Program Learning Outcomes

Sociology and Criminal justice - BA Mission Statement  

The Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at William Paterson University provides rigorous programs of study designed to:  1) teach our students sociological/criminological perspectives; 2) give them the knowledge and analytical tools with which to understand the social world and/or the criminal justice system; 3) enable them to apply that knowledge in their careers and in ways that serve the wider community. 

To achieve the above, faculty members place an important emphasis on teaching, seeking not only to inform—but also to explain, demonstrate, and inspire—in an ongoing  effort to bestow a love of learning upon our students.  As scholars, faculty members conduct research, participate in professional meetings and conferences, and publish their work. Finally, members of the Department bring their expertise to a wide variety of civic organizations and activities as part of their community service. 

At the undergraduate level, our courses integrate key concepts with our disciplines' unique perspectives and methods.  Thus, we prepare students for success in the workplace and/or graduate school, including the ability to engage in critical social inquiry and informed civic engagement.

Sociology and Criminal Justice - BA Goals  

  1. Students will develop an understanding of the sociological/criminological & criminal justice perspective and acquire core knowledge in the field.  
  2. Students will be able to use sociological/criminological theory to understand and explain social/criminal behavior.  
  3. Students will learn the various methods and techniques of sociological/criminal justice and criminological research 
  4. Students will be able to apply what they have learned in their own research projects. 

Sociology and Criminal Justice - BA Student Learning Outcomes

  1. Students will be able to explain the social and historical processes through which sociology/criminology as a discipline developed.  Also, they will be able to describe the relationships among sociology/criminology, other social science approaches, social life/crime, and punishment in society. 
  2. Students will be able to show mastery of the core knowledge of sociology/criminology as a distinctive field of study 
  3. Students will be able to distinguish among major theoretical strategies in sociology/criminology. They will also be able to describe and apply the ideas of prominent sociological/criminological theorists. Lastly, they will be able to explain different theoretical strategies and claims about a variety of social issues/a variety of criminal justice and criminological issues. 
  4. Students will be able to describe and distinguish the various research techniques used in sociology/criminology. They also will be able to critically evaluate the evidence presented in sociological/criminological research reports. And lastly, they will be able to discuss ethical issues that arise in the conduct of social science research. 
  5. Students will be able to design research projects using various sociological data-gathering techniques. They should be able to demonstrate competence in both quantitative and qualitative research methods and be able to present the results of their research projects in an effective manner, both orally and in writing.