Social Justice through Storytelling panelists Social Justice through Storytelling panelists Social Justice through Storytelling panelists

Sociology: Social and Criminal Justice
Major

Overview of our sociology and criminal justice major

To make community-based justice work for actual people in real neighborhoods, we need deep, honest and practical explorations into the past, present and future of social and criminal justice. 

Our sociology major with a concentration in social and criminal justice goes deep into social concerns, corrections and criminology. We give you the tools and knowledge to pursue a fulfilling career where you can fight for social justice and advocate for changes to the criminal justice system.

AT A GLANCE

Degree Type
Bachelor of Arts (B.A.)
Bachelor of Science (B.S.)
Format
On Campus
Credit Hours
42 Credit Hours
Go To Why This Program Program Highlights Careers & Outcomes

Sociology and criminal justice: a major for social change

Our sociology program with a concentration in social and criminal justice isn't your typical sociology (or criminal justice) major. Here, you'll go beyond simply learning about current social issues and law enforcement practices. We'll take a big-picture approach, focusing on how the criminal justice system works within the broader fight for social justice.

You'll take courses where you explore all sides of an issue:

  • how to help people who have committed crimes get back on track
  • how to support victims of crime
  • ways to prevent crime in the first place

We'll examine specific topics like:

  • Inequalities: How do race, gender, income and history affect experiences with the justice system?
  • Criminology: Why do people commit crimes? We'll investigate root causes and potential solutions.
  • Alternative sentencing: Are there better ways to punish crimes than just jail time? We'll 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.
And it's not all textbooks! You'll gain real-world experience through internships with social service agencies and people working for criminal justice reform.

This social justice major, with its focus on sociology and criminal justice, prepares you for a rewarding career making a real difference. You'll graduate ready to use your knowledge to help young people experiencing homelessness, support families affected by incarceration or conduct research on important topics like links between substance use and violence. 

Courses What Will Transfer DEPARTMENT INFORMATION

Highlights of our sociology and criminal justice program

As a student in our 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.

What can you do with this sociology degree?

A sociology major with a concentration in social and criminal justice prepares you to attend graduate school and study law, criminal justice, sociology and related fields. You also graduate ready for a career in the criminal justice system, community mediation or working in social and human services.

Career Projected Salary
Social Science Researcher $55,076
Child/Family/School/General Social Worker $58,380
College Professor/Instructor $84,380
Social and Community Service Manager $77,030
Community Relations Director $58,212
Social Worker $55,350
Sociologists $98,590
Law Enforcement Officer $69,160
Two individuals sitting across from one another, a close up of their hands with paper and pens in front of them. In the background on the table next to them sits a gavel, as well as a judicial gold scale, with windows and the sun shining into the room.
Students in public service majors pose on the steps of Cobb Hall, the Public Service Residential College.

The Public Service Residential College

Dorm life gets an upgrade in the Public Service Residential College (PSRC). Live alongside students passionate about social change. This living/learning community in Cobb Hall fosters your professional development through public service, leadership training and focused academic experiences. Gain the skills and network to become a standout leader in the public service arena.

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