The University of St. Thomas

Minor in Criminal Justice

Minor in Criminal Justice open book View Catalog Entry

Department Description:

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.

Description of Minor

Minor in Criminal Justice

  • SOCI 100 Introduction to Sociology (4 credits)
  • SOCI 200 Introduction to Criminal and Juvenile Justice (4 credits)
  • SOCI 312 Crime and Delinquency (4 credits)

    Plus eight credits from the following, at least four of which must be in sociology:
  • CJUS 342 Criminal Law and Criminal Procedure (4 credits)
  • CJUS 345 Police Operations (4 credits)
  • CJUS 347 Correctional Practice and Administration (4 credits)
  • POLS 312 Judicial Process (4 credits)
  • POLS 314 Constitutional Rights and Liberties (4 credits)
  • SOCI  130  Homicide (4 credits)
  • SOCI  344  Police and Society (4 credits)
  • SOCI  346  Corrections in American:  Prison, Probation, and Parole (4 credits)
    Students wishing to combine a minor in Criminal Justice with a minor in Sociology may do so but only 8 credits may count for both.
Study Abroad Opportunities:

Study Abroad Opportunities

Students 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 Information

Job Star

Career Choices for Sociology Majors: Allyn & Bacon

Career Information for CJ Majors

Career Choices and Graduate School: What are UST SOC Graduates Doing?

Career Resources for Sociology Majors

UST Career Development Center

What Can I Do with This Major?

 

Contact Information:

Contact Us

Department Address

    University of St. Thomas
    Department of Sociology
    Mail # 5021
    2115 Summit Ave.
    St. Paul, MN 55105-1096

Department Location

    University of St. Thomas
    St. Paul Campus   (campus maps)
    O'Shaughnessy Educational Center
    4th Floor, room 431

Contact Information

   Email: sociologycj@stthomas.edu   
   Office: (651) 962-5630
    Fax:  (651) 962-5682

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

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