Program Overview

Sociology: Social and Criminal Justice

The Sociology: Social and Criminal Justice major is designed to provide students with a deep understanding of social concerns, corrections, and criminology. This program goes beyond simply learning about current social issues and law enforcement practices, instead taking a big-picture approach to focus on how the criminal justice system works within the broader fight for social justice.

Program Overview

The Sociology: Social and Criminal Justice major prepares students for a fulfilling career where they can fight for social justice and advocate for changes to the criminal justice system. Students will explore all sides of an issue, including how to help people who have committed crimes get back on track, how to support victims of crime, and ways to prevent crime in the first place.

Areas of Study

Students in this program will examine specific topics such as:

• Inequalities: How do race, gender, income, and history affect experiences with the justice system?
• Criminology: Why do people commit crimes? Students will investigate root causes and potential solutions.
• Alternative sentencing: Are there better ways to punish crimes than just jail time? Students will analyze options.
• Juvenile delinquency: Understanding why young people get into trouble and how to help them turn their lives around.
• Victimology: Focusing on the needs and experiences of crime victims.
• White-collar crime: Crimes committed by businesses and powerful people, and how to hold them accountable.
• Policing: Examining the role of police in society and how to ensure fair and effective law enforcement.

Program Highlights

As a student in the Sociology and Criminal Justice program, you can:

• Craft your own path: Choose from courses like Victimology, Juvenile Justice, Policing and Justice, and Crimes of the Powerful.
• Find your people: Join Alpha Kappa Delta (the international sociology honor society), Student Advocates for Prison Reform and the Incarcerated (SAPRI), or any of our other sociology student organizations.
• Score scholarships: Apply for scholarships specifically for students studying sociology or anthropology.

Career Opportunities

A sociology major with a concentration in social and criminal justice prepares students to attend graduate school and study law, criminal justice, sociology, and related fields. Students also graduate ready for a career in the criminal justice system, community mediation, or working in social and human services. Potential careers and their projected salaries include:

• Social Science Researcher: $62,370
• Child/Family/School/General Social Worker: $61,330
• College Professor/Instructor: $83,980
• Social and Community Service Manager: $78,240
• Community Relations Director: $78,240
• Social Worker: $61,330
• Sociologists: $101,690
• Law Enforcement Officer: $77,270

Degree Details

• Degree Type: Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) or Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
• Format: On Campus
• Credit Hours: 42 Credit Hours

Residential College

The Public Service Residential College (PSRC) offers a unique living and learning experience for students passionate about social change. Located in Cobb Hall, the PSRC fosters professional development through public service, leadership training, and focused academic experiences, helping students become standout leaders in the public service arena.