| Department Description: |
Sociology & Criminal Justice at St. ThomasSociology 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. |
| Description of Major |
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The program in Criminal Justice provides students with an understanding of the entire criminal justice system while at the same time allowing them to take specific courses in a area of special interest.The program emphasizes the interrelationships among the various components of the criminal justice system (i.e., law enforcement, prosecution, courts and corrections) and examines how they deal with adult offenders and juvenile delinquents.The major reflects the interdisciplinary nature of criminal justice. It provides a concentration of courses which prepares students for careers in such areas as policing, private security, probation, parole and corrections. It also prepares students for advanced study in criminology, criminal justice and law. Law Enforcement
The Criminal Justice program at St. Thomas, in conjunction with Alexandria Technical College and Hibbing Community College, is certified by the Board of Minnesota Peace Officers Standards and Training to prepare students for the peace officer licensing examination. Students who intend to take this examination must also complete SOCI 251, PHED 250, and PSYC 111. Please see the department’s Law Enforcement Education Coordinator, Dr. Tanya Gladney, glad1025@stthomas.edu. Required Courses:
In addition, it is recommended that students take the following courses in this order:
Note: Students with a double major in sociology and psychology who have completed SOCI 210, PSYC 212 and QMCS 220 do not need to take SOCI 220. Note: Students choosing to double major in Sociology and Criminal Justice are limited to the number of courses that can be applied to both majors. Only the following courses may count toward requirements in both majors: SOCI 100, 210, 220, 310 and 320
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| Study Abroad Opportunities: |
Study Abroad OpportunitiesStudents majoring in Sociology or Criminal have opportunities to spend a semester or year abroad. Because sociology courses are offered at virtually every university, students studying abroad can usually satisfy some of their major requirements. See International Education for more information on study abroad opportunities. |
| Research Opportunities: |
| There are opportunities for students to do independent research in colloboration with a faculty member and to present findings at a professional meeting such as the Midwest Sociological Society. See a faculty member if interested. |
| Typical Careers: |
Jobs, Internships, & Career InformationASA Report: What can you do with a sociology degree? Career Choices for Sociology Majors: Allyn & Bacon Using Sociology in the Workplace Career Information for CJ Majors Educating and Training Forensic Scientists Career Choices and Graduate School: What are UST SOC Graduates Doing? |
| Contact Information: |
Contact UsDepartment Address University of St. Thomas Department Location University of St. Thomas Contact Information Email: sociologycj@stthomas.edu Stacy Janke is the Administrative Assistant for the Sociology and Economics Departments. The office is open from 8:00 am - 4:00 pm during the academic year with modified office hours during the summer. Email: sljanke@stthomas.edu |
| Fun Facts: |
Fun FactsSociologist is listed as one of the top jobs by the Wall Street Journal. The American Sociological Association's magazine, Contexts, was named one of the best new magazines of 2002 by the Library Journal and the Association of American Publishers. What do Ronald Reagan and Dr. Martin Luther King Jr. have in common? They both earned undergraduate degrees in Sociology. View a list of notable sociology majors. According to People magazine, Mindy Cohn (actress from the sitcom Facts of Life), received a sociology degree in 1993. Former U.S. Senator Eugene McCarthy taught sociology at UST (1946-1948) when it was known as St. Thomas College. |
Major in Criminal Justice
| Major in Criminal Justice |  View Catalog Entry |
