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Department of Sociology and Criminology offers
a traditional sociology major and the option to
concentrate in criminology. The concentration
in criminology offers students opportunities to
learn criminological perspectives and concepts,
conduct research, serve the community, and do
internships. We prepare students for a variety
of careers related to criminal justice, crime
prevention and intervention, or advocacy, or for
graduate or law school.
The study of criminology at Valparaiso University
is situated within the broader liberal arts tradition
that strives to foster social awareness and a
global perspective. We encourage students to think
sociologically and conscientiously about issues
related to crime, law, and the justice system.
The specific skills we help students develop include
the ability to:
- apply critical and abstract reasoning,
- scrutinize and understand theory and research,
- communicate clearly both orally and in writing,
- make informed decisions regarding crime and
justice issues in the community.
In our criminology courses, we invite students
to consider theories about why individuals engage
in delinquent and criminal behavior, the structure
of the justice system, and the ways in which social
structure influences both involvement in crime
and the functioning of the justice system. For
example, we examine how race and gender influence
responses to crime by the police and courts, how
social class is related to crime, and the origin
and impact of social policies (such as gun control)
and punitive practices (such as imprisonment).
The criminology concentration requires 33 course
credits. Courses in this field of study include:
- The Criminal Justice System
- Crime and Society
- Juvenile Delinquency
- Sociology of Law
- Law Enforcement
- Penology
- Topics courses related to specific issues
or “hot topics.”
The criminology concentration also requires an
internship. Our students do internships with a
wide variety of local, state, and federal agencies
such as police departments, juvenile detention
and correction centers, prisons, the prosecutor’s
office, the probation office, and crime prevention
and intervention agencies.
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