Within Sociology, the Criminology concentration is best suited for those students who have a particular interest in how crime is defined and responded to within our society. In addition to taking the required courses expected of all Sociology majors, Criminology students have additional required classes that focus on criminological theory, delinquency, deviance and specific types of crime such as violence and drugs. Criminology students are also expected to take at least two classes from other departments that are related to crime or law.
Field placements: Criminology students are encouraged to take at least one field placement to obtain direct experience and apply this to their classroom learning. See the bottom of the page for potential placements.
Book Scholarship for Female Criminology Majors: One student is chosen each semester for the Sequana Evans Scholarship. Sequana was an outstanding graduate of the Sociology Department in 2006 who was tragically taken from us in an accident while she was pursuing a Masters degree in Criminal Justice. The Sequana Evans Scholarship, a $500.00 book award initiated by her family, is awarded by the Department to a student who best reflects the ways in which Sequana overcame adversity to achieve academic excellence. This award typically goes to a Black Female Criminology student who is doing well academically. Student who are interested in receiving this award are asked to e-mail the department secretary.
REQUIRED COURSES: (42 credits)
SOC100 Introduction to Sociology
SOC220 Social Inequality
SOC303 Sociological Theory
SOC306 Research Methods
SOC307 Social Statistics
SOC250 Crime and Society
SOC332 Criminology
ELECTIVES: (15 Credits)
Students must take, by advisement, six (6) credits from Criminology Electives (below) and nine (9) credits of electives within Sociology (SOC prefix) but not included among the Criminology electives.
CRIMINOLOGY ELECTIVES
SOC305 Juvenile Delinquency
SOC376 Social Problems
SOC425 Drugs in American Society
SOC432 Social Policy
SOC452 Seminar in Criminal Behavior
SOC333 Deviant Behavior
SOC409 Law and Social Issues
SOC494 Fieldwork in Sociology
COGNATES: (6 Credits)
71372 Political and Social Philosophy
71375 Philosophy of Law
77301 State Politics
77305 American Legislative Process
77316 American Public Policies
77317 Courts and Judges
77350 Introduction to Law
77355 Criminal Law
77216 American Government and Politics
17435 Blacks and American Law
77356 Sex Discrimination and the Law
77416 Administrative Law
77417 Judicial Process
94314 Violence Against Women
District Attorney's Office
Public Defender's Office
Police Precincts
Youth Risk Prevention Programs
Detention Centers
Town Courts
Domestic Violence Court
Bureau of Consumer Fraud
Probation