The status of white collar and corporate crime in undergraduate criminology and criminal justice curriculum
Document Type
Article
Publication Date
2025
Department/School
Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology
Publication Title
Journal of Criminal Justice Education
Abstract
Criminologists consistently find that the cost and magnitude of white collar and corporate crime is extensive and severe, both physically and fiscally. Despite this, extant research suggest white collar and corporate crime remains on the periphery of the discipline. This study set out to explore how white collar and corporate crime are represented in criminology and criminal justice undergraduate curriculum. To assess this, curriculum data from 410 U.S.-based programs issuing bachelors degrees in criminology, criminal justice, and/or related fields were analyzed. Findings revealed nearly half (48.78%) of programs studied do not offer even one course on white collar or corporate crime. Of programs that do offer coursework on white collar or corporate crime, fewer than 2% of them (n = 3) require students to take the class in order to graduate. Implications are discussed.
Link to Published Version
Recommended Citation
Barrett, K. L., Forstner, C., & Gabriel, M. (2025). The status of white collar and corporate crime in undergraduate criminology and criminal justice curriculum. Journal of Criminal Justice Education, 36(2), 318–336. https://doi.org/10.1080/10511253.2023.2290968
Comments
K. L. Barrett is a faculty member in EMU's Department of Sociology, Anthropology, and Criminology.
*C. Forstner and M. Gabriel are EMU students.