Sociology, B.A. Criminology and Justice Studies Concentration

The concentration in criminology in the sociology undergraduate program is designed to provide students with a sociological understanding of criminal and deviant behavior and the formal and informal strategies for controlling crime within the context of a broad liberal arts education.

This undergraduate concentration also includes a strong foundation in research methods, data analysis, and theory essential for students interested in careers in the administration of justice or those who intend to pursue graduate studies.

PROGRAM DISTINCTIONS

• Sociology ranks among the top ten most popular majors at UNCG.
• UNCG’s Department of Sociology has a nationally recognized reputation in criminology.
• Faculty is comprised of leading experts in areas such as feminist criminology, African American/Black criminology, peacemaking criminology, and crimes of the powerful.
• UNCG’s sociology faculty received a #1 ranking in books published among institutional peers, according to Academic Analytics.
• UNCG’s Center for Housing and Community Studies is a research hub that provides data, analysis, planning and evaluation to aid non-profit and governmental agencies to provide fair, affordable, and healthy housing, and build safe and sustainable communities.

THE STUDENT EXPERIENCE

• Students gain expertise comprehending social structure and social change while being taught and mentored by faculty widely recognized for their teaching and research.
• Data analysis and research methods are core components of the coursework.
• Study abroad opportunities are available with courses taught internationally in places such as Cameroon, France, Germany, India, Italy, Mexico, Taiwan, and Russia.
• Participation in academic clubs and organizations including Alpha Kappa Delta (an international sociology honor society) and the Sociology Club.
• Opportunities with the UNCG Center for Housing and Community Studies, a research, evaluation, and technical assistance center.
• Internships in a variety of public and private organizations including the Center for Creative Leadership, Legal Aid of North Carolina, Greensboro Police Department, Guilford County Sheriff’s Office, and Family Services of the Piedmont.

AFTER GRADUATION

• Completion of the program presents opportunities for graduates to work in public sector positions with health, social service, criminal justice and corrections agencies, and private sector positions in human resources, research, public relations, and more.
• Graduates from the program work in law enforcement in Fairfax County, local federal probation, and the Guilford County Public Defender’s Office; for nonprofit organizations including Triangle Family Services; and in corporate America, including JPMorgan Chase.
• Others have earned advanced degrees from Northwestern University, Purdue, University of Chicago, Vanderbilt, and N.C. State while some graduates have attended law school at City University of New York, Elon, the University of North Carolina at Charlotte, and Wake Forest.

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