College
Buchtel College of Arts and Sciences
Date of Last Revision
2026-05-14 07:05:54
Major
Criminal Intelligence Analysis
Honors Course
SOCIO 496
Number of Credits
3
Degree Name
Bachelor of Science
Date of Expected Graduation
Spring 2026
Abstract
As it continues to gain popularity, crime-based media (i.e., crime procedural television shows, true crime podcasts) contributes to the public’s perception of the criminal justice field. Little research exists on the “CSI Effect,” the phenomenon in which criminal justice majors are drawn to the field based on the glorified depictions of the profession portrayed in the media. Previous research on influences behind choice of major suggest a variety of other influential factors, such as personal interest in the subject, friends or family members, or personality characteristics (Beggs et al., 2008; Hoag et al., 2017; Porter & Umbach, 2006). The current study examines the influence of crime procedural television and other crime media on students’ choice to major in Criminology & Criminal Justice (CCJ) or Criminal Intelligence Analysis (CIA), as well as these students’ level of satisfaction with their major. The study employs a 13-item survey distributed to all CCJ and CIA majors at a public university in Ohio. Results revealed that media such as crime procedural television had a moderate level of influence on the choice of major for many students, but that this influence did not have a statistically significant impact on students’ level of satisfaction with their CCJ or CIA major. Although media was ranked as the third most influential factor on student choice of major, the highest-ranking factors were interest in the subject and the desire to help others. Survey findings also indicated that, overall, students were satisfied with their choice to major in CCJ or CIA.
Research Sponsor
Dr. Rebecca Erickson
First Reader
Dr. Insun Park
Second Reader
Dr. Stacey Nofziger
Honors Faculty Advisor
Dr. Rebecca Erickson
Proprietary and/or Confidential Information
No
Community Engaged Scholarship
No
Recommended Citation
Moore, Mia J., "Fact vs. Fiction: Understanding the Influence of Crime Procedural Television on College Student Choice of Major" (2026). Williams Honors College, Honors Research Projects. 2235.
https://ideaexchange.uakron.edu/honors_research_projects/2235