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Criminology 150
3 College Credits
NCCRS Credit Recommended
Introduction
to Criminology
Why do people break the law, and what does society do about it? A rigorous look at crime, justice, and the systems built around both.
Self-Paced · Final Exam · NCCRS Recommended
What You'll Learn
A full semester of introduction to criminology — completed at your own pace, with no deadlines or fixed class times.
Learning Outcomes
What You'll Be Able to Do
- Articulate foundational concepts and definitions in criminology, describe its historical development, and explain the principles of Classical and Neoclassical Criminology along with their contemporary applications
- Define the legal characteristics and elements of crime, categorize various types of crime based on legal and social criteria, and understand the methodologies and significance of crime measurement in criminal justice research
- Examine historical and contemporary crime trends in the United States, analyze demographic influences on crime, and evaluate the impact of crime on communities
- Define victimology, explore key theories and historical context, analyze the concept and costs of victimization, trace the development of victims' rights, and identify risk factors for victimization
- Understand and apply Rational Choice Theory, explore the Positivist School of Criminology, identify factors in Individual Trait Theory, and evaluate their implications on social policy and crime
- Provide an overview of sociological theories of crime, examine social conflict and developmental theories, and explore social process theories including their applications in criminology policy and practice
Topics Covered
Major Course Topics
Foundations of criminology & historical evolution
Crime classification, attributes & components
Methods of crime measurement & research
Crime patterns, trends & demographics
Victimization & victims' rights
Rational choice & trait theories
Social structure & social process theories
Social conflict theories & restorative justice
Developmental theories of crime
Violent crimes, murder & sex crimes
Property, economic & public order crimes
Political crime, terrorism & cyber crime
The U.S. criminal justice system
Law enforcement in America
Punishment, corrections & incarceration
Crimes of moral turpitude & drug crimes
From the syllabus · Criminology 150
Course chapters and lessons
Introduction to Criminology has 21 chapters across 67 instructional hours, as listed in the course syllabus. Expand any chapter to see the lessons inside it.
- Chapters
- 21
- Lessons
- 91
- Instructional hours
- 67 hrs
- Semester hours
- 3
Chapter 1
Foundations and Historical Development of Criminology
- 1.1 Criminology: Core Concepts, Historical Evolution, and Classical School Principles
- 1.2 Neoclassical Criminology: Theoretical Developments and Contemporary Influence
Chapter 2
Classification, Characteristics, and Elements of Crime
- 2.1 Legal Characteristics, Fundamental Features, and Elements of Crime
- 2.2 General Classifications of Crime: Legal and Social Criteria
Chapter 3
Measuring Crime: Research Methods and Data Systems
- 3.1 Criminal Justice Research Organizations and Their Contributions
- 3.2 FBI Uniform Crime Report: Purpose, Benefits, and Limitations
- 3.3 Crime Measurement Programs and Victim and Self-Report Survey Methods
Chapter 4
Crime Patterns, Trends, and Community Impact
- 4.1 Historical and Contemporary Crime Trends and Demographic Influences
- 4.2 Community Impact of Crime and the Cycle of Violence Framework
Chapter 5
Victimology, Victims' Rights, and Risk Factors
- 5.1 Victimology: Theoretical Foundations, Evolving Definitions, and Origins
- 5.2 Costs of Victimization and Historical Development of Victims' Rights
- 5.3 OVC: Mission, Institutional History, and Programmatic Responsibilities
- 5.4 Risk Factors, Lifestyle, Routine Activities, and Victim Precipitation Theory
Chapter 6
Rational Choice, Trait, and Biological Theories of Crime
- 6.1 Rational Choice Theory: Principles, Applications, and Social Policy Implications
- 6.2 The Positivist School of Criminology: Key Principles and Contributions
- 6.3 Individual Trait Theory: Factors, Biases, and Leadership Applications
- 6.4 Biological Theories of Crime and Somatotype Theory: Definitions and Applications
- 6.5 Psychological Theories of Crime: Assumptions, Criticisms, and Policy Impact
- 6.6 Integrating Rational Choice and Trait Perspectives in Criminological Research
- 6.7 Public Policy Implications of Trait and Biological Criminological Theories
