Criminology is the social-scientific study of crime, including the measurement, etiology, consequences, prevention, control, and treatment of crime and delinquency. Courses in the program help students develop a structural perspective which in turn lets them understand crime, law, and society more broadly and critically. The criminology major prepares students for further academic study and/or employment in the fields of parole and probation careers, criminal justice employment as well as law school. Information about career options for criminology majors is offered by the American Sociological Association and the American Society of Criminology.
Closely aligned with the sociology program, this criminology program is designed to meet the requirements for an Associate of Arts in Criminology from CNM. It will also prepare a student to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology or Sociology from a 4-year college or university. Students will develop critical thinking skills through comparison of major theories in the field, analysis of crime trends, and evaluation of the criminal justice system.
This educational option is designed: To meet the requirements for an Associate of Arts in Criminology from CNM and prepare a student to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology or Sociology from a 4-year college or university.
This educational option can be completed: Part-Time or Full-Time.
This program can be started: Any term.
Primary course location: Any CNM Campus. Online courses are also available.
Special Requirements:
In addition to the UNM criminology requirements shown in the term-by-term outline, students can transfer six credit hours of CNM sociology courses listed on the UNM approved electives list for criminology majors; these include SOCI 2310 Contemporary Social Problems, SOCI 2210 Sociology of Deviance, and SOCI 2250 Sociology of Race and Ethnicity. CNM sociology courses not listed here transfer to UNM as electives. The UNM Department of Sociology will accept 6 credit hours from CNM’s Criminal Justice program (courses with a CJ prefix); the hours will transfer as electives for UNM criminology majors. The Criminal Justice (CJ) credit hours do not count toward the CNM Liberal Arts degree.
Graduates who intend to work in the field of law enforcement may wish to check agency requirements.
Some courses are not eligible for Financial Aid. Please check the list here when considering a course.
Educational Opportunities
This program listed is designed to meet the requirements for an Associate of Arts in Criminology from CNM and prepare a student to obtain a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology at University of New Mexico. However, students from CNM seeking a baccalaureate degree may also transfer to other institutions. Criminology majors interested in transfer to UNM should consult the UNM Sociology Department. Students should always refer to the catalog of their intended transfer institution for admission, program, course, and graduation requirements. College catalogs are generally available online. Students should also consult a faculty advisor and/or an Academic Coach with CNM Connect Services.
Many of the courses in this program are transferable and some may be applied to four-year degree programs at other institutions. CNM currently has transfer agreements with many colleges and universities in New Mexico and elsewhere.
Minimum Credit Hours Required to Complete Degree: 60
This information is meant to serve as a general guide for students intending to major in Criminology. Specific requirements for transfer will vary from school to school. It is the student’s responsibility to contact the four year transfer school to confirm specific admission and degree requirements.
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