Criminology

You’ll find Hastings College Criminology graduates serving as law enforcement officers in numerous states and working as corrections officials, education officers, criminologists and lawyers, while others go on to graduate school.

Apply your knowledge

Thanks to broad course offerings by our outstanding sociology faculty, you’ll examine why criminal behavior occurs; how society has addressed and currently addresses such behavior; and how society can improve. You’ll consider ethical implications of today’s law enforcement system and dive into real-world case studies. You’ll expand your understanding of the human condition through the lens of other disciplines as well as build excellent written and oral communication skills.

Go further with a Hastings education

Thanks to our small class sizes (most have fewer than 20 students!), and a student-to-faculty ratio of 15:1, you’ll work closely with faculty and your advisor to complete your degree in four years. In fact, most students who graduate from Hastings do so in four years!

Our block-style semester structure means you’ll take just one or two classes at a time — which really lets you focus more intently on each class. It also lets faculty devote more time to every student because they’re only teaching one or two classes in a block!

Create your future

See for yourself how we tailor your education to your talents and your goals. Schedule a visit and we’ll demonstrate how Hastings will inspire you to reach your potential, or if you’re a high school senior, apply today.

Graduate with experience

Criminology majors intern and conduct research during the school year and summers, putting classroom lessons to the test by interning with law enforcement agencies in the Hastings area or even your hometown.

Some majors also expand their understanding of the world by studying abroad. Many take advantage of additional experiences and insight that help advance career options. What does all this mean? You’ll graduate from Hastings ready to succeed.

At every step in your path you’ll appreciate the stepping stones of teaching, counseling, inspiring, supporting and guiding from our engaged faculty. It’s an experience that’s true to Hastings College and you won’t find it anywhere else.

- - - Taylor Samek ’16 finds career in law enforcement
    - Serving justice runs in the family for Liebsack

All the extras aren't extra

Maximize scholarships — Yes, you’ll get an academic scholarship. But you’ll also get an additional “plus one” scholarship from the group, team or area you’re part of. It’s a great way to pay for school, but also find “your people.”

Books included — Afraid of a $400 textbook? No more! We’ve eliminated the high cost of text books by working with our bookstore to provide all required textbooks. This will save you $1,000 or more each year.

iPad + Apple Pencil — We’ll set you up with an iPad and Apple Pencil — and help you learn how to incorporate these tools into your studies. From digital notes to pictures of lab setups, you’ll discover creative ways to use this technology!

Get involved beyond the Sociology classroom

Alpha Chi (Academic Honor Society)
Alpha Kappa Delta (International Sociological Honor Society)

In addition to Alpha Chi and Alpha Kappa Delta, there’s always something to do at Hastings. Student clubs, service learning, Greek life, recreation and more make Hastings a great campus for student life.

Find scholarships for Sociology majors

Your high school achievements can both fuel and fund your success at Hastings. We offer a range of generous and renewable academic scholarships based on your GPA. Plus, you can earn talent scholarships for everything from speech (forensics) to the arts to athletics. Every student receives at least $12,000 in scholarships (but most receive more!).