PROGRAM TYPE
On Campus
DEGREES
BS
Contact
Ann Marie Mires
Chair of Criminal Justice and Forensic Criminology, Professor of Practice
Criminal Justice and Forensic Criminology
(508) 849-3257
Forensic Criminology | BS
Program Overview
The Bachelor of Science in Forensic Criminology at Anna Maria College combines the analytical study of criminal behavior with the scientific methods used in modern investigations. Students explore how forensic science and criminology intersect to solve crimes, understand criminal motivation, and improve the justice process.
The growth of Forensic Sciences in recent years has been the result of the need for the application of scientific specialties to the medical and legal process of investigating and prosecuting crime. The major in Forensic Criminology will provide students with a specialized examination of the criminal justice system from both sociological and scientific perspectives. While Criminal Justice aims to study the breadth of criminal activities and its control through policing and corrections, Forensic Criminology explores the depth of crime, its causes and criminal motivation to address legal and investigative questions. Forensic means the application of science to the law. Through a focus on evidence and process, students are challenged to assess systemic and societal responses to various criminal populations and case studies.
The major serves to prepare students interested in the criminal justice system for careers in criminal justice and forensic investigations or to pursue further graduate studies. Consistent with the mission of Anna Maria College, this major will prepare students with a liberal education for professional service in society and the administration of justice.
Why Choose Anna Maria for Forensic Criminology?
- Interdisciplinary program blending criminology and forensic science
- Faculty with expertise in law enforcement, sociology, and forensics
- Coursework aligned with real-world investigative and legal applications
- Opportunities for internships and research in criminal justice agencies
- Small classes and personalized faculty mentorship
- Preparation for graduate study in forensic science, criminology, or law
Program Highlights:
- The Forensic Criminology curriculum explores:
- The science of evidence and forensic analysis
- Theories of criminal motivation and behavior
- The relationship between crime, society, and the justice system
- Research methods in criminology and sociology
- Legal and ethical considerations in forensic practice
Students gain both scientific literacy and sociological insight, learning how to connect physical evidence to human behavior and systemic responses to crime.
Career Paths and Outcomes:
Graduates of Anna Maria’s Forensic Criminology program are prepared for roles such as:
- Forensic investigator or crime scene technician
- Criminal or intelligence analyst
- Law enforcement officer or detective
- Victim advocate or community justice coordinator
- Research assistant or graduate student in forensic or behavioral sciences
The program provides a strong foundation for advanced study in law, criminology, or forensic science.
Learning Environment:
Students benefit from small classes, faculty mentorship, and connections to local and national justice organizations. Practical experiences—including internships and field studies—help bridge the gap between academic theory and investigative practice.
Course Of Study
Career Opportunity
CAREER
- Clinical social worker
- Police detective
- Lawyer
- Forensic psychologist
- Criminal profiler
Program Learning Outcomes
The Program Learning Outcomes are to:
- Identify the structure and function of the criminal justice system as related to forensic criminology.
- Examine the consequences and responses to crime and the scientific requirements of forensic evidence collection and documentation.
- Apply theoretical explanations of crimes and criminality to assess their legal and ethical implications.
- Analyze how the social environment affects victims, criminals, and families and understand how it relates to larger political and economic factors.
- Research the delivery of forensic services across the criminal justice system, from crime to courtroom.
Upon successful completion of the program students will:
- Know, explain, and be able to analyze a broad range of forensic and criminal justice concepts including:
– the function of the judicial system,
– theoretical explanations of crime and criminality,
– the organization and sociology of law enforcement,
– the principles and sources of law, and
– the application and practice of forensic methodologies to the law. - Develop and demonstrate oral and written communication skills relevant to professional positions in forensics and criminal justice.
- Be able to find, read, and critically evaluate forensic and criminal justice literature.
- Apply the scientific method to forensic and criminal justice research.
- Apply theoretical knowledge to practical problems and situations and assess their ethical and moral implications.
- Develop leadership skills that embody a commitment to social justice, responsibility, and the law.
Along with other majors in the school, forensic criminology majors take courses in social science, Researching the Social World, and Applied Statistics and Quantitative Analysis in order to develop skills that will enhance their understanding. The major consists of 16 courses, or 50 credit hours. Please note that some courses are 4 credits, given their lab component.
Victimology and Victim Studies Minor/Certificate
The recognition of victims’ issues has taken on great importance today. Victims of all types require advocates and service providers that can assist them in understanding their rights and guiding them through the legal and criminal justice processes. Through an exploration of theoretical approaches to the study of victims, their circumstances, and the specific resources available to them, the student is exposed to the field of Victimology and its contribution to the protection of legal and civil rights of victims and survivors.
Anna Maria College has developed an interdisciplinary minor in Victimology (6 courses) and a certificate in Victim Studies (4 courses). Students enrolled in a bachelor’s degree program in any field or concentration may earn a minor in Victimology through the completion of three required courses and three upper level electives (300-400 level) or a certificate in Victim Studies through the completion of three required courses and one upper level elective. Students may enroll in the Victim Studies certificate as a post-baccalaureate student pursuing a master’s degree.
Requirements: six courses, 18 credits
| CRJ 362 Victimology |
| SWK 242 Introduction to Social Welfare |
| CRJ 386/PSY 342 Counseling for Victims and Families |
| Three upper level electives (300-400 level) including two approved electives from course work in Criminal Justice, Psychology and Social Work listed below. |
Two approved electives from:
| CRJ 380 Disaster Victims | CRJ 381 Victim’s Advocacy |
| CRJ 382 Sexual Assault | CRJ 383 Child Abuse |
| CRJ 384 Elder Abuse | CRJ 385 Mental Health and Criminal Justice |
| CRJ 410 Juvenile Justice | CRJ 421 Gender, Crime and Justice |
| CRJ 422 Domestic Violence | CRJ 423 Race and Crime |
| PSY 207 Child Development | PSY 215 Adolescent Development |
| SWK 348 Growth and Behavior and Social Environment I | SWK 349 Growth and Behavior and Social Environment II |
| SWK 350 Child Abuse, Family Preservation, and Permanency Planning | SWK 408 Marriage and Family |
With the minor and certificate, no more than two courses may double count toward the student’s field of concentration.
Computer Forensics and investigation Minor/Certificate
This minor/certificate is designed to provide students with the basic understanding of the hardware and software applications that are utilized in computer forensics; the procedures for investigating computer crimes; the methodology of forensic data collection, evidence preservation and documentation; and the potential of the Internet as a tool for gathering data for computer and non-computer crimes.
Meet Our Faculty
Ann Marie Mires
Chair of Criminal Justice and Forensic Criminology, Professor of Practice
Criminal Justice and Forensic Criminology
(508) 849-3257
