Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Social Work

Pathways to Success in Criminology

There are many ways to succeed as a student of criminology. For those looking for gainful and meaningful careers after graduation, there are certain steps that students can take to increase their chances. Below is advice to help students maximize their time her at K-State.

  1. Knock out your core and foundational classes. Take core and foundational classes in your Freshman and Sophomore years, if possible. These include:
    1. CRIM 261: Criminal Justice Systems
    2. SOCIO 211: Introduction to Sociology
    3. STAT 325: Introduction to Statistics
    4. CRIM 364: Criminological Theory
    5. CRIM 367: Real World Criminology
    6. SOCIO 423: Methods of Social Research

  2. Plan for your internship early. If you are planning on taking an internship, begin thinking about this sooner rather than later. Please check out the Internship and Careers and Internship FAQ page for more information.

  3. Communicate with your advisor. Be sure to communicate with your advisor, Gabe Bachura (gbachura@ksu.edu), and meet with him on a regular basis (at least once a semester). Your advisor is an indispensable resource for making sure you stay on track. Also, be willing to ask for help early, whether that means support academically or otherwise. Be your own best advocate.

  4. Go above and beyond. The students most likely to succeed are those that strive for excellence both in the classroom and beyond.
    1. Work toward the highest grades you can in all your classes. Avoid the “C’s get degrees” mindset.
    2. Get involved in relevant university clubs and activities including our Criminology Club. Also consider community service. These activities are often good resume builders.
  1. Stand out. Think about the skills or credentials you might need to stand out in your desired career. For instance, take classes outside of the major that complement your intended career trajectory. These might include courses in the following programs:
    1. Accounting
    2. Addiction Counseling
    3. Communication Studies
    4. Computer Science
    5. History
    6. Leadership Studies
    7. Modern Languages
    8. Political Science
    9. Psychology
    10. Social Work
    11. Statistics

  1. Keep an open mind and be a lifelong learner. A common characteristic of people who rise to the top in their respective fields is an openness to new ideas and a constant desire to learn.