Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

ACADEMICS

Students in the Criminology and Criminal Justice program examine the different aspects of crime and criminal justice — law enforcement, the courts and corrections — from a sociological perspective, giving them an understanding of human behavior in a broader social context.

Beyond the Classroom

Our department has a strong research emphasis and we encourage volunteer work and involvement in the criminal justice field as part of students’ training. Student organizations, internships, and community outreach can shape a student's experience outside the classroom.

About

The Criminology and Criminal Justice program examines crime in a cultural, structural and historical context, focusing on the causes of crime and the effectiveness of society’s responses to deviant behavior.

We use applied sociological concepts to explain crime and inform public safety practices, including theories that relate to social justice. We prepare students to address the challenges of crime and justice in society as criminal justice professionals, researchers and educators.

Faculty Spotlight

USC Study Reveals New Facts on School Shootings

USC criminology professor Brent Klein analyzes 650+ school shooting incidents, revealing that most involve handguns, not high-powered weapons. His research challenges common assumptions and offers data-driven insights for better prevention.

Learn what the data reveals