| 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 Minor |
|
Minor in Sociology
|
| 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. |
Minor in Sociology
| Minor in Sociology |  View Catalog Entry |
