Program Details

Criminology Major - BA

Bachelor of Arts

Bridgewater College

The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers a broad range of courses leading to a bachelor of arts with majors in Sociology and Criminology. Social work, Crime and Justice, and Leadership and Community Engagement minors are options for students majoring in any discipline. Each year, our graduates go into a variety of careers and graduate programs in the social sciences, human services, education, the legal professions, criminal justice, government, business and communications. The department places a strong emphasis upon developing skills in interpretation, writing, research and data analysis that are broadly transferable among many professional vocations. Many Sociology courses are taught in an interactive format, in which student contributions are central to class sessions. Subjects include gender and sexuality studies, food politics, criminology, inequality, family, race and ethnicity, social theory, and both quantitative and qualitative research and data analysis. The program features a balanced emphasis upon theoretical issues and practical skills; a senior practicum that is very flexible, with a strong reputation in local and regional organizations; and a curriculum structure that invites our majors to consider minors in related disciplines and opportunities for study abroad.

Program Overview & Guidance

Program Web Page

Click here for Details

External Link

Delivery Mode

In-Person

Check Course Schedules

Delivery Mode

Online

Check Course Schedules

Delivery Mode

Hybrid

Check Course Schedules

Program Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Considerations for Selecting Degree	The Criminology major equips students with the insights and skills needed to understand causes of crime and to evaluate, design, and assess the effectiveness of programs within the criminal justice system. The program culminates in a semester-long hands-on field placement or, for students wishing to pursue careers in law enforcement, the option of attending a regional police academy.
Considerations When Selecting Courses	Create a schedule for all required courses, pay attention to prerequisites and when courses are offered, complete your first math and English courses in your first year Connect with an advisor at your community college and Bridgewater College within your first year via College Connect
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses	All courses must be completed with a C of better.
Doing More With Your Degree	The Criminology major prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, law, and reentry and rehabilitation or other criminal justice-related fields.
Program Successes & Highlights	Students in the program have the opportunity for independent study and research on criminal justice- related issues, study abroad, and professor-sponsored research projects. Graduates have earned admission to law schools and have begun careers in law enforcement and other positions within the criminal justice system.

Program Credit Requirements

Credit and Course Requirements for the Program are expected in a future release. Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. If you are a current Virginia Community College student or are planning to start at a Virginia Community College before transferring to this institution and program, please follow the Transfer Guide to plan your courses at the community college.

If you wish to see how your credits may apply, you can:

Contact the institution where a staff member can help you map your credits to the requirements for this program.
View the program requirements listed in the institution's catalog.

If you are interested in the cost of attending this institution, please visit the institution's cost page to review costs

Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between Bridgewater College and partner institutions that may guarantee admission to this program if you meet the required criteria. Click on the title name of the agreement to view a summary of those criteria.

Institution Name	Type	Title
Blue Ridge Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Central Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Danville Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Mountain Gateway Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Eastern Shore Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Germanna Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Brightpoint Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Laurel Ridge Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Mountain Empire Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
New River Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Northern Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Paul D. Camp Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Patrick & Henry Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Piedmont Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Rappahannock Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Southside Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Southwest Virginia Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Tidewater Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Peninsula Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Highlands Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Virginia Western Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System
Wytheville Community College	GAA	Transfer Agreement with Guaranteed Admission between Bridgewater College and The Virginia Community College System

You can view the full text of these Agreements in the Resource Center

What If I Have An Associate Degree Or Credit For Prior Learning?

Transfer Guidance Element	What You Need to Know
Associate Transfer Degree Completion	Completing an AA, AS, or AA&S degree will waive all but 4 credits of our Foundations in Liberal Arts Program. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 total credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit).
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School	The completion of an Associate Degree concurrent with high school results in course work towards your degree and most general education courses satisfied. Students who graduate with a transfer-oriented associate degree (A.A., A.S., or A.A.&S.), will have all Bridgewater general education course requirements waived except for two courses (2-4 credit hours). These are our Connected Learning (CL) 150 course designed to serve as an orientation for transfer students, and CL 400 that serves as a senior capstone experience. CL 400 may be delivered within the major (3 credits) or separately (1 credit).
Credit for Prior Learning	Bridgewater College may award credit for Advanced Placement and military experience. See the linked pages for credit evaluation policies.
Did You Know That...	Completing your Associate transfer degree post-high school satisfies all lower division general education requirements and increases the chance of completing your bachelor's degree? Exceeding 3 years or 90 credits at your community college means you may have exhausted your financial aid at that college and have limited your future financial aid at: Bridgewater College

