Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work

The Workforce Is
Waiting for You

The Department of Sociology, Criminal Justice, and Social Work 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.

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By the Numbers

85%

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

$41,898-$57,022

Average starting salaries in sociology and criminal justice fields (NACE)

Noteworthy dpeartment area Jobs and Mid-Career Salaries with 8+ Years of Experience (PayScale)

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

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Degrees Offered – What Will You Power?

Undergraduate
BA in Criminology and Criminal Justice
Students in this program will learn fundamental facts about how the criminal justice system operates in the United States, how and why criminality varies across people and places in the US and around the world, and policies intended to reduce crime and/or punish perpetrators.

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BA in Sociology, General
Students in the general sociology program will learn about patterns in social behavior and a variety of possible explanations for those patterns. There will be particular focus on inequalities by race, gender and social class.

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BA in Sociology 100% Online
Minor in Sociology
A minor in sociology helps undergraduates become effective citizens, with the ability to grapple with such issues as multiculturalism, inequality, and globalization. By integrating these key concepts, students become capable of critical inquiry and civic engagement.

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Minor in Criminology & Criminal Justice
Students minoring in CCJ learn about the basics of the criminal justice system and about theories that help explain why crime varies over time and place. They also can choose from a variety of electives about policing, corrections, forensic social psychology, and more.

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BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice 100% Online
BA in Criminology & Criminal Justice – Accelerated Professional Track 100% Online
Bachelors in Social Work
This is an interdisciplinary degree program comprised of 12 required social work courses as well as courses in sociology and psychology. The program culminates with a 400-hour internship experience during the fall and spring semesters of the senior year. More info »

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KEY SKILLS AND OPPORTUNITIES

Students in our Sociology, Criminal justice, and Social work 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.

Analytical Skills
Community Outreach
Digital Fluency
Proposal Writing
Research
Social Justice Competency
Verbal & Written Communication

Information on affordability and value from the U.S. Department of Education: College Scorecard

WHAT YOU'LL LEARN

In our Sociology, Criminal justice, and Social Work 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

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Our Powerhouse Alumni

Graduates of our programs have job opportunities in a wide array of areas such as health and social services, business and non-profit organizations, community work, corrections, colleges and universities, publishing, computer work, public relations, and federal, state, and local government, and law enforcement, among many others. Many also go on to attend graduate school.

Where our Alumni Work

Internships

Hospitals
Consumer relations
Market research
Personnel
Public affairs
Museums and galleries
Senior citizen centers
Welfare agencies
Police departments
Courts
Probation/Parole offices
Re-entry services
Juvenile correctional
agencies
Law offices
Youth service agencies
Victim service agencies
Child protection services
Domestic violence programs
Family services
Substance abuse treatment centers
NJ Department of Children & Families
NJ Community Development Corporation
CUMAC
Atlantic Health Systems
DEA
Wayne Township Police
YMCA
Boys & Girls Club
Morris County Medical Examiner’s Office
Oasis
Family Support Organization of NJ

Mentorship to Move You Forward

Our professors are proud practitioners in their fields and love to share their expertise beyond the classroom. Mentorship is at the core of our department, and it’s our goal that every student work directly with a faculty member to expand their knowledge and worldview.

"The criminology and criminal justice major is filled with professors who care about students and their success. During my time at William Paterson, I had several influential professors. From being inducted into Alpha Phi Sigma, the criminal justice honor society, to attending office hours, I can say the criminology and criminal justice program helped me strengthen my Will. Power.—to help me always strive to be successful and make a difference in the world."

Dela Amexo ’19

criminology and criminal justice and psychology double major, currently pursuing a graduate degree in clinical mental health counseling.

You're Ready to Take the Next Step

And we're ready to help you grow. At William Paterson, we provide students with the skills, knowledge, and experience they need to forge forward as a powerhouse—both in the classroom and in their careers. Apply today to discover your potential.

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