Program Description

The Sociology Department at UNM offers a specialized program in criminology, designed to give students a comprehensive introduction to the field. Courses focus on the characteristics and causes of crime and deviance and on the origins, nature and consequences of societal reactions to crime and deviance, giving particular attention to the criminal justice system. Basic instruction is also given in sociological theory and research methods.

Career and Educational Advancement Opportunities

The associate of arts in criminology (AAC) is a transfer program designed to prepare students for completing a BA in criminology. Employment opportunities include careers in corrections, law enforcement, public safety, health service, social work, counseling, sociology, and public administration. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all preadmission course work.

Program Requirements

Total credit hours required: 61 (46 hours of general education courses and 15 hours of program-specific courses). Please refer to the University of New Mexico Core Curriculum on pages 72-73 for a list of allowed courses for Physical & Natural Sciences, Social & Behavioral Sciences, Humanities, Foreign Language and Fine Arts.

Contact and Advising Information

Information about the AAC degree program is available from:

Advisement & Counseling (505) 925-8560 vcadvise@unm.edu,

interim chair of the Social and Cultural Studies Department, Michelle LeBeau, (505) 925-8619 mlebeau@unm.edu, or

Dean of instruction, Reinaldo A. Z. García, (505) 925-8601 rgarcia@unm.edu.