Criminology
Degree and Major Options
Criminology courses at the undergraduate level include integration of theoretical and applied materials of an interdisciplinary nature. The curriculum is designed to prepare students for beginning professional work in the criminal justice system and allied professions, as well as to provide preparation for graduate work.
The Department of Criminology at Fresno State provides undergraduate education in Criminology for students planning professional careers in the criminal justice field. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminology is diversified and integrated, reflecting the wide range of employment opportunities in the field, including direct service and administration in Corrections, Law Enforcement, and Victimology. The Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Behavioral Sciences is designed for students who are interested in the application of the behavioral sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Linguistics, etc.) to the criminal justice system. Students who earn a B.S. in Forensic Behavioral Sciences will also be prepared for traditional criminal justice careers.
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Criminology
Our Bachelor’s degree in Criminology is unique from other undergraduate programs because we require students to select an academic specialization in Criminology. Specifically, students must select from one of the three degree options listed below.
Options
B.S. in Criminology Resource Links
Bachelor of Science (B.S.) in Forensic Behavioral Sciences
The Forensic Behavioral Sciences degree is designed for students who are interested in the application of other behavioral sciences (e.g., Psychology, Anthropology, Linguistics, etc.) to the criminal justice system. The degree also prepares students interested in traditional criminal justice careers. This degree DOES NOT prepare you to work in a crime lab and/or a crime scene investigator (instead you should major in biology or chemistry). Please watch the video below for more information about FBS.
Coordinator: Dr. Jenna Kieckhaefer
See the Fresno State general catalog for more information, including degree requirements and course descriptions.
Interested in adding Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences as a Minor? Look no further!
Do you want to minor in Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences? Our program gives students the flexibility to complete either minor in just 21 units. Please contact the College of Social Sciences Advising Center (COSS) to assist you with this process.
The requirements for earning a Minor in Criminology are as follows:
- Lower-Division CRIM requirements: CRIM 2, 20......................................................................6 units
- Upper-Division CRIM requirement: CRIM 100..........................................................................3 units
- Select from Upper-Division CRIM or FBS Courses................................................................12 units
Total units for CRIM Minor: 21 units
Please note:
- The Criminology Minor requires a 2.0 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
- CRIM 101, 120, and FBS 153 may still be used to meet requirements for both General Education and the minor, for catalogs prior to the 1999-2000 General Catalog.
The requirements for earning a Minor in Forensic Behavioral Sciences are as follows:
- Lower-Division CRIM requirements: CRIM 2 and 20................................................................6 unit
- Upper-Division FBS requirement: FBS 153..............................................................................3 units
- Complete 12 units (four courses) of the following Upper-Division FBS Courses:
– FBS 114, 154, 155, 156, 157, and/or 159T....................................................................12 units
Total units for FBS Minor: 21 units
Please note:
- The Forensic Behavioral Sciences Minor also requires a 2.5 GPA and 6 upper-division units in residence.
- FBS 153 may still be used to meet requirements for both General Education and the minor.
- This interdisciplinary minor is open to students in any academic discipline (with the exception of students majoring in Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences) or chosen profession.
Adding a Minor
Students can add a minor only if they can complete both their major and the minor within 144 earned units. Students may declare a minor by completing the “Change of Major/Minor” form, receiving advising and approval by the Department offering the minor.
Minor Advising
Please visit the College of Social Sciences Advising Center for information on adding Criminology or Forensic Behavioral Sciences as a Minor. Please visit their webpage for hours and contact information.
NOTE: Part-time faculty do not function as faculty advisers.
Programs
Honors Program
The Department of Criminology offers several programs with many opportunities for our students! The Criminology Honors Program is a two year program for select CRIM students who meet certain requirements. Visit the Criminology Honors Program tab to read more information on how you could become part of this exciting opportunity!
Mentorship Program for at-risk Youth
The CRIM 120S Service-Learning Program is also offered through our department. Dr. Marcus Shaw coordinates the award winning mentoring program in the Department of Criminology through California State University. This unique opportunity allows Criminology students opportunities for mentorships serving at-risk youth in the Fresno Unified School District.
Due to the incredible work of those who take part in the program, the following have been awarded:
2024 - Service-Learning Partnership Award (Awarded by FUSD Superintendent)
2023 - Spirit of Service Award (Awarded by President Sandoval)
2019 - Community Partnership Award (Awarded by FUSD Superintendent)
How Can I Get Involved?
Each semester, the Criminology Department will offer the course CRIM 120S......
Academic Certificates
The Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate is offered through the Department of Public Health.
- Email the Department of Public Health administrative office at rcasillas@csufresno.edu.
- Indicate you have completed the required courses to obtain the Alcohol and Drug Studies Certificate
The Certificate of Legal Studies is co-sponsored by the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology.
Certificate of Legal Studies: Course Requirements
Students must complete twelve (12) units of upper division classes from the Department of Political Science and the Department of Criminology.
Certificate of Legal Studies: Application Process
Before you apply for the Certificate of Legal Studies, you will need to complete the twelve (12) required units. Once all 12 units are completed and grades have been posted, complete the Certificate of Legal Studies Application.
We will be accepting applications via email or in-person. Please download and email completed application to the department at criminologydept@mail.fresnostate.edu or drop off your completed application at the Criminology Department located in the Science 2 Building room 159.
For additional information, please contact:
Yishaiya Abosch, Ph.D.
Professor/Advisor
California State University, Fresno
Department of Political Science
Office: McKee Fisk 213B
Phone:559.278.8396
Email: yabosch@csufresno.edu
or
Jason Kissner, Ph.D., J.D.
Professor/Legal Studies Option Coordinator
California State University, Fresno
Department of Criminology
Office: S2 143
Phone: 559.278.2369
Email: mkissner@mail.fresnostate.edu
The Victim Services Certificate is cooperatively sponsored by the Department of Criminology, and the Department of Women's, Gender and Sexuality Studies at Fresno State. The primary goal of the 12-unit (180 hour) program is to provide the knowledge, foundation and skills needed for work with crime victims.
The program has been preapproved by the National Advocate Credentialing Program® (NACP) as a basic educational program. Successfully completing the program will result in eligibility, at a minimum, for the NACP Provisional credential (successful completion of a NACP Preapproved Training course, no experience in the field required).
Victim Services Certificate: Course Requirements
A minimum of twelve (12) units is required with three (3) units selected from each of the four emphasis areas (1) Theory; (2) Victim Issues; (3) Victim Services; and (4) Victim Advocacy. Those who complete all four required courses earn the Victim Services Certificate.
Victim Services Certificate: Application Process
Before you apply for the Victim Services Certificate, you will need to complete the
twelve (12) required units within the four emphasis areas. Once all 12 units are
completed and grades have been posted, complete the Victim Services Certificate Application.
We will be accepting applications via email or in-person. Please download and email
completed application to the department at criminologydept@mail.fresnostate.edu.
For additional information, please contact:
Chadley James, Ph.D.
Associate Professor/ Victimology Option Coordinator
California State University, Fresno
Department of Criminology
Office: 559.278.5416 Fax: 559.278.7265
Email: chadleyj@mail.fresnostate.edu
Homeland Security Certificate of Advanced Study (Online)
This program has been postponed to a later date.
The certificate is currently on hold.