Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice
Minor in Criminology and Criminal Justice
The Minor in Criminal Justice can add depth and specialization to many other degree programs in both the arts and the sciences—in fields as diverse as biology, sociology, chemistry, informatics, and journalism.
Requirements
The minor requires at least 18 credit hours, including the requirements listed below.
- Introductory course. One (1) course:
- CJUS-P 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice
CJUS-P 100 Introduction to Criminal Justice
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Historical and philosophical background, structure, functions, and operation of the criminal justice system in the United States. Introduction to and principles of formal behavior control devices.
- Summer 2027CASE SHcourseSpring 2027CASE SHcourseFall 2026CASE SHcourse
- Theories of Crime and Deviance. One (1) course:
- CJUS-P 200 Theories of Crime and Deviance
CJUS-P 200 Theories of Crime and Deviance
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Critical examination of biological, psychological, and sociological theories of crime and deviance. Examination of individual, group, and societal reactions to norm-violating behaviors.
- Summer 2027CASE SHcourseSpring 2027CASE SHcourseFall 2026CASE SHcourse
- Criminology and Criminal Justice Electives. Four (4) courses:
- CJUS-P 245 Social Justice and the Justice System
- CJUS-P 250 Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Any CJUS-P 300–399
- Any CJUS-P 400–499
- Any CJUS-X 300–399
- Any CJUS-X 400–499
CJUS-P 245 Social Justice and the Justice System
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Overview of issues related to diversity and how it impacts and relates to the criminal justice system. Provides a criminological perspective on multiculturalism, social inequality, and discrimination in the criminal justice system. Covers class, race, ethnicity, sex, gender, with an emphasis on the analysis of social justice.
- Summer 2027CASE DUScourseSpring 2027CASE DUScourseFall 2026CASE DUScourse
- Summer 2027CASE SHcourseSpring 2027CASE SHcourseFall 2026CASE SHcourse
CJUS-P 250 Issues in Criminology and Criminal Justice
- Credits
- 3
- Prerequisites
- None
- Description
- Thorough review and analysis of issues currently facing the criminal justice system. Topics vary each semester: see listing in the online Schedule of Classes.
- Repeatability
- May be repeated with different topics for a maximum of 6 credit hours.
- Summer 2027CASE SHcourseSpring 2027CASE SHcourseFall 2026CASE SHcourse
- Minor Hours and Minimum Grade Requirements.
- Minor Residency. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed in courses taken through the Indiana University Bloomington campus or an IU-administered or IU co-sponsored Overseas Study program.
- Minor Upper Division Courses. At least 9 credit hours in the minor must be completed at the 300-499 level.
- Minimum Grade. A grade of C- or higher is required for a course to count toward a requirement in the minor.
Minor Area Courses
-
Unless otherwise noted below, the following courses are considered in the academic program and will count toward academic program requirements as appropriate:
- Any course contained on the course lists for the academic program requirements at the time the course is taken—as well as any other courses that are deemed functionally equivalent—except for those listed only under Addenda Requirements
- Any course directed to a non-Addenda requirement through an approved exception
This program of study cannot be combined with the following:
- Area Certificate in Criminology and Criminal Justice [CRIMCJACRT]
- Major in Criminology and Criminal Justice (Bachelor of Arts) [CRIMCJUSBA]
- [Name unavailable] [CJUSTSBA]
Exceptions to and substitutions for minor requirements may be made with the approval of the unit's Director of Undergraduate Studies, subject to final approval by the College of Arts and Sciences.