Criminology Track of Sociology Major

The criminology track of the sociology major encourages a critical exploration of criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. The program is appropriate for students interested in research or public policy issues related to crime and criminal justice. The track is also suitable for students who may seek employment opportunities in law enforcement, criminal law, the corrections system, and other government and nonprofit agencies that provide services or resources for offenders and their families.

Degree Requirements

Criminology Track Requirements — 36 hours

SOC 101Introduction to Sociology

3

SOC 214/PSY 214/SW 214Research Methods: Design

3

SOC 215/PSY 215Research Methods: Analysis

3

SOC 305Sociology of Crime and Justice

3

SOC 336Race and Racism in the United States

3

SOC 360Criminology

3

SOC 380Sociological Theory

3

SOC 498Senior Project

3

Note: Students in the criminology track must complete PSY 101 and SOC 101 to satisfy their 6-credit hour University Core requirements in social science. Students may substitute SOC 499 (Thesis) for SOC 498, Senior Project Seminar. This option requires the student to secure faculty approval of the thesis proposal before the student begins their final year of study. Students are encouraged to complete a criminology internship (SOC 497C) during the junior or senior year.

12 credits - Additional upper-division hours in sociology (or relevant out-of-department courses)

In recognition of the interdisciplinary character of the study of criminology, students in the criminology track may take any two of the following out-of-department courses in partial fulfillment of the 12 additional upper-division sociology credit requirement:

POL 346Constitutional Criminal Procedure

3

PSY 381Abnormal Psychology

3

PSY 391Seminar

Variable

PSY 470Psychology of Aggression

3

PSY 391: Seminar may be taken only when the topic is Forensic Psychology. 

At least 6 of the 12 upper-division elective hours must be taken from SOC 430-439, or 491-492.

General Electives — 9-21 hours

Total Credit Hours: 120