Criminology & Criminal Justice
The Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration examines law, crime, victimization, justice, and the social systems that shape legal and social responses to crime. Through a sociological perspective, you’ll explore how law, public policy, inequality, and social institutions influence the criminal legal system while developing the analytical and research skills needed to contribute to evidence-based solutions and social change.
In this concentration, you’ll explore the social dimensions of crime and justice through a sociological lens. You'll examine how crime, victimization, law, policy, and social inequality intersect while exploring how criminal legal systems affect individuals, communities, and institutions. Through critical analysis, you'll consider how research, policy, and community-based approaches can improve justice outcomes.
Grounded in sociological theory and research, this concentration emphasizes critical analysis, evidence-based practice, and the development of policies and programs that promote justice, equity, and community well-being. It is ideal for students interested in law, public policy, criminal legal reform, advocacy, public service, and related fields.
What You'll Study
In the Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration, you'll investigate the social causes and consequences of crime, victimization, and justice. Coursework explores how inequality, social institutions, public policy, and community conditions shape patterns of crime and criminalization, people’s experiences with the criminal legal system, and society’s responses to harm.
You'll examine questions related to crime prevention, victim experiences, punishment, rehabilitation, public policy, and social change while learning to evaluate sociological research and evidence. Through sociological inquiry and critical analysis, you will develop a deeper understanding of how criminal legal systems affect individuals, communities, and society.
The concentration encourages students to think critically about crime and justice while developing the research, communication, and analytical skills needed to evaluate policy, support evidence-based decision-making, and advance meaningful social change.
You'll also be supported through our unique faculty and alumni mentoring program while gaining real-world experience through internships with criminal legal agencies, nonprofit organizations, advocacy groups, and community partners.
Career & Professional Pathways
The Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration prepares you for careers in law, public policy, criminal legal systems, advocacy, government, nonprofit organizations, community services, and research. Through internships and community-engaged learning opportunities, you'll gain practical experience while applying sociological research and analysis to real-world issues.
The concentration also provides excellent preparation for law school or graduate study in criminal justice, sociology, public administration, public policy, social work, and related fields. When you graduate from our program, you will be equipped to contribute to evidence-based solutions that support individuals, communities, and social change.
Study Abroad
As a student in the Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration, you can study abroad in the Czech Republic through a faculty-led summer program focused on international and comparative criminal justice systems. Through coursework, guest lectures, and field experiences, you'll examine crime, justice, and public policy in Prague’s rapidly changing democratic society. Courses apply directly toward concentration requirements, allowing students to make progress toward their degree while gaining an international perspective.
The program provides direct access to criminal justice professionals, government officials, and policymakers while offering a global perspective on crime, deviance, and legal systems. Studying in one of Europe's most historic and dynamic cities allows you to connect classroom learning with firsthand experiences that deepen their understanding of justice, policy, and social change.
Leadership Opportunities
Develop leadership skills through involvement in departmental programs, student organizations, mentoring initiatives, and community engagement activities. Leadership opportunities allow students to build professional skills, strengthen connections with peers and faculty, and gain experience working collaboratively to address social issues and support the Sociology community.
Research and Outreach
Explore how Sociology students are applying research methods, critical thinking, and sociological perspectives to investigate real-world issues, contribute to faculty scholarship, and engage with communities through meaningful research projects.
Students in the in the Criminology and Criminal Justice concentration can also be part of faculty-led research teams tackling “real-world” challenges through the Criminal Justice and Victimization Institute.
Certificate in Applied Social Research
Expand your research skills through the Applied Social Research Certificate. You'll gain hands-on experience in research design, data collection, analysis, and evidence-based communication while building professional skills.
Crimonology & Criminal Justice
Faculty
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Vanessa Centelles
- Assistant Professor
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Michael Hogan
- Associate Professor
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KuoRay Mao
- Associate Professor
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Jeffrey Nowacki
- Associate Professor
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Erin O'Callaghan
- Assistant Professor
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Tara Opsal
- Chair
- Professor
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Kathryn Tapp
- Assistant Professor
Next Steps
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