Mission Statements

Departmental Mission

The Department of Criminology is committed to high quality instruction, research, and service activities that are exemplary contributions to the Vision and Mission of the University of West Georgia. The Department embraces academic freedom in the conduct of its faculty, as well as the philosophy and objectives of liberal arts education through its contributions to general education and the core curriculum. Its undergraduate program in criminology seeks to provide students mastery of basic academic subject matters along with the learning skills necessary for enrichment and continued success in academic and workplace environments following graduation. Its graduate program in criminology seeks to provide students more focused mastery of their chosen field, critical examination of more specialized issues, and the abilities needed to contribute to the resolution of basic and applied research problems. The Departmental faculty is committed to instructional excellence, scholarly contributions to their areas of professional expertise, and service to the institution and civic community.

Individual Program Mission Statements

B.S. Criminology

The faculty of the Criminology program are committed to provide quality instruction to undergraduate and graduate students on subjects that fall within the scope of the discipline, conduct research that contributes to the body of knowledge in the field, and engage in service that allows practical application of our knowledge and skills. In conjunction with the goals of the University, the College, and the Department, our program is based on the philosophy of a liberal arts education, grounded in social science methodologies. The focus for undergraduate students is to achieve mastery of basic academic competencies and a basic level of expertise in the field of criminal justice/criminology. The graduate program promotes a more critical examination of criminal justice/criminology issues, as well as enhancing analytical and communication skills. Faculty seek opportunities to involve students in a range of professional activities to facilitate their entry into the job market or further educational pursuits.

M.A.Criminology

It is the purpose of the Criminology Graduate program to expose students to the distinctive ways in which sociologists and criminologists have examined human group behavior. Our aim is to help students examine diverse criminological perspectives and come to understand their historical traditions; to teach students unique methods of inquiry; and, to expose students to sub-fields in the discipline in an effort to provide for them an area of expertise. In the process, we strive to teach students general problem-solving skills and help them develop independent and critical thinking skills. Further, a broad range of public service activities that contribute to social life and an affirmation of the equal dignity of each person are promoted. All of this is done to enhance the lives of our students and to prepare them for success in academic and workplace environments.

Strategic Plan

Faculty Promotion and Tenure Guidelines