the school are invited to attend this oral defense. To document a successful defense, the dissertation committee chair submits a Record of Proposal Defense form to the Director of Graduate Studies and the Office of Academic Assistance. Following a successful defense and pending requested revisions, the student must obtain approval from the university Institutional Review Board (IRB) for projects involving research with human subjects before any data collection or analysis can begin.
• Three-Paper Dissertation. The traditional dissertation includes five chapters - Introduction, Literature Review, Methods, Results, and Conclusion. This format may not be best suited for your research. An alternate format may be used, the three-paper dissertation. If you would like to use this format, you must consult with your dissertation chair and make the decision to do so together. Please consider that the three-paper format may not be suitable for you. It may take longer to prepare and defend and may take more work than a traditional dissertation. Instead of five chapters, the three-paper dissertation will include three separate, publishable papers (as deemed by the dissertation committee) of normal journal article length that are  logically linked together . See aysps.gsu.edu/criminal-justice-criminology/ph-d-forms/ for specific guidelines on structure and format.
• Final Defense of the Dissertation. The oral defense of the completed dissertation will be heard by the dissertation committee and will be open to other faculty and graduate students in the college. Following a successful defense, the dissertation committee chair will ask the committee members to sign a Pass Sheet provided by the Office of Academic Assistance, and the Acceptance Sheet that the student provides for his/her dissertation. Signatures on these forms acknowledge that the dissertation has been successfully completed and defended. The chair should submit these forms to the Office of Academic Assistance for the student’s permanent file. If any changes to the dissertation are requested as a result of the final oral defense, the chair may hold the Acceptance Sheet until they believe the dissertation is in final form. For scheduling and other procedural details, and to obtain the relevant forms, the student should visit the following website: aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/dissertation-guidelines/ .
• Dissertation Formatting and Style. The thesis must comply with current AYSPS format, style, and procedural instructions available here: aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/dissertation-guidelines .
• Submission, Reproduction, and Publication of the Electronic Dissertation. To be cleared for graduation, the dissertation format must be approved by the Office of Academic Assistance and electronically submitted through the Georgia State University Library. See aysps.gsu.edu/oaa/dissertation-guidelines for additional instructions.

Standards of Performance

Students in the doctoral program must maintain a minimum cumulative grade point average of 3.0 to remain in good standing and for graduation. It is expected that all required courses will be completed with a grade of B- or above. If a lower grade is earned in a required course, it must be retaken. No more than three semester hours of elective coursework with a grade of C may be counted toward the degree. Only in a course in which a grade of C+ or lower is earned may a student repeat the course and only one such course may be repeated, one time. When a course is repeated, both grades count in the student’s cumulative grade point average. A grade lower than a B- in any required course will prohibit registration for dissertation credits until the required course has been completed with a grade of B- or higher. Students may not register for dissertation credit unless all required courses have been completed successfully.

If a doctoral student’s cumulative GPA drops below 3.0 at the end of a semester, the student will receive a warning from the college. If a 3.0 cumulative GPA is not achieved within two consecutive semesters, the student will be terminated from the graduate program. A student with a doctoral program GPA below 3.0 is ineligible for a graduate assistantship appointment. Additionally, to continue in the program, a student must make reasonable and timely progress toward the degree in terms of coursework, examinations, and dissertation work. If a student fails to make reasonable and timely progress, either the department or the Director of Graduate Studies may withdraw funding or terminate the student from the program. A student who has been terminated from the doctoral program will not be permitted to reapply or reenter the program.

