Program Details
Program Details
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Bachelor of Arts
University of Lynchburg
Program Details
BA in Criminology-Philosophy
Bachelor of ArtsBA in Criminology-Philosophy
University of Lynchburg
The joint criminology and philosophy major provides students with the opportunity to study the basic principles of Criminology and criminal justice practices along with the development of the ability to identify and assess the philosophical presuppositions and implications of those practices.
Program Overview & Guidance

Delivery Mode
In-Person
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Delivery Mode
Online
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Delivery Mode
Hybrid
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Program Guidance Element | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Considerations for Selecting Degree | The criminology-philosophy major is designed for students who want to understand the philosophical underpinnings of criminal behavior, criminal justice, law, and political authority. You’ll examine the structure of the U.S. legal system, why it works the way it does, and how it should work. This program examines criminal behavior and the state’s response, then contextualizes it within logic, ethics, and political theory. It gives you a broad perspective on what makes people commit crimes, what we can do about it when they do, and how we as a society should react and evaluate legal transgressions in an ethical and fair way. You can be part of something bigger than yourself by studying criminology-philosophy at the University of Lynchburg. We offer small class sizes with expert professors who value your education. One-on-one interaction helps you understand the philosophical and moral underpinnings of our judicial system. |
Considerations When Selecting Courses |
|
Program Requirements Beyond Specific Courses | |
Doing More With Your Degree | There are many different jobs you can get with a criminology-philosophy degree. This degree teaches you about the criminal justice system and how it functions so you can work within the legal system or change how that system works. The criminal justice system is a complex beast with many different jobs that are all equally important. The best career path in that field will be one that speaks to your passions. You can go into law, work with reform agencies like the ACLU, the National Institute for Criminal Justice Reform, the Innocence Project, or on policy legislation designed to impact the criminal justice system. |
Program Successes & Highlights |
Program Credit Requirements

Please look above to see if a Transfer Guide is available for this program. lf 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.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The table below provides the requirements to complete this program if you are not following a Transfer Guide. If you have an account and have created a Portfolio, the table includes the "Applied Credits" column. This column shows how the credits you earned based on the experiences you entered may be applied to satisfy these requirements. You can find schools where you can take courses that will transfer and apply to this degree using the Where Can I Find An Equivalent Course feature in the Transfer Tools menu.
The program map provided below is an estimate based on courses identified as a result of reviewing your portfolio
and the requirements for the selected program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
A formal determination of credits awarded for your prior learning and their applicability to the degree requirements can only be made by the institution. The formal determination and resulting map may reflect higher or lower number of credits to be completed to achieve this program.
Requirements
Required Credits
BA in Criminology-Philosophy
120
Criminology-Philosophy
120
This requires a minimum GPA of 2
AND
Transfer credits will be evaluated, and as applicable, up to 76 credits may be applied to this program.
University DELL Requirements
31
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Please Note: A course used in one area of study cannot be used in any other areas of study within the DELL curriculum. Each course will only count in one area of study.
CORE Requirements - COMM
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
CORE Requirements - ENGL
3
Complete courses from the following Course:
AND
A minimum grade of C- must be earned for courses in this requirement.
CORE Requirements - DELL Seminars
6
First year or Transfer Seminar
3
First Year Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Transfer Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Senior Seminar
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Fine Arts and Humanities
6
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose two courses with different prefixes
Earn 6 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Language and Intercultural Competence
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Quantitative Reasoning
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Scientific Literacy
4
Earn 4 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Social Science Literacy
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Category:
Criminology-Philosophy Major Requirements
33
Criminology
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Criminal Justice Process
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Juvenile Delinquency
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Criminal Law
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Comparative Criminal Justice
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Logic
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Ethics
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Philosophy of Law
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Law Enforcement and Morality
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Thesis Guidance
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course:
Major Elective
3
Requirement Notes
Requirement Notes:
Choose one from the following
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
Major Elective
3
Earn 3 credits by completing courses from the following Course list:
General Electives
56
Earn 56 credits by completing any available course
Applicable Admissions Agreements

The table below lists admissions agreements between University of Lynchburg 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.
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 | Completion of a transferrable Associate's degree will award students credit for general education requirements except for the senior capstone course. No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Completion of Associate Degree Concurrent with High School | No distinction will be made by the University of Lynchburg regarding college courses applicable to the transfer-oriented associate degree that are taken through dual enrollment arrangements with high schools. |
Credit for Prior Learning | Credits awarded for transferrable courses with a grade of "C" or higher. |
Did You Know That... |
|
College Level Information

Number of Transfer Students
90
Percent of Accepted Transfer Students
93%
College Fit Guidance | What You Need to Know |
---|---|
Is This College Right For Me? | Lynchburg is a nationally recognized private university where students gain a greater heart for humanity and a mindset of individual growth. Here, thought-provoking learning ignites change in each individual, and the world. We combine traditional classroom instruction with experiential learning and real-world applications bringing a hands-on, multi-faceted approach that serves our students best today and for the rest of their lives. We’re a tight-knit community that’s accepting and inviting. We’re socially responsible and active, and don’t hesitate to stand up and speak out for what’s just and right. Pride and belonging are important at Lynchburg. |
Transfer Student Catalog Year | Catalog year determind by first semester of enrollment |
First Year Student Catalog Year | Catalogue determined by first semester of enrollment |
Applying for Guaranteed Admissions | https://www.lynchburg.edu/undergraduate-admission/for-applicants/transfer-and-access-adult-student-guide/guaranteed-admission-for-vccs-associate-degrees/ |
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 | AAS Degree in Criminal Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied Science | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, 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 | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online |
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 Applied Science Degree in Administration of Justice | Associate | Associate of Applied 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 |
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 |
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 |
Rappahannock Community College | Associate in Arts Degree in Liberal Arts | Associate | Associate of Arts | 2-Year | In-Person, Online, 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, Online, 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
