Academics

Studying Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University Chicago

Since 1975, the Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University Chicago has been the leader in educating students for active careers and for further study in the wide-ranging filed of criminal justice or in related areas such as law. An extensive curriculum and small class settings provide excellent training, an emphasis on ethics, and access to urban resources for new undergraduates and for students transferring from other programs. Seasoned professionals also can fulfill educational needs through a full range of day and evening courses.

Guided by quality faculty with extensive field experience, students can explore a broad range of courses. Loyola's Criminal Justice and Criminology Department faculty is committed to giving time and attention to every student, inside and outside the classroom, in counseling sessions on academic matters, or in friendly conversations. Part-time instructors, many of whom are practicing criminal justice professionals, frequently teach courses that infuse the curriculum with fresh perspectives from the outside world. They are drawn from the Chicago Police department, the Cook County State's Attorney's Office, US Probation, and other key governmental agencies in Chicago and surrounding areas.

Loyola's location provides great opportunities for the study of criminal justice. Cook County, whose criminal justice system is the largest and most complex of any in the country, proves an excellent environment in which to study the workings of the criminal justice system. Chicago and Cook County are the students' laboratory, and each student's learning experience is enhanced by his or her interaction with the county's criminal justice professionals. An extensive internship program enables students to link classroom learning with practical experience in such key areas as corrections, courts and law, law enforcement, private security, probation and parole, research, and victim advocacy.

Courses of Study

The Department of Criminal Justice and Criminology at Loyola University Chicago offers several academic programs. The department's undergraduate program leads to a Bachelor of Science (BS) degree, which introduces students to all aspects of the nation's complex criminal justice system, while stressing individual growth and personal attention, a hallmark of the 450-year-old Jesuit tradition that inspires Loyola University Chicago.

Students may elect to pursue a minor course of study if they have a different major, but a strong interest in criminal justice and criminology. Students eager to accelerate their education and expand their career options also may choose to apply for the combined, five-year BS/MA program, leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice and Criminology.

Finally, the department offers a graduate program leading to a Master of Arts (MA) in Criminal Justice and Criminology. All graduate classes are conducted one day per week in the evening, making it convenient for students who work and would not otherwise be able to pursue a graduate program during the day.

Classes for the undergraduate and graduate programs are held at Loyola's Lake Shore Campus. We look forward to considering your application for either undergraduate or graduate study at Loyola.

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