Sociology & Criminology
Bachelor of Arts
Introduction
Understand society. Challenge injustice. Create change.
Investigate the root causes of social problems. Analyze crime and justice systems. Advocate for marginalized communities. Research solutions to inequality. You can do all this and more when you major in Sociology & Criminology at John Carroll University. Our rigorous, research-focused program develops critical thinkers and social analysts, preparing you for success in graduate school, law school, and careers that address society's most pressing challenges.
In our department, you can keep your degree broad or focus on four career-ready concentrations:
- Criminology
- Diversity, Culture, and Justice
- Forensic Behavioral Studies
- Social Work, Community, and Health
No matter which path you choose, you’ll graduate with the skills and experience to take on what’s next.
Undergraduate Research
In your year-long capstone, you’ll team up with a faculty mentor to research a real-world issue in sociology or criminology—and you may even get to showcase your work at DISCOVER Day or a professional conference.
Gain Experience Beyond the Classroom
Build essential skills through internships related to law, forensics, social work, social justice or wherever your passions lie. All majors who select a department concentration complete at least one internship, reflecting our commitment to supporting career pathway development.
Learning That Transforms
Through the Inside-Out Prison Exchange Program, you’ll study alongside incarcerated students in a women’s detention center for a truly powerful and unique educational experience. Majors can also take part in service learning–hands-on, community-based projects with local partners working on families, immigration, and criminology—or explore global perspectives through our study abroad trip in Northern Ireland focused on peace and conflict.
Get Involved on Campus
Sociology and Criminology majors can get involved in a wide range of campus activities. Join friends for crime movie nights with the Sociology & Criminology Club, build professional networks through the Women and Law Club, or advocate for justice with the Ohio Innocence Project Chapter. No matter your interests, there are plenty of ways to spark your passion on campus.
Academics
Program Overview & Outcomes
The Sociology & Criminology major at John Carroll University prepares you to work with people and in communities in a variety of contexts and fields. At JCU, you can further customize your educational experience to match your career goals; this could include combining a specific sociology concentration with a minor and/or a second major.
Wherever your path leads, as a Sociology & Criminology major at JCU you will gain the ability to:
- Think Critically: Analyze how individual experiences connect to complex problems.
- Apply Theory: Use a range of sociological and criminological theories to understand human behavior.
- Conduct Research: Use methods and data analysis to investigate real-world issues.
- Communicate: Develop into a thoughtful and effective communicator
Curriculum
Related Programs
Still deciding on your program of study at JCU or considering a second major? Here are some other academic areas to explore.
Pathways
Your Path Forward Starts Here
Plan your future from day one. Finish faster with accelerated degrees or secure your spot with early assurance partnerships.
4 years
Bachelor of Arts
Explore the Sociology & Criminology program at John Carroll University, where you'll gain critical skills to analyze social issues and advocate for justice.
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Your Counseling Career, Accelerated
Future in Focus
Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—so you're building clinical skills while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Start helping people sooner.
Two Degrees, Two Institutions
Future in Focus
Three years at JCU building your foundation in social systems, then two years at CWRU's top-ranked Mandel School. You graduate with two degrees and the preparation to change lives through service and social justice.
Your Teaching Career, Accelerated
Future in Focus
Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—earning your teaching license and master's while finishing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate, and your financial aid still applies. Get into the classroom sooner.
Your MBA, Accelerated
Future in Focus
Nine graduate credits count toward both degrees—building executive-level skills while completing your bachelor's. You pay your undergraduate tuition rate with financial aid applied. An MBA for the cost of a few extra courses.
A JD in Less Time, for Less
Future in Focus
Your first year of law school counts as your senior year at JCU—so you earn both degrees in six years instead of seven. That's a full year of law school tuition you'll never pay.
Onward
JCU's Distinct Promise
Pathways are just the beginning.
Onward makes them happen.
From your first semester forward, Onward connects your goals with the people, experiences, and support that help you build momentum with purpose.
Complementary Minors
Consider enhancing your studies by expanding your knowledge and skills. These minors may be of particular interest depending on your area of concentration and career focus.
Careers
Where Our Alumni Go
Graduates of our sociology and criminology programs thrive in a wide range of fields. Many work in community organizations, nonprofits, government agencies, or the justice system in roles like case management, corrections, victim advocacy, and community outreach. Others pursue advanced degrees to build careers in research, policy analysis, or law.
