Sociology—Criminology Major (B.A.)
Program Overview
The sociology-criminology major is designed to give students a solid foundation for successful careers in fields relating to crime, social control, and justice. Coursework trains students in the causes and dynamics of deviant and illegal behavior, how behaviors come to be defined as criminal, the organization and effectiveness of criminal justice institutions, and innovative approaches to crime prevention, rehabilitation, and social transformation. Coursework also provides training in social inequality, working with diverse populations, and understanding crime, social control, and policy debates in their broader cultural, political, and social contexts. Students develop professional skills in research methods, analytical reasoning and writing, ethical decision-making, problem solving, and public service. Justice related internship opportunities are available. Students may also wish to apply to the certificate programs in Forensic Studies or in Law, Justice & Culture. Students completing the major receive a degree in sociology with the specialty in criminology listed on the transcript, making it a broad degree suitable for a wide range of careers.
Admissions Information
Freshman/First-Year Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Change of Program Policy
No selective or limited admission requirements.
External Transfer Admission
No requirements beyond University admission requirements.
Opportunities Upon Graduation
The professional skills developed through this major prepare students either for careers or for advanced study in the fields of criminal and social justice, law enforcement, community justice and intervention, civic activism, and social science research. Many career opportunities exist in the public, private, and non-profit sectors, including work in community justice organizations, corrections, courts, data analysis, domestic terrorism, education, federal law enforcement, fraud prevention, homeland security, juvenile justice, law enforcement, legal research, neighborhood organizing, offender rehabilitation, parole, prisoner re-entry programs, private security, probation offices, restorative justice, substance abuse counseling, and victim advocate agencies. Graduates may also pursue advanced degrees in criminology and criminal justice, law, sociology, and other social science disciplines.
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