The determination of a student’s reasonable and timely progress is to be made by the Director of Graduate Studies in consultation with the student’s faculty advisor. All requirements for the degree, including the dissertation, must be completed within seven years from the semester of entry into the doctoral program. Failure to do so will result in termination from the doctoral program. Students may petition the Director of Graduate Studies to extend this clock given extenuating circumstances. Based on a three-semester cycle (Fall, Spring, Summer), benchmarks for reasonable and timely progress for doctoral students who matriculated with a Master’s degree include the following from the semester of entry: (1) complete coursework by Spring of Year 2 (5 semesters), pass area exam by Summer of Year 2 (6 semesters), defend dissertation proposal by Spring of Year 3 (8 semesters), and defend dissertation by Summer of Year 4 (12 semesters). Similarly, benchmarks for reasonable and timely progress for doctoral students who matriculated without a Master’s degree include the following from the semester of entry: (1) complete coursework by Spring of Year 3 (8 semesters), pass area exam by Summer of Year 3 (9 semesters), defend dissertation proposal by Spring of Year 4 (11 semesters), and defend dissertation by Summer of Year 5 (15 semesters). Part-time doctoral students should consult with the Director of Graduate Studies on a plan to complete the program within the seven-year time limit.

Where a student believes that unusual circumstances invalidate any of the regulations or requirements relating to the degree in his or her case, the student may write to the Director of Graduate Studies and request exemption from or change in the policy. The petition by the student must be submitted with accompanying justifications. If the Director of Graduate Studies supports the request, they will write a letter of support for the student and submit the material to the Office of Academic Assistance for a decision in consultation with the associate dean.

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Criminology and Psychology Personal Statement

Little interests me more than trying to unwind the endless enigma of the human mind; why people do what they do and how the behaviour of others can be predicted and interpreted. Unknown to many, psychology plays a major part in everyone’s life, from trying to understand the strange man on the bus to an impromptu counselling session with a heartbroken friend. It is for this reason that I am certain of my need to further my fascination for Psychology.

I am compelled to analyse people, how they think and how thought turns to action. I believe that Psychology is indispensable in today’s society, and personally, I want to be at the centre of things. In studying Health and Social Care, excelling in psychology and sociology modules, I have developed my keen interest and solidified my long term career goals in this area. I believe strongly in the importance of such studies and ultimately I wish to reach a point where I may use my acquired knowledge for the good of others.

My French studies have also aided me in developing my sensitivity to language and my ability to communicate effectively, attributes which should benefit me greatly in my chosen course. I also believe that the analytical skills developed through studying History will support the rigours of tertiary education. I am confident that I already possess qualities universities require to produce work of an impressive standard. I am focussed, hard-working and most importantly, I believe my genuine interest and passion for this subject will push me to persevere in my studies.

During my time at Dalriada I have served as Form Captain for three years, proving my leadership capabilities. Additionally, I am a member of Ballymoney Council for Road Safety and attend monthly meetings with various councillors from the town; improving my ability to participate as part of a group and giving me the chance to hold a prestigious role in the town which I take great pride in. During my time on the council I have been involved in arranging road safety events, helping locals with problems and running awareness events, demonstrating my organisational skills. Road safety is an issue close to my heart and I am appreciative of having had the opportunity to step up and improve my community.

Being a devoted Samaritans volunteer, I have become heavily involved in the organisation through both fundraising and awareness, along with widening my perspective of psychology. Additionally, having the opportunity to partake in the Listener Scheme within Magilligan Prison, training prisoners to become Samaritans to others at risk within the prison has allowed me to begin to understand the men, all of whom had very different backgrounds, stories and convictions. I have also dedicated time to World Aid Group events within school.

My leisure interests are a substantial part of my life and enable me to sustain a healthy work-life balance. Being a keen member of the Northern Ireland Volleyball Squad for several years, I earned my first international caps at the age of 15, which I am very proud of. I also play for my school and town teams, competing in several different leagues and competitions each year, developing my self-confidence and ability to cope both physically and mentally with stressful situations.

During my week’s work experience with a solicitor, assisting in a high court case, I fuelled my ever-developing interest in the criminal justice service. However, I am much more interested in determining why the perpetrator committed the act rather than whether or not they did in fact perform it. My time spent with the solicitors and barristers also gave me a healthy insight into the working world, particularly the criminal justice service.

I believe that my strong enthusiasm for psychological research and my ambition to understand the thoughts and behaviour of others will ultimately fuel my determination to be the best Psychologist I can be.

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