Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice
The Department offers a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology and a Bachelor of Arts degree in Criminal Justice. The Sociology major provides a comprehensive grounding in the academic discipline of Sociology, its theories, methods, and findings. The Criminal Justice major provides a comprehensive grounding in the discipline of criminology, as well as analysis of the multitude of social factors and institutions that impact the criminal justice system. The Department also offers a minor in Sociology and a minor in Criminal Justice.
Why Choose a Degree in Sociology
Sociology graduates have successful careers in such diverse occupations as nonprofit business consultation, health care, gerontology, risk management and insurance fundraising and advocacy groups, international relations, state and federal government agency administration, urban and community planning, military officer, career management, evaluation research, seminar and workshop consultations, public opinion polling, market research and employee relations.
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts degree in Sociology, a student must complete at least 121 credit hours of course work. Course work includes General Education courses, as well as a wide range of Sociology courses. Sociology majors must complete an internship in their junior or senior year. Sociology majors are encouraged to complete a minor and/or develop a specific area of interest, such as law studies, woman and gender issues or health promotion. A minimum grade of “C” is required in most Sociology courses.
Why Choose a Degree in Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice careers may entail law enforcement, probation and corrections, legal research, or homeland security. Preparation for professional and graduate schools includes law school or advanced degrees in Sociology. Today, a variety of master’s and doctoral programs are offered in criminal justice, criminology, gender studies, urban sociology, and applied sociology across the country and around the globe.
To graduate with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Criminal Justice, a student must complete at least 121 credit hours of course work. Course work includes General Education courses as well as Criminal Justice courses and an internship. A minimum grade of “C” is required in most Criminal Justice courses.
Mission
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is committed to the principles of a liberal education and to assisting its students to think sociologically in order to better understand human behavior. The Department’s curricula are designed to not only prepare students for careers and graduate studies in Sociology and Criminal Justice, but also to equip them with a far-reaching view of the world consistent with the goals of a liberal arts education and to prepare them to recognize the social institutions and patterns upon which everyday life rests. The mission of the Department is intricately tied to the mission of the University which recognizes the richness in multiculturalism and cultural diversity. In this regard, an important part of the Department’s mission is to educate students for world citizenship. This requires knowledge that values the multitude of cultures in society, a critical understanding of multicultural perspectives and experiences, and the emerging interdependencies among members of the now global community. Central to the Department’s mission is fostering in our students critical and analytical thinking skills, research capabilities necessary to systematically explore the complex interconnectedness among people and their social world, and to engage in lifelong learning. The Department places heavy emphasis on application of the principles of sociology and criminal justice, encouraging students to demonstrate an awareness of social inequalities and a commitment to social justice. In this context, the Department seeks to provide an enabling environment within which students are provided with the knowledge and skills through coursework, real-life experiences, and through internships that empower them to create a more just society.
The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is committed to the principles of a liberal education and to assisting its students to think sociologically in order to better understand human society and human behavior. The department’s curricula are designed to not only prepare students for careers and graduate studies in sociology and criminal justice, but also to equip them with a far-reaching view of the world consistent with the goals of a liberal arts education and to prepare them to recognize the social institutions and patterns upon which everyday life rests.