Majors

The BA in Sociology trains students to identify the major research methods used by sociologists, compare and contrast the utility and relevance of a range of methods to the study of different social issues, and apply some research methods to the analysis of social issues. Students also build knowledge of social science statistical methods and conduct basic statistical analysis. Upon completion of this degree, students should be able to describe the significance of social theory to society, compare and contrast theoretical orientations, and apply theories to social issues.

The BA in Criminology offers a critical investigation of crime and criminal justice institutions and the way they reflect and reinforce systems of power and social inequality, such as racism, sexism, and classism. In this major, students study social scientific evidence and theories of the nature and causes of crime, criminal behavior, and how society reacts to and is impacted by crime. This major is ideal for students who seek an evidence-based understanding of criminal behavior. With this understanding, graduates can pursue a range of careers, including those related to law enforcement, public safety, and policy analysis and criminal justice reform, as well as those working with communities and individuals impacted by crime or criminal justice institutions. The Criminology major also prepares students for graduate education in a wide variety of disciplines.