College Level Information

Transfer Center

Visit our transfer site for more information

External Link

Transfer Admission Application

Transfer Students - Apply Here

External Link

Transfer Student Aid

Financial Aid for Transfer Students

External Link

Number of Transfer Students

Percent of Accepted Transfer Students

89%

College Fit Guidance	What You Need to Know
Is This College Right For Me?	You'll be part of a vibrant community where people truly know and care for one another. Bridgewater is home to approximately 1,500 full-time students (undergraduate and graduate), 80% of whom live on campus. With an average class size of 19, you'll make lasting connections with your professors and classmates. You won't lack for opportunities to get involved with more than 50 student clubs and organizations to choose from.
Transfer Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
First Year Student Catalog Year	Catalog year is determined by the academic year of the first semester of attendance at Bridgewater College.
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions	VCCS Students need to declare an intent to transfer to Bridgewater after completing a minimum of 15 credits towards the transfer-oriented associate degree. VCCS Students should complete all Bridgewater transfer application requirements, and apply for graduation from VCCS.

Where Can This Degree Transfer

This section displays degrees most closely related to this program and to which you may be able to transfer. So, you can use this list to find the next degree you can complete in your major. Please click the degree name to visit that program page.

Institution	Title	Degree	Award Name	Award Level	Delivery Mode
Eastern Mennonite University	Bachelor of Arts Criminology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Germanna Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Germanna Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies -Specialization in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Mountain Gateway Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Eastern Shore Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate in Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
J Sargeant Reynolds Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts - American Sign Language/Deaf Studies Major	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Brightpoint Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Art degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Art	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Laurel Ridge Community College	Associate of Science Degree in Social Sciences: Criminal Justice Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Criminology and Criminal Justice, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Northern Virginia Community College	Cybersecurity, A.A.S.	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Northern Virginia Community College	Information Technology, A.S.	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Corrections Science	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Paul D. Camp Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Administration of Justice - Police Science	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Applied Science with a major in Administration of Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Southside Virginia Community College	Associate of Arts and Sciences with a major in General Studies-Administration of Justice	Associate	Associate of Arts and Sciences	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid, Online
Virginia Peninsula Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Arts - Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Science - General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Tidewater Community College	Associate of Applied Science - Criminal Justice (Forensic Science)	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Science Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Applied Science in Criminal Justice Degree	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Arts in Liberal Arts Degree	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Virginia Western Community College	Associate of Science in General Studies Degree	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Richard Bland College	Associate of Science	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	Online, In-Person
Roanoke College	Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
University of Lynchburg	BA in Criminology	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
University of Lynchburg	BA in Criminology-Philosophy	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Mary Baldwin University	Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	Online, Hybrid
Old Dominion University	Criminal Justice-BA	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Old Dominion University	Criminal Justice-BS	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person, Online
Randolph-Macon College	Criminology (BA)	Bachelor	Bachelor of Arts	4-Year	In-Person
Virginia Highlands Community College	Associate of Applied Science Degree in Criminal Justice	Associate	Associate of Applied Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
The University of Virginia's College at Wise	Bachelor of Science in Social Science, Major in Administration of Justice	Bachelor	Bachelor of Science	4-Year	In-Person
Wytheville Community College	Associate of Arts & Sciences Degree in General Studies	Associate	Associate of Arts & Science	2-Year	In-Person, Online, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts	Associate	Associate of Arts	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid
Rappahannock Community College	Associate of Science in Science Degree with an Elementary Education (PreK-6) Major	Associate	Associate of Science	2-Year	In-Person, Hybrid