- 6.8 Comparative Analysis of Positivist and Classical Approaches to Crime
Chapter 7
Social Structure, Strain, and Process Theories in Criminology
- 7.1 Sociological Theories of Crime and Deviance: Overview and Key Features
- 7.2 Economic, Racial, and Gender Disparities and Their Impact on Crime
- 7.3 Chicago School's Social Disorganization Theory and Merton's Strain Theory
- 7.4 Social Process Theories: Origins, Development, and Control Theory
- 7.5 Social Learning Theory and Symbolic Interactionism in Criminology
- 7.6 Labeling Theory, Secondary Deviance, and Structural Functionalism in Crime
- 7.7 Integrating Social Structure and Process Perspectives in Criminological Analysis
- 7.8 Policy Applications of Sociological Theories of Crime and Deviance
- 7.9 Comparative Evaluation of Social Structure and Social Process Frameworks
Chapter 8
Social Conflict Theories and Restorative Justice
- 8.1 Social Conflict Theory: Definitions, Key Contributors, and Neutralization Theory
- 8.2 Realistic Conflict Theory, Discrimination, and Critical Criminology
- 8.3 Restorative Justice: Principles, Community Practices, and Case Pathways
- 8.4 Evaluating Conflict Theories and Their Applications in Contemporary Criminology
Chapter 9
Developmental and Life-Course Theories of Crime
- 9.1 Social Development Theories and Glueck's Theory of Juvenile Delinquency
- 9.2 Sampson and Laub's Age-Graded Theory and Differential Coercion Theory
- 9.3 Tittle's Control Balance Theory and Developmental Policy Implications
- 9.4 Life-Course Perspectives and Their Influence on Crime Prevention Policy
Chapter 10
Violent Crime: Types, Patterns, and Social Impact
- 10.1 Violent Crime: Definitions, Types, and Statistical Overview
- 10.2 Assault and Battery: Legal Classifications, Facts, and Statistics
- 10.3 Robbery and Hate Crimes: Definitions, Statistics, and Examples
- 10.4 Workplace Violence and Kidnapping: Trends, Facts, and Impacts
- 10.5 Domestic Violence and Stalking: Definitions, Causes, and Legal Frameworks
- 10.6 Emerging Patterns and Prevention Strategies for Violent Crime
- 10.7 Community and Societal Responses to Violent Crime and Victimization
Chapter 11
Homicide: Classifications, Legal Frameworks, and Case Studies
- 11.1 First-Degree and Capital Murder: Definitions, Punishments, and Case Studies
- 11.2 Felony Murder and Serial Murder: Rules, Doctrines, and Statistics
- 11.3 Second and Third-Degree Murder: Definitions and Legal Perspectives
- 11.4 Voluntary and Involuntary Manslaughter: Definitions, Examples, and Punishments
- 11.5 Comparative Legal Analysis of Homicide Classifications and Sentencing
- 11.6 Investigating Homicide: Methods, Challenges, and Case Resolution Strategies
Chapter 12
Sex Crimes: Definitions, Laws, and Legal Perspectives
- 12.1 Sex Offender Classification: Statutory Frameworks, Typologies, and Civil Liberties
- 12.2 Sexual Assault and Sexual Battery: Laws, Definitions, and Legal Perspectives
- 12.3 Child Sexual Abuse and Indecent Exposure: Definitions, Statistics, and Laws
- 12.4 Prevention, Reporting, and Legal Responses to Sex Crimes
Chapter 13
Property Crime: Theft, Burglary, and Arson
- 13.1 Property Crime: Definitions, Types, Theft Laws, and Punishments
- 13.2 Burglary, Arson, and Their Legal Perspectives and Statistics
- 13.3 Trends, Prevention Strategies, and Policy Responses to Property Crime
Chapter 14
Economic Crime, Organized Crime, and Environmental Offenses
- 14.1 White Collar and Occupational Crime: Definitions, Statistics, and Legal Frameworks
- 14.2 Organized Crime and Extortion: Definitions, History, and Examples
- 14.3 Money Laundering and Green-Collar Crime: Techniques, Examples, and Punishments
- 14.4 Investigating and Prosecuting Economic and Environmental Crimes
Chapter 15
Crimes of Moral Turpitude and Public Order Offenses
- 15.1 Victimless Crimes and Solicitation: Definitions, Types, and Legal Perspectives
- 15.2 Intoxication Laws and Drug Crimes: Definitions, Overview, and Examples
- 15.3 Public Order Offenses and Their Social and Legal Implications
Chapter 16
Political Crime, Terrorism, and Counter-Terrorism
- 16.1 Political Crime, War Crimes, and the Genocide Convention
- 16.2 Intelligence Operations and Espionage: Historical Evolution, Methods, and Legal Boundaries
- 16.3 Terrorism: Definitions, History, Types, and the Rise Since 1990
- 16.4 The 9/11 Attack, War on Terror, and Domestic Terrorism
- 16.5 Cyber Terrorism, Torture as Counter-Terrorism, and Counter-Terrorism Strategies
- 16.6 Evaluating Global and Domestic Responses to Political Crime and Terrorism
