Why study criminology at MSU?

Criminology is the scientific study of crime, victimization, and the criminal justice system. Students