Sociology and Criminal Justice Department

Students who find human behavior interesting, puzzling and worthy of study often choose to major in a sociology related field.

The sociology and criminal justice department prepares students to participate actively and responsibly in their local communities and in society at large. The major offers students the basic knowledge, skills and opportunities to begin graduate school or careers in a variety of fields.

Sociologists study what people do when they do things together, whether they are two people relating to one another as friends or entire nations interacting in a global system. They study the social significance of social class, race, ethnicity and gender discrimination and inequality. They investigate social processes such as deviant behavior, social control and conflict. They use the qualitative and quantitative research tools of sociologists and anthropologists. Social researchers gather empirical data that describe human institutions such as law, religion, education, the family and the health care system. They then formulate theories that understand, interpret and explain those institutions and processes.