Criminology and Criminal Justice | History | Philosophy and Religion | Political Science | Public Administration | Psychology | Social Science | Social Work

Criminology and Criminal Justice
Criminology is the scientific study of the nature, extent, cause and control of criminal events including offender motivation, the situation/context of crime, and crime victimization. Criminology also involves the measurement of crime; crime typologies; and theory construction and analysis. Criminal justice is the study of the law enforcement, judicial and correctional systems that are directly involved in the apprehension, prosecution, defense, sentencing, incarceration, and supervision of those suspected of, charged with, or convicted of criminal offenses.

The Criminology and Criminal Justice major is designed to prepare students for various positions in the criminal justice system. Students in this program pursue careers in community corrections (probation and parole), state and federal correctional institutions, the courts, law enforcement (local, state and federal), juvenile justice agencies, government agencies, social service agencies, and private industry. The Criminology and Criminal Justice program is also a solid foundation for students who wish to pursue advanced degrees in the social sciences, law school, and other professional programs.

Through an integration of the disciplines of Criminology and Criminal Justice, the program seeks to provide students the opportunity to connect theory and practice inside and outside of the classroom. A senior capstone or internship is considered a vital part of the Criminology and Criminal Justice program. Major Requirements >>

History
The history major is designed to provide breadth and depth of study in American, World, and European history. Upon completion of the program, history majors should be able to: utilize both a factual and interpretive knowledge of history to help make informed choices about the world around them; understand as well as relate various local, national, and world events, ideas, and beliefs to their historical antecedents; create, verify, or challenge historical interpretations based upon focused reading and research; demonstrate competency in analyzing, synthesizing, and evaluating evidence and interpretations; effectively construct and communicate an argument in a knowledgeable and technically proficient manner; understand and adhere to the ethical standards in the field both as teachers and as practitioners. Combined with their other coursework and experiences at BVU, a student graduating with a degree in history should possess basic intellectual tools to continue developing an historical consciousness and for cultivating the life of the mind after graduation. Courses in the program cover the history and cultures of Asia, the Middle East, Africa, Europe, and the United States. The small size of the major, the diversity of offerings, and flexibility within the requirements allow students to choose courses based on interest and to pursue a second major. Major Requirements >>

Philosophy and Religion
The philosophy and religion program at Buena Vista University engages students in the academic study of the methods, theories, traditions, and practice of philosophy and religion. A philosophy and religion major equips students to question, to reflect, and to act on what they learn about the moral, political, and spiritual dimensions of our world. Majors in philosophy and religion develop writing and critical thinking skills that prepare them for any number of careers, including advanced study in philosophy or religion, the ministry, business, education, law, or medicine. We encourage double majors in order to enhance other fields of study. Minors are also encouraged. Major Requirements >>

Political Science
The political science program at Buena Vista University offers students a choice between two major programs of study – political science (PSCN) and public administration (PSPA). Each program of study equips students with an optimal combination of theoretical awareness, methodological skill, and pre-professional experience. Students enrolled in the political science program enjoy maximum flexibility in completing core requirements, choosing from a broad range of course offerings in the traditional fields of American politics, public law, public policy, public administration, political philosophy, research methods, and international affairs. Moreover, political science and public administration majors benefit from a world-class array of internship opportunities and participate actively in Buena Vista University’s many international travel programs. As a result, students completing either the political science or public administration programs of study are well prepared for employment in the private, non-profit, and public sectors. Many graduates of the political science program pursue advanced degrees in political science, public administration, public policy, or law. Major Requirements >>

Public Administration
The public administration major encourages students with an interest in management and government to develop knowledge of and experience with the political, legal, business and methodological dimensions of these areas. A wide variety of public service and private sector career options are available to students who graduate with this major, including several alternatives for graduate and professional school. Major Requirements >>

Psychology
Psychology is the scientific study of behavior and mental processes. The psychology major prepares students for graduate training in psychology, counseling, school psychology, and social work. It is also excellent pre-professional training for many other graduate programs such as medicine, law, the ministry, physical therapy and occupational therapy. The major provides a background for careers in a variety of areas including business, marketing, management, law enforcement, education, personnel, and the helping professions. Internships are also available. Major Requirements >>

Social Science
The social science major combines courses in economics, history, political science and sociology. Major Requirements >>

Social Work
The Council on Social Work Education accredits the social work program at Buena Vista University. The major prepares students for entry-level generalist social work practice, licensure as a social worker, and advanced standing in Graduate Schools of Social Work. The program provides courses in the areas of theory, practice, research, and field. Students develop professional knowledge, skills, and values needed to successfully practice generalist social work — individual, family, group, organizational, and community. The accredited degree program is offered at the Storm Lake campus only. Major Requirements >>