Careers Where This Degree Applies

O*Net Code	Name	Description	Parent
11-9199.11	Brownfield Redevelopment Specialists and Site Managers	Plan and direct cleanup and redevelopment of contaminated properties for reuse. Does not include properties sufficiently contaminated to qualify as Superfund sites.	Management Occupations
19-3039.03	Clinical Neuropsychologists	Assess and diagnose patients with neurobehavioral problems related to acquired or developmental disorders of the nervous system, such as neurodegenerative disorders, traumatic brain injury, seizure disorders, and learning disabilities. Recommend treatment after diagnosis, such as therapy, medication, or surgery. Assist with evaluation before and after neurosurgical procedures, such as deep brain stimulation.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.02	Compliance Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate activities of an organization to ensure compliance with ethical or regulatory standards.	Management Occupations
25-1111.00	Criminal Justice and Law Enforcement Teachers, Postsecondary	Teach courses in criminal justice, corrections, and law enforcement administration. Includes both teachers primarily engaged in teaching and those who do a combination of teaching and research.	Educational Instruction and Library Occupations
19-4099.00	Life, Physical, and Social Science Technicians, All Other	All life, physical, and social science technicians not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.08	Loss Prevention Managers	Plan and direct policies, procedures, or systems to prevent the loss of assets. Determine risk exposure or potential liability, and develop risk control measures.	Management Occupations
11-9199.00	Managers, All Other	All managers not listed separately.	Management Occupations
19-3039.02	Neuropsychologists	Apply theories and principles of neuropsychology to evaluate and diagnose disorders of higher cerebral functioning, often in research and medical settings. Study the human brain and the effect of physiological states on human cognition and behavior. May formulate and administer programs of treatment.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3039.00	Psychologists, All Other	All psychologists not listed separately.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-4099.01	Quality Control Analysts	Conduct tests to determine quality of raw materials, bulk intermediate and finished products. May conduct stability sample tests.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.01	Regulatory Affairs Managers	Plan, direct, or coordinate production activities of an organization to ensure compliance with regulations and standard operating procedures.	Management Occupations
19-4099.03	Remote Sensing Technicians	Apply remote sensing technologies to assist scientists in areas such as natural resources, urban planning, or homeland security. May prepare flight plans or sensor configurations for flight trips.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
19-3041.00	Sociologists	Study human society and social behavior by examining the groups and social institutions that people form, as well as various social, religious, political, and business organizations. May study the behavior and interaction of groups, trace their origin and growth, and analyze the influence of group activities on individual members.	Life, Physical, and Social Science Occupations
11-9199.10	Wind Energy Development Managers	Lead or manage the development and evaluation of potential wind energy business opportunities, including environmental studies, permitting, and proposals. May also manage construction of projects.	Management Occupations
11-9199.09	Wind Energy Operations Managers	Manage wind field operations, including personnel, maintenance activities, financial activities, and planning.	Management Occupations

Cost To Complete

This section provides you with a very high-level estimate of your costs and is purely intended as a guide. You should consult the institution via College Connect to get a more detailed estimate based on the totality of your circumstances. The selections below are based on information gathered from your Profile and the estimated costs are calculated based on the 120 credits remaining to be completed

Residence State

Delivery Mode

Service Member?

Service Status *

Branch

GI Bill (for Spouses/Dependants)

Disability Discharge

Residence City

Hours to Complete Degree *

Minimum Term of Active Duty

Please select the "Cumulative Months of Service" that determine your Post 9/11 GI Bill benefits.

Estimated Cost for the Plan Name Not Provided at Bridgewater College These costs are based on an estimated 8 semesters or 4 years remaining to complete this degree (assuming a full-time load of 16 hours per semester)
Category	Cost	Basis	Cost (To You)	Estimated Benefits	Net Cost	Notes
Tuition	$8,200	Per Semester	$65,600	$0	$65,600	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours
Fees
Student Services Fee	$288	Per Semester	$2,304	0	$2,304	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.
Technology Fee	$273	Per Semester	$2,184	0	$2,184	Per semester in-state or out-of-state resident tuition for a full time status of 12 - 18 credit hours, may be less for commuter students.

*Please note that the above estimated costs do not include all Federal, State or other financial aid, grants, scholarships, etc. for which you may qualify. All such aid could substantially reduce these costs.

Tuition & Fee Notes:

Additional Fees
- Ask about additional costs for housing, meals, books, parking, and other services.

Fall 2025 Scholarships for Transfer Students

Guaranteed transfer merit scholarships:
These scholarships are based on a student's cumulative college grade point average (GPA), and the merit level is established at the time an admission decision is made. Test scores submitted will be considered in the application review and will not typically affect merit scholarship consideration.

CUMULATIVE COLLEGE GPA	AMOUNT	BC MERIT SCHOLARSHIPS
3.6 minimum	$4,250	Transfer Leadership Scholarship
2.8-3.59	$3,250	Transfer Excellence Scholarship
2.79 and under	$2,250	Transfer Eagle Scholarship

Virginia Two-Year College Transfer Grant
A $1,000 grant is available to transfers who earned an associate degree from a Virginia two-year public institution with a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 and who have a Student Aid Index (SAI) from the FAFSA of $15,000 or less. A complete description of eligibility and application requirements is available from this 2024-25 Two Year College Transfer Grant Application (schev.edu) from State Council of Higher Education for Virginia (SCHEV).

Please see this link for additional information: https://www.bridgewater.edu/admissions-aid/tuition-and-financial-aid/financial-aid/

Other Financial Aid to Pay for College:

You may be eligible for additional financial aid from Federal, State, and Local sources. Military education benefits are not considered in determining eligibility for federal financial aid. Everyone is therefore encouraged to apply for federal financial aid by submitting the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA), because many will qualify for additional educational funds like Pell Grants, worth over $5,500/yr.