Criminology and Criminal Justice (Community Safety, Law and Social Change), BS
Explore community-driven approaches to public safety and justice reform. Study restorative justice, transformative justice and diversion programs that emphasize accountability and harm reduction.
Quick facts
Locations
Courses
Additional facts
STEM-OPT extension eligible: No
International students (F1), this program is not eligible for the STEM-OPT extension.
Accreditation
Accredited by the Higher Learning Commission.
Degree description
Program description
The community safety, law and social change concentration in the Bachelor of Science program in criminology and criminal justice helps you explore innovative and equitable approaches to public safety, legal reform and community well-being. This program emphasizes strategies for reducing harm and victimization that extend beyond traditional criminal justice responses.
You learn about emerging approaches to safety --- including crisis response teams, transformative justice practices, and community-led initiatives. You also examine the social impacts of law and policy, as well as efforts to build trust, accountability and resources within communities. Through the curriculum, you gain a deeper understanding of how safety can be achieved through prevention, collaboration and structural change.
Courses are taught by nationally recognized faculty with expertise in community justice, legal advocacy and social change, and by professionals engaged in shaping real-world alternatives to the current system. You're encouraged to participate in internships, applied research and community engagement opportunities that provide hands-on experience in building safer, more just communities.
GI Bill® benefits
This new program is not yet approved for use with GI Bill® benefits.
GI Bill® is a registered trademark of the U.S. Department of Veterans Affairs. More information about education benefits offered by VA is available at the official U.S. government website at https://www.benefits.va.gov/gibill/.
Why specialize in community safety, law and social change at ASU?
You'll benefit from hands-on learning through internships, applied research and community partnerships. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice houses three research centers: the Center for Correctional Solutions, the Center for Problem-Oriented Policing, and the Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety. These centers offer opportunities to engage with hands-on challenges and contribute to innovative solutions.
Students pursuing concurrent degrees at ASU can earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with academic advisors, you can create your own concurrent degree combination to align with your career goals and interests.
Additional details
The Center for Correctional Solutions enhances the lives of people who live and work in the correctional system through research, education and community engagement. The Center for Problem-Oriented Policing delivers information that helps agencies address specific crime and disorder problems. The Center for Violence Prevention and Community Safety works with community partners to build and test new models for predicting, preventing and controlling violence.
You can join student organizations such as Alpha Phi Sigma, the Criminology and Criminal Justice Club, and the CCJ Graduate Student Committee. Undergraduate research opportunities may also be available.
Courses
Explore a sample list of courses you may take in this program.
| Sample courses |
|---|
| CRJ 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 201 Criminal Justice Crime Control Policies and Practices |
| CRJ 203 Courts and Sentencing |
| CRJ 230 Introduction to Policing |
| CRJ 240 Introduction to Corrections |
| CRJ 302 Research Methods |
Course checksheet and curriculum archive
The curriculum checksheet displays this program's required courses and other requirements you must complete for graduation.
Current ASU students, see how your courses can apply to another major and find out how to change your major (opens in new window).
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See how your credits may apply (opens in new window)Admission requirements
Here are the admission and application details
All students are required to meet general university admission requirements.
First year (opens in new window) | Transfer (opens in new window) | International (opens in new window) | Readmission (opens in new window)
A current ASU student has no additional requirements for changing majors.
Students should visit the Change of Major form (opens in new window) for information about how to change a major to this program.
Explore expanded study opportunities
When you pursue concurrent degrees (also known as a “double major”), you earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. Working with your academic advisor, you can create your own concurrent degree combination. Some combinations are not possible due to high levels of overlap in curriculum.
With more than 300 Global Education program opportunities available to them, criminology and criminal justice students are able to tailor their experience to their unique interests and skill sets. The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice has existing rotating summer study abroad programs in multiple countries, including Israel, Norway and Northern Ireland. These programs are currently open to online and in-person students.
Paying for college
Use our calculator to estimate your full-time or part-time tuition fees for this program prior to any financial aid. Keep in mind that most of our students recieve financial aid, which can reduce out-of-pocket costs.
Get an estimate
Build the career and future you want
Our graduates are prepared for a variety of career paths, including:
| Career | Growth | Median Salary | More Information |
|---|---|---|---|
| Community Specialist | 5.5% | $56,730 | Learn more |
| Correctional Officer | -7.4% | $58,940 | Learn more |
| Human Behavior Researcher | 5.0% | $61,990 | Learn more |
| Lawyer | 4.7% | $159,670 | Learn more |
| Paralegal Assistant | -0.3% | $72,110 | Learn more |
| Police Sergeant/Detective | 3.3% | $106,040 | Learn more |
| Politician | Not available | Not available | Learn more |
| Social Services Director | 7.2% | $80,390 | Learn more |
Example job titles and salaries listed are not necessarily entry level, and students should take into consideration how years of experience and geographical location may affect pay scales. Some jobs also may require advanced degrees, certifications or state-specific licensure.
Data obtained from the Occupational Information Network (O*NET) under sponsorship of the U.S. Department of Labor/Employment and Training Administration (USDOL/ETA).
More about careers
Careers this community safety, law and social change concentration prepares you for
Graduates of this concentration are well prepared to pursue careers in legal and policy advocacy, community-based organizations, research and think tanks, government leadership, and political oversight. They are equipped to lead in the development of inclusive and effective safety strategies, and to drive meaningful change in the criminal legal system and beyond.
Graduates pursuing advanced study in Juris Doctorate or Master of Legal Studies programs are well prepared with the strong foundation this program has given them.
Contact information
Use the contact information below to get in touch if you're a current student or have general questions.
Prospective students should fill out the Request for Information form.
School of Criminology and Criminal Justice
|
UCENT 600
SCCJAdvising@asu.edu
602-496-2356
Frequently asked questions about degree programs
Accelerated programs allow students the opportunity to expedite the completion of their degree.
Accelerated master's
These programs allow students to accelerate their studies to earn a bachelor's plus a master's degree in as few as five years (for some programs).
Each program has requirements students must meet to be eligible for consideration. Students typically receive approval to pursue the accelerated master's during the junior year of their bachelor's degree program. Interested students can learn about eligibility requirements and how to apply.
Concurrent degrees allow students to pursue their own personal or professional interests, earn two distinct degrees and receive two diplomas. To add a concurrent degree to your existing degree, work with your academic advisor.
Joint programs, or jointly conferred degrees, are offered by more than one college and provide opportunities for students to take advantage of the academic strengths of two academic units. Upon graduation, students are awarded one degree and one diploma conferred by two colleges.
ASU adds new programs to Degree Search frequently. Come back often and look for the "New Programs" option.
ASU Online offers programs in an entirely online format with multiple enrollment sessions throughout the year. See https://asuonline.asu.edu/ for more information.
