Criminology Learning Outcomes

The Learning Outcomes for the Criminology Program are ordered by progress through the major, including ‘Foundations,’ ‘Skills and Knowledge,’ and ‘Application.’ The first three learning outcomes under ‘Foundations’ are evaluated through assignments (classroom discussions, final exams, presentations, the development of a research project in Criminal Justice) in the courses foundational to the Criminology major (Introduction to Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Theories in Crime, Justice, and Race). Students conduct and create an original research project in Criminal Justice and will work towards effectively communicating proposed solutions to common questions and issues in criminology and justice studies in all Criminology courses. The core course requirements for the Criminology major also ensure students are acquiring the skills and knowledge in the learning outcomes. In addition, students will be acquiring these skills and knowledge through their elective coursework. A restorative justice course is required of all majors where students engage in discussion-based and experiential learning to think critically about emerging and innovative approaches to addressing crime.

At the conclusion of the senior capstone course, criminology faculty utilize a rubric to assess students’ oral presentations of (1) their capstone research project, (2) their post-graduation career and learning goals, and (3) how they have applied their knowledge and skills to service, restorative approaches to criminology, and to principles of social justice and human dignity. Further, through their required internship, Criminology majors will apply their knowledge and skills to service and the principles of social justice and human dignity. 

Every year, the Program Director, in consultation with the Criminology Steering Committee, will analyze data collected from a survey given to all students in a core required course for the Criminology Program (e.g. Introduction to Sociology, Theories of Crime, Justice, and Race, or Criminal Justice) evaluating their foundational knowledge as well as a survey given to graduating seniors assessing both their experiences at Saint Michael’s College broadly and the Criminology Program. Every year, the instructor of the spring capstone course will conduct a group interview with students on the final day of class to solicit feedback on their experiences as Criminology majors at Saint Michael’s College and assess the program learning outcomes. The feedback provided by the group interview (which will be summarized and typed) and the senior surveys will be discussed at the first Criminology Steering Committee meeting of the academic year. On an annual basis, courses will be revised to enhance learning outcomes and support students’ career and learning goals. 

Criminology majors meet all of the following Learning Outcomes upon graduation:

Foundations

  1. Our graduates demonstrate an understanding of the criminal justice system and the communities affected by it.
  2. Our graduates engage in critical thinking about justice, inequity, and public safety in the U.S. and globally as demonstrated through written and oral communication.
  3. Our graduates develop proficiency in articulating the main debates within the current literature in Criminology as well as emerging and innovative approaches to addressing crime.

Skills and Knowledge

  1. Our graduates create and conduct an original research project.
  2. Our graduates analyze theories of crime, justice, and race and evaluate how and to what extent criminal justice practices are influenced by these theories.
  3. Our graduates effectively communicate through written assignments and oral presentations proposed solutions to common questions and issues within criminology and justice studies.

Application

  1. Our graduates apply the knowledge and skills acquired through the Criminology major to service, restorative approaches to criminology, and to principles of social justice and human dignity through coursework, an internship, and a senior capstone course.
  2. Our graduates demonstrate the qualifications and experience needed for employment, law school, or graduate education.
  3. Our graduates articulate and implement post-graduation career and learning goals.