Sociology and Criminal Justice

Jumpstart your career in sociology or criminal justice

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice prepares students for careers in social work and social services, community relations, policy analysis, government, law enforcement, community corrections, prison and jail programs, juvenile corrections and youth services, court operations, victim advocacy, private security, legal professions, and many more. Here are some key national statistics for sociology and criminal justice careers from the National Association of Colleges and Employers (NACE) and PayScale.

Starting Salary
$36,375-$57,946

Average Starting Salaries in Sociology/Criminal Justice (NACE)

Noteworthy Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries in Sociology/Criminal Justice (PayScale)

Social Services Director $99,600 Social Worker $66,878 Community Development Manager $117,946 Social and Community Service Manager $95,650 Behavioral Health Case Manager $96,073 Detective & Criminal Investigator $86,940 Emergency Management Director $76,250
Six months out of graduation
82%

Alumni in humanities and social sciences employed or in graduate school within 6 months after graduation

Get Prepared to Succeed

Students in our sociology and criminal justice programs have many opportunities to learn and develop outside the classroom, such as engaging with community groups and organizations, attending special presentations and expert panels, conducting research with professors, and presenting at conferences. They also develop connections and work with industry professionals through a wide array of internships. Students can earn selection in Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society, as well as join extracurricular activities including the Sociology/Criminal Justice Club, among others.

What You'll Learn

In sociology and criminal justice programs, students learn in-demand skills that employers have identified as critical for job candidates, including:

  • quantitative and qualitative research techniques used in sociology/criminology
  • presentation skills
  • critical thinking
  • verbal and written communication skills, among others

Key Career Skills for Sociology and Criminal Justice Majors

as indicated by Employers and Alumni on LinkedIn

Analytical Skills

Community Outreach

Digital Fluency

Proposal Writing

Research

Social Justice Competency

Verbal & Written Communication

*LinkedIn Workplace
Learning Report 2021