Program Overview

Sociology and Criminology Program

The University of Montana offers a comprehensive Sociology and Criminology program, providing students with a deep understanding of social structures, institutions, and relationships. The program is designed to equip students with the knowledge and skills necessary to analyze and address complex social issues.

Graduate Program

The graduate program in Sociology and Criminology offers three concentrations: General Sociology, Criminology, and Inequality and Social Justice. Each concentration provides a unique focus and set of requirements, allowing students to tailor their education to their interests and career goals.

General Sociology MA

The General Sociology MA concentration requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits, including:

• SOCI 561 Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 538 Homicide (3 credits)
• SOCI 400-level course or elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 562 Quantitative Methods or COMX 561 Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 400-level course or elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 596 Independent Study (thesis preparation) (3 credits)
• SOCI 597 Graduate Research or SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (data collection and analysis) (3 credits)
• SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (thesis writing) (3 credits)

Sociology MA with Criminology Concentration

The Criminology concentration requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits, including:

• SOCI 561 Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 538 Homicide (3 credits)
• SOCI 400-level course or elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 562 Quantitative Methods or COMX 561 Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 538 Victimology or Sociology of Punishment (3 credits)
• SOCI 596 Independent Study (thesis preparation) (3 credits)
• LAW 595 Interdisciplinary Criminal Justice Reform (3 credits)
• SOCI 597 Graduate Research or SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (data collection and analysis) (3 credits)
• SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (thesis writing) (3 credits)

Sociology MA with Inequality and Social Justice Concentration

The Inequality and Social Justice concentration requires students to complete a minimum of 30 credits, including:

• SOCI 561 Quantitative Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 538 Homicide (3 credits)
• SOCI 400-level course or elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 562 Quantitative Methods or COMX 561 Qualitative Research Methods (3 credits)
• SOCI 400-level course or elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 596 Independent Study (thesis preparation) (3 credits)
• Elective graduate course in another department (3 credits)
• SOCI 597 Graduate Research or SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (data collection and analysis) (3 credits)
• SOCI 599 Thesis/Professional Paper (thesis writing) (3 credits)

Research Areas

The Sociology and Criminology program at the University of Montana offers a range of research areas, including:

• Criminology
• Inequality and Social Justice
• Quantitative Methods
• Qualitative Research Methods
• Sociology of Punishment
• Victimology

Faculty and Staff

The program is led by Chair Jackson Bunch, and features a diverse and experienced faculty with expertise in various areas of sociology and criminology.