Department of Behavioral Sciences

About the Criminology Program

Our criminology major is supplemented with the resources of psychology and sociology in order to effect a broad-based view of criminal behavior and its control. Criminology majors may enroll in courses that critically explore:

  • capital punishment
  • the correctional system
  • juvenile delinquency
  • societal drug use

Criminology Major     Criminology Minor

NSF logoThe Scientific Core

Students pursuing a degree in criminology also complete a series of classes endorsed by the National Science Foundation and referred to as the Scientific Core. In these courses students will:

  • use science as a problem-solving and critical thinking tool
  • work in a team-based research project under the supervision of a faculty mentor
  • present research findings at regional or national conference

Our Students & Alumni

  • Zach Thomas

    Criminology and Political Science double major Zach Thomas completed the Federal Bureau of Investigation Honors Internship program at the FBI Academy in Quantico, Virginia. He also has interned at the Greene County Sheriffs Office and volunteers at the Drury Law Enforcement Academy. Zach plans on graduating in 2018.

  • Julianna Biondo '14

    Recent graduate Julianna Biondo '14 was accepted into the highly selective Summer Institute for Training in Biostatistics at Washington University. Julianna and her teammates received the Institute’s award for most outstanding clinical analysis and presentation. Julianna is now attending graduate school in forensic science at the University of California-Davis.

  • Daniel Hopfinger '16

    Daniel Hopfinger (‘16) is attending George Washington University to pursue a master’s degree in forensic psychology. He plans to intern at the National Center for Analysis of Violent Crime. During his undergraduate years at Drury, Daniel was a double major in psychology and criminology. He completed an internship at the Stone County Adult Drug Court.

Real World Experience

All students are required to do one professional internship, but many of our students elect to complete two. Most recently, our students have interned at:

  • Burrell Behavioral Health
  • C.A.R.E. Animal Rescue
  • Cox Health Psychiatric Unit
  • Family Violence Center
  • Federal Public Defender’s Office
  • Juvenile Justice Center
  • Mercy Marian Center
  • Missouri Board of Probation and Parole
  • Planned Parenthood
  • U.S. Marshals Service

Drury students intern with widely regarded institutions.

Study Abroad

Drury has many outstanding study abroad opportunities. In recent years, BHSC professors have taken students to England to study “Methods, Madness, and Murder” as well as to South Africa to study global health issues, the biological bases of clinical disorders, and infectious diseases. 

View Current Study Abroad Opportunities

What happens after graduation?

Upon graduation, nearly 100% of our students who apply are accepted to attend graduate, law, or medical school Recently, our students have chosen to study at such places as:

Students continue their studies at top colleges and universities.

  • American University
  • George Washington University
  • King’s College in London
  • Purdue University
  • Sam Houston State
  • Suffolk University
  • University of California-Davis
  • University of Missouri-St. Louis School of Medicine
  • Washington University