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Sociology & Criminal Justice at St. Thomas
Sociology is the scientific study of human behavior whose unique contribution is understanding the influence of external social forces beyond the control of individuals as manifested in groups, organizations, and social processes such as inequality and socialization or how we come to know the ways of society. A major in sociology enables students to observe and analyze social life. Sociology provides knowledge and skills applicable to a variety of careers, as well as everyday life.
Auguste Comte coined the term sociology in the 1800's and was motivated, in part, to understand the upheaval of the French revolution. Today, sociology is a broad discipline with a variety of sub fields including criminology, sexuality, family, gender, politics, social movements, social psychology, education, social inequality, deviance, and aging to name just a few. In fact, the American Sociological Association lists over 44 current sections reflecting a wide range of teaching and research interests.
Here at St. Thomas, dedicated faculty are actively involved in engaging students both inside and outside the classroom with problem based learning, research opportunities, and an active sociology and criminal justice student club.
The department offers two majors: sociology and criminal justice. After graduation some of our students pursue a Ph.D. in sociology or other graduate degrees in business, education, industrial relations, law, public affairs, social work, theology, or other fields.
We also offer minors in both sociology and criminal justice. Many of our majors or minors are also majoring in other fields, including education, journalism, management, marketing, social work, and theology.
We are located on the fourth floor of the O'Shaughnessy Educational Center on the St. Paul campus. The Department Office is in OEC 431.
