2023-2024

Criminology and Criminal Justice, Minor

Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice

College of Social and Behavioral Sciences

This minor allows students to choose approved electives that parallel their interests in such areas as politics, global security, race, gender, violent crime, white collar crime, and as portrayed in the media. The plan also provides opportunities to consider the meaning of justice in varied situations.

  • A minor is earned in conjunction with a bachelor's degree.

    To receive a minor (18 - 24 units) at Northern Arizona University, you must complete a planned group of courses from one or more subject matter areas with a cumulative grade point average of at least 2.0. At least 12 units of the minor must be unique to that minor and not applied to any other minor.

In addition to University Requirements:

  • Complete individual plan requirements.

Students may be able to use some courses to meet more than one requirement. Contact your advisor for details.

No more than fifty percent of the units used to satisfy minor requirements may be used to satisfy major requirements.

Minimum Units for Completion 21
Fieldwork Experience/Internship Optional

Purpose Statement

The undergraduate minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJ) provides a broad foundation of knowledge about criminology and criminal justice. Students minoring in Criminology and Criminal Justice will learn how criminal justice processes operate, how social forces influence those processes and how, in turn, trends in criminal justice influence society. Those pursuing a minor will be exposed to the latest theories in criminology and will use criminology to explore and explain contemporary real world issues and their impacts public opinion and criminal justice work. Graduates with a Criminology and Criminal Justice minor are critically informed citizens, who use their knowledge about criminology and the criminal justice system to advance the cause of justice.  

Student Learning Outcomes

Undergraduates who minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice will be able to:

  • Identify the key stages of criminal justice processes and at each stage locate the core institutions involved and the key roles performed by those who inhabit them.
  • Describe the differences between popular perceptions of criminal justice institutions and the lived realities of victims, criminals and justice workers.
  • Recognize how social forces affect the perception and pursuit of justice in the U.S. and around the world.

Minor Requirements
  • Take the following 21 units:
    You may apply no more than 9 units of coursework transferred from another university to this minor.

  • Be aware that some courses may have prerequisites that you must also successfully complete. For prerequisite information, click on the course or see your advisor.