Sociology and Criminology Graduate Program

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in both sociology and criminology. The graduate program in Criminology was added in 1986 and granted permanent status by the University in 1992. The primary focus of the program is the preparation of members of the next generation of sociologists and criminologists by emphasizing systematic training in theory and research methodology as well as teaching. These advanced education degrees are intended for persons interested in careers in academia, public service, or private enterprise. The Department has numerous full-time distinguished faculty  (28) from the disciplines of Sociology, Psychology, Law, Criminology, History, and Criminal Justice. This allows students to work closely with faculty members while preserving a reasonable breadth of interests. Thus, while both the Sociology and Criminology degrees rely on strong theoretical and methodological foundations, they also allow students to tailor a program that meets their individual needs.

Both the Sociology and Criminology programs are organized around course work, seminars, research, teaching opportunities, and other related work. Our goal is to provide students with a wide range of professional experiences.

Mission Statement:

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice offers a Master of Arts and a Doctor of Philosophy degree program in both sociology and criminology. The primary focus of the programs is the preparation of members of the next generation of sociologists and criminologists by emphasizing systematic training in theory and research methodology for careers in public and private sector. The Ph.D. programs in sociology and criminology are advanced education degrees intended for persons interested in careers in academia, public service, or private sector. The department has particular strengths in the following areas: Disasters and the Environment, Criminology, Deviance, Law & Society, Health, and Inequality (Race, Class, Gender). The department prioritizes the professional socialization and development of graduate students. Beginning with the required, non-credit proseminar for each new cohort, all graduate students are actively encouraged to work closely with department faculty, join professional associations, attend and present work at professional conferences, and establish a professional identity in both research and teaching. Both the Sociology and Criminology programs are organized around course work, seminars, research, teaching opportunities, and other related work in order to provide students with a wide range of professional experiences.

Goals for Graduate Education:

1. Students will learn to conduct original research and demonstrate skills in academic instruction and service.

2. Students will master the theoretical knowledge and methodological skills required for their chosen degrees and fields of study.

3. Students will demonstrate comprehensive knowledge in at least two specialized areas within sociology or criminology.

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