- 16.7 Policy Frameworks and International Cooperation in Counter-Terrorism
Chapter 17
Cybercrime, Cyber Threats, and Transnational Crime
- 17.1 Cybercrime and Cyber Threats: Definitions, Types, and Examples
- 17.2 Cyberbullying and Transnational Crime: Definitions, Types, and Examples
- 17.3 Legal Frameworks and Investigative Strategies for Cybercrime
Chapter 18
The American Criminal Justice System: History and Process
- 18.1 History, Development, and Structure of the U.S. Criminal Justice System
- 18.2 The Criminal Justice Process, Crime Control, and Due Process Models
Chapter 19
Law Enforcement Structures and Community Policing
- 19.1 The Role of Police in Democratic Societies and Historical Impact in America
- 19.2 Federal and State Law Enforcement: Agencies, Roles, and Models
- 19.3 Local Law Enforcement: Types, Agencies, and Responsibilities
- 19.4 Community Policing and Zero-Tolerance Policing: Definitions, History, and Strategies
- 19.5 Evaluating Policing Models and Their Effectiveness in Modern Society
Chapter 20
Corrections, Sentencing, and Incarceration in America
- 20.1 Crime, Punishment, and the Historical Development of Corrections
- 20.2 Intermediate Sanctions and the Role of Probation and Parole
- 20.3 Jails and Prisons: Roles, Characteristics, and Administrative Issues
- 20.4 U.S. Inmate Populations: Demographics, Characteristics, and Trends
- 20.5 Solitary Confinement and Its Psychological and Legal Implications
Chapter 21
Capital Punishment, Juvenile Justice, and Correctional Reform
- 21.1 The Death Penalty: Constitutional Debates, Historical Shifts, and Contemporary Arguments
- 21.2 Juvenile Detention Centers: Purposes, Characteristics, and Legal Frameworks
- 21.3 Correctional Reform Movements and Their Impact on Modern Policy
- 21.4 Rehabilitation, Recidivism, and the Future of the American Corrections System
These chapters come straight from the official course syllabus, which also sets out the graded assignment and the proctored final exam.
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FAQ
Common Questions Answered.
Everything you need to know about Introduction to Criminology — credits, grading, transfer, and how it compares to traditional options.
What is Introduction to Criminology?
Introduction to Criminology is a college-level course that explores human behavior, social patterns, and psychological or sociological frameworks. It is Criminology 150 — a standard lower-division course worth 3 credit hours, carrying an NCCRS recommendation from NCCRS.
What will I be able to do after finishing Introduction to Criminology?
You will be able to analyze human behavior, apply key theoretical frameworks, evaluate research findings, and think critically about social and psychological phenomena — skills valued in counseling, education, research, and social services.
Is the Introduction to Criminology course self-paced for college credit?
Yes. The course is fully self-paced with no deadlines or fixed class times. Most students complete it in 28–30 days, but you can move faster or slower depending on your schedule.
How many college credits is Introduction to Criminology worth?
This course carries an NCCRS recommendation for 3 semester credit hours. UPI Study courses follow the same evaluation standard used across thousands of colleges and universities.
How is the Introduction to Criminology course graded? Are there exams?
Yes — the course includes quizzes, assignments, and a final exam. Your grade is equally weighted: 25% Attendance · 25% Quizzes · 25% Assignments · 25% Final Exam.
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Is Criminology the same as Criminal Justice?
No — criminology studies why crime happens; criminal justice focuses on the system (police, courts, corrections) that responds to it.
Does Intro to Criminology satisfy a social science gen-ed?
Commonly yes as social science credit — your registrar can confirm the equivalency in minutes.
Who should take Introduction to Criminology?
Criminal justice, sociology, psychology, and pre-law students, plus anyone exploring careers in law enforcement or corrections.
Are there prerequisites for Intro to Criminology?
None — it's an entry-level survey course.
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Usually as transfer credit, credit for prior learning (CPL), or noncollegiate/alternative credit, the same route colleges use for professional training evaluated by NCCRS. The final decision is with the university.
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