Degrees Offered
1. A Bachelor of Arts in Sociology with an emphasis in Criminology or Social Work
Criminology
Criminology is an emphasis within our Sociology program designed to prepare students for work in fields related to victim advocacy, probation, parole, police work, as well as a wide variety of work in the criminal justice field. This program differs from a criminal justice degree in that it is focused on understanding causes and consequences of crime, as well as analyzing social policies that contribute to crime statistics across communities. This program seeks to understand the root causes of crime, why people commit crimes, what impact these crimes have on communities, and what methods could we implement to reduce crime in our own neighborhoods. Students will leave this program with an understanding of how our social institutions can play a role in reducing crime among children, women, families, homeless populations, the poor, and minority populations.
Social Work
Social Work is an emphasis within our Sociology program designed to prepare students for work as mental health case workers, child protective services, victim advocates, community leaders, social workers as well as a wide variety of work directly helping people and families. At the micro level, social workers provide support to families addressing individual needs across a wide range of social issues, from housing support to substance abuse counseling. At the macro level, social workers help prepare communities for a wide range of support that can care for those in nursing homes, hospitals, struggling with homelessness, drug addiction, family violence, or poverty. Social workers help the most vulnerable in society find and secure resources for a better future.