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.

     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.   Click on following links for the curriculum for the Criminal Justice or Sociology Degrees:

Criminal Justice Curriculum

Sociology Curriculum

Why Choose a Degree in Sociology/Criminal Justice?

     Sociology graduates have successful careers in such diverse occupations as non-profit business consultation, healthcare, gerontology, risk management and insurance fund-raising 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. 

Major in Sociology

     In order to graduate with a Bachelor of Arts in Sociology, a student must complete at least 120 credit hours of coursework to include: (1) all required general education courses, (2) the following required Sociology courses: 37-101, 103, 203, 206, 210, 303, 310, 314, 322, 412, 420, 435 and 448; (3) three Sociology elective courses selected from a recommended list (see below); and, (4) a Social Science elective. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each Sociology course.

     Proposed List of Courses that would satisfy Sociology Elective Requirements:

Minor in Sociology

     To graduate with a minor in Sociology, a student must complete 18 hours of course work. Required courses are: Introduction to Sociology, Social Institutions, Social Psychology, Methods of Research in Sociology, Sociological Theories and an elective course in Sociology at the 300 or 400 level.

Major in Criminal Justice

     To graduate with a Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice, a student must complete at least 120 credit hours of coursework to include: (1) all required general education courses; (2) The following Criminal Justice and related courses (Criminal Justice 104, 208, 311, 313, 315, 316, 402, 415, 448, 450 and Sociology 101, 210, 303, 314, 322, 412, and 420); and (3) two Sociology elective courses at or above the 300 level selected from a recommended list. A minimum grade of “C” is required in each of the above courses.

     Proposed List of Courses that would satisfy Criminal Justice Elective Requirements:

Minor in Criminal Justice

     To graduate with a minor in Criminal Justice, a student must complete 18 credit hours of course work. Required courses are: Introduction to Criminal Justice, Criminology, Law Enforcement, Courts and Criminal Justice, Methods of Research and an elective course in Criminal Justice at the 300 or 400 level.

**A minimum grade of “C” is required for the following general education courses: English Composition I. English Composition II, University Seminar, Speech, Critical Thinking, Global Societies, and Lifetime Fitness and Wellness.