Sociology and Criminology, B.A.

Sociology is the study of social human behavior, particularly the way people interact, organize and take action. The discipline provides students with a strong analytical and theoretical background and skills to work with people. One of the major areas of study within the discipline of sociology is criminology. Criminology is the scientific study of crime and criminal behavior. Criminology examines the cause, extent, and types of crime in society, as well as law, policy and prevention.

A Sociology and criminology major is a great area of study, if you want to work with people in a range of fields because that’s exactly what sociology is about – understanding people. People’s motivations, privileges, families, cultures, social constructs, and the list goes on. It makes for culturally intelligent individuals who can go on to successful careers as social workers, lawyers, health care professionals, educators, and leaders in many fields across the globe.

Major and Minor

The sociology and criminology major requires students to complete five core courses and eight elective courses within the major (37 cr.). Students may take these eight courses in the four specialized concentrations within the department or choose from a variety of sociology courses in which they want to gain additional knowledge. A minimum of four of these major electives must be taken at the 3000 or 4000 level. In the department, 1000 and 2000-level courses are taught with no prerequisites, while 3000 level or above courses usually presume that a student has taken some previous sociology or criminology coursework. Majors and minors are encouraged to take SC 1010 either their first or second year. Before taking SC 3510 Sociological Data Analysis (frequently taken junior year), majors are required to take either DATA 1220 or PO 1500. Either of these courses will satisfy the Quantitative Analysis (QA) requirement for the University Core, although they do not count toward the 37 major credit requirements. At least 18 hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University.

Sociology and Criminology majors, like all majors in the humanities and social sciences, complete a 0-credit course, CE 2001, “CAS Professional Development Program,” as one of their degree requirements. In this course, students are introduced to resources and strategies for finding internships, articulating transferable skills, and preparing for employment or graduate/professional schools after college. Students typically complete this course in their sophomore year. Opportunities for ongoing Professional Development will be provided within the major, in collaboration with Career Services.

All majors in the department complete a year-long Capstone experience through proposing a research project in SC-3500 Research Methods, and then carrying out the analysis in SC-3510/3520. In previous years, some students have gone on to present these original research projects at John Carroll or at regional sociology association conferences.

Grade Policy for students in Sociology and Criminology:

1. A grade of D- of higher must be earned in all courses taken for each major or minor

2. A cumulative GPA of at least 2.0 must be earned in all courses taken for each major or minor

Accelerated and Graduate Programs

Many students of the department have undertaken graduate study in sociology or criminology, and in a variety of related fields, such as law, social work, counseling, public health, public policy, and non-profit administration. The department encourages the intellectual development that makes successful graduate work possible. For more information, students should consult an academic advisor in the department.

The department supports several accelerated undergraduate/graduate programs, where students may be able to begin graduate work early. A special agreement with the Mandel School of Applied Sciences (M-SASS) at Case Western Reserve University enables qualified sociology and criminology majors to enroll in the M-SASS social work program after their junior year at John Carroll. Successful completion of this program results in a B.A. in sociology and criminology from John Carroll and a master’s in social work from Case Western Reserve University. Students may also participate in the 3-3 Dual Admission Law Partnership between John Carroll University and Case Western Reserve School of Law. A student may obtain a bachelor’s degree in sociology and criminology from John Carroll University followed by the Juris Doctor degree from Case Western Reserve University in six years. The 3+3 Program is a non-traditional path that saves the student a total of one year in studies and expenses. For details, including standards for eligibility, students should consult the Chair of the Department of Sociology and Criminology during their first year at John Carroll.

Majors also have opportunities for continuing their graduate studies at John Carroll University. These include an accelerated program for sociology and criminology majors in Clinical Mental Health Counseling (M.A.). See the Department Chair for more details about the timeline and eligibility. Past students have continued their studies with other JCU graduate degrees, including: the M.S. in Applied Behavior Analysis, the M.Ed. in School Counseling, and the M.A. in Nonprofit Administration. The non-profit administration program is an interdisciplinary program, which the department was a founding member of. It is intended for those who desire careers managing non-profit organizations that provide assistance to people in need.

