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.

Criminology Track Requirements — 36 credit hours

Required Courses — 24 credit hours

SOC 101	Introduction to Sociology	3
SOC 214/SW 214	Research Methods: Design	3
SOC 215	Research Methods: Analysis	3
SOC 305	Sociology of Crime and Justice	3
SOC 336	Race and Racism in the United States	3
SOC 360	Criminology	3
SOC 380	Sociological Theory	3
SOC 498	Senior Project	3

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.

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

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 hours requirement:

POL 346	Constitutional Criminal Procedure	3
PSY 381	Abnormal Psychology	3
PSY 391	Seminar	Variable
PSY 470	Psychology 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 credit hours must be taken from SOC 430-439 or SOC 491-492.

Any additional credit hours required to complete a minimum of 120 credit hours

Total Credit Hours: 120