Criminology

Criminal Justice students pose during a study abroad trip.

PROGRAM STATUS:

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is not accepting applications for the fall 2026 term. Please follow up with this department directly for any other questions.

CRIMINOLOGY: M.A., PH.D.

About this 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 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 people interested in careers in academia, public service or private enterprise. The department has many full-time distinguished faculty from the disciplines of sociology, philosophy, law, political science, criminology, history and criminal justice. This allows students to work closely with faculty 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.