John Carroll offers a major and minor in sociology and criminology. The coursework will expose you to theoretical insights about human behavior, and teach you critical analytical thinking and skills to work with, and help understand, people. You’ll learn about ways people interact, organize, and act as families, cities, societies, cultures, ethnic/racial groups, social class, religions, businesses, and many other types of groups.
Department of Sociology and Criminology
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 and understand 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 prevention.
Programs of Study
Learn more about our Programs of Study, including our specialized concentrations in Criminology; Diversity Justice and Social Change; Social Work, Community and Health; Forensic Behavioral Studies and our 3/2 Programs.
Department Highlights
As a sociology and criminology student, you’ll take foundational courses in research methods, data analysis, and theory. You’ll also explore contemporary social issues such as: crime, drugs and violence, juvenile delinquency, poverty, aging, health and illness, prejudice and discrimination, social justice and inequalities, the environment, and sexuality and gender, both within the U.S. and internationally.
Depending on your career interests, you can choose to focus your studies in one of four specialized concentrations: Criminology; Forensic Behaviors; Social Work, Community & Health; or Diversity, Justice and Social Change.
Many of our students complete internships to gain professional experience in a variety of fields. Our students have completed internships in over 75 nonprofit and governmental agencies throughout the Cleveland metropolitan area. In addition to completing summer university internships, internships through the department are highly recommended for seniors completing concentrations, and students are matched to an internship site based upon their career interests.
Sociology and Criminology majors and minors often participate in Interdisciplinary programs by completing a minor or secondary major in areas such as: