Why Major in Criminology and Investigations?
The Criminology and Investigations major is grounded in the discipline of sociology and supports the Forensic Science Initiative at West Virginia University. The Criminology focus provides an understanding of society as a normative order with ever-changing definitions of conformity and deviance. Through an examination of the social foundations of law, the operation of the criminal justice system and such urgent problems as juvenile delinquency, corporate crime, hate crime, terrorism, and organized crime, students will develop a new understanding of public order and public privacy.
The investigations focus explores the process and procedures employed by those individuals and groups in the criminal justice system who seek to establish "truth" in the furtherance of justice. Students will examine both the formal and informal processes that affect the investigation of evidence. They will also examine the primary social relationships that shape the fate of criminal and civil cases.
The Criminology and investigations major prepares students for a variety of careers in the public, private and non-profit sectors and for graduate programs in sociology, criminology, criminal justice, forensic investigation, public administration, and law.