The Criminology BA at the University of Portland encourages students to critically examine crime, law-breaking behavior, and the criminal justice system through both social scientific and humanistic perspectives. Housed within the Department of Sociology and Social Work, the program explores crime as a social phenomenon, including the processes of creating laws, breaking laws, and society's responses to law violations. Students study the complex relationships among law, crime, justice, treatment, and prevention while developing an understanding of crime, deviance, and delinquency as social processes that shape individuals and communities.

A central goal of the curriculum is to apply the study of criminology toward advancing justice and improving societal conditions. The program emphasizes respect for human dignity and examines multiple approaches to justice, including social, economic, restorative, and retributive justice. Through coursework in criminological theory, research methods, and criminal justice systems, students learn to analyze crime data and trends, evaluate policing, courts, and corrections, apply sociological and criminological theories to contemporary issues, and critically assess crime policies and prevention strategies.

The major is well suited for students interested in crime, criminal justice, public policy, and social research. Graduates develop strong analytical, research, and communication skills and gain a deeper understanding of the social forces that influence criminal behavior, justice systems, and community responses to crime.

A degree in criminology prepares graduates for a wide range of careers in law enforcement, criminal law, corrections, investigations, community justice systems, crime prevention and reduction, harm reduction, restorative justice, public policy, and nonprofit or government agencies that serve individuals involved in the justice system. Sample courses such as Sociology of Crime & Justice, Criminology, Juvenile Delinquency, Deviance, and Sociology of Policing provide students with a strong foundation for understanding crime and justice in contemporary society while preparing them for meaningful careers dedicated to promoting justice and community well-being.