Program Learning Goals in Sociology and Criminology

Students will:

1. Be able to engage in critical questioning about their society, its social structure, and the larger world in which they live.

2. Develop critical sociological thinking skills in: reasoning, theoretical analysis, interpretation of research findings, and the general ability to separate fact from misinformation in order to engage the institutions and cultures of the multiple societies in this global community.

3. Be able to engage in research of various types with the goals of answering questions and disseminating findings in oral and written forms about the nature of human society and its diversity, cultures, human interactions, social structure, and issues related to social justice.

4. Develop as whole persons with their completion of a successful educational program with its implications for continued learning and a successful work life, and a commitment to lifelong civic engagement.

Major Requirements

Required Core Courses (13 cr.)

Additional Major Electives (24 cr.)

Students must take 8 (24 cr.) additional major courses, of which, 4 courses (12 cr.) must be at the 3000 or 4000 level beyond the required courses. Students may take these eight courses in the four specialized concentrations or choose from a variety of department courses. At least 18 hours in the major must be taken at John Carroll University. Please note that students are required to take DATA 1220 or PO 1500, as a prerequisite for SC 3510. Students will also complete CE-2001 CAS Professional Development Program, usually during their sophomore year.

Total Credit Hours: 37

Specialized Concentrations in Sociology and Criminology

Sociology and criminology majors may elect to focus attention on one of four specialized concentrations in sociology.  Fulfillment of the concentrations requires that all requirements within the concentrations be successfully completed.  In some cases, the requirements for a concentration may exceed the requirements for the sociology and criminology major.  For students wanting to complete two concentrations, they may overlap only two courses, which would be counted toward both concentrations.

Criminology (CR) concentration

The Criminology concentration consists of 18 credit hours and is recommended for students interested in law, crime, courts, police work, and/or criminal justice. Internships are available in either the fall or spring semesters, and should be completed Junior or Senior year. Students should work with department faculty and Career Services to be matched to an internship site based on their career interests. Participation in an internship generally requires a 2.75 GPA. If an internship that meets the department’s internship requirements is done during the summer, students may be able to petition the Chair to take an additional 3000/4000 level course instead of completing a second internship.

Students completing the Criminology concentration take courses from five tiers:

All tiers must be completed to fulfill the requirements of this concentration.

Diversity, Culture and Justice (DCJ) concentration

The Diversity, Culture, and Justice concentration consists of 18 credit hours and is recommended for students seeking increased knowledge of diverse cultures. This concentration is especially useful for students considering furthering their education in higher education, anthropology, counseling, social work, or public health. Internships are available in either the fall or spring semesters, and should be completed Junior or Senior year. Students should work with department faculty and Career Services to be matched Participation in an internship generally requires a 2.75 GPA. If an internship that meets the department’s internship requirements is done during the summer, students may be able to petition the Chair to take an additional 3000/4000 level course instead of completing a second internship.

Social Work, Community and Health (SWCH) concentration

The Social Work, Community and Health (SWCH) concentration consists of 18 credits and is recommended for students interested in social work, public health, counseling, advocacy, public policy, environmental work, nonprofit administration, and other related careers.  Internships are available in either the fall or spring semesters, and should be completed Junior or Senior year. Students should work with department faculty and Career Services to be matched. Participation in an internship generally requires a 2.75 GPA. If an internship that meets the department’s internship requirements is done during the summer, students may be able to petition the Chair to take an additional 3000/4000 level course instead of completing a second internship.

Forensic Behavioral Studies (FBSC) concentration

The Forensic Behavioral Studies (FBSC) concentration consists of 18 credits and is recommended for students interested in forensics, law enforcement and criminal justice.  Internships are available in either the fall or spring semesters, and should be completed Junior or Senior year. Students should work with department faculty and Career Services to be matched. Participation in an internship generally requires a 2.75 GPA. If an internship that meets the department’s internship requirements is done during the summer, students may be able to petition the Chair to take an additional 3000/4000 level course instead of completing a second internship.

Please consult your faculty major advisor or the department chair about questions and details regarding the concentrations.