The Criminology and Criminal Justice (CCJS) Honors Program is a unique opportunity for undergraduate CCJS majors to challenge themselves academically. The Honors program involves small, interactive and rigorous courses taught by a tenured/tenure-track faculty member. CCJS Departmental Honors courses are structured to enhance a student’s analytical skills, research capability, critical thinking, and writing ability.
Students who participate in our Honors Program have the opportunity to experience smaller, more challenging classes and interact with departmental faculty in a one-on-one environment. Additionally, CCJS Honors students graduate with departmental honors and stand out among applicants when applying to graduate school, law school, internships and/or full-time employment.
The Directors of the CCJS Honors Program is: Dr. Rachel Ellis
The 2026-2027 CCJS Honors Program application cycle is open now. Applications are due Monday, June 1 at 4:00 PM. For more information, please review the Admission Requirements & How to Apply.
Honors Program Structure:
The Honors Program is a four-semester (12 required credit hours) sequence, which a student begins in the fall semester of the junior year.
- CCJS388H, the first course in the sequence, will provide an in-depth understanding of various contemporary criminological issues and the production of criminological research. CCJS388H is offered only in the fall semester.
- CCJS389H Independent Research is an experiential learning component, where students can complete either an independent study, research assistantship, or research-based internship of their choosing. CCJS389H can be completed during the spring semester of the junior year or anytime in the senior year.
- In the fall semester of the senior year, students will enroll in CCJS489H, where students start the writing process for their honors thesis, solidifying their honors thesis topic, and beginning preliminary research.
- In the spring semester of the senior year, students will continue CCJS489H, during which the student will complete and orally defend their honors thesis. The honors student with the best overall thesis will be awarded the Dr. Laure Brooks Honors Thesis Award. Honors students may count their honors courses toward completion of the CCJS Course of Choice major curriculum requirement. Note: Only three credits of CCJS489H will fulfill the 400-level CCJS Course of Choice requirement.
Program Requirements Once Admitted:
- CCJS Honors students will be reviewed at the end of every semester to ensure they continue to meet the GPA requirements of a 3.25 cumulative GPA and 3.40 CCJS major GPA
- CCJS Honors students must earn a B or higher in all CCJS Honors courses
Failure to meet the above listed requirements will result in dismissal from the CCJS Honors Program.
Grants, Awards, and Other Opportunities for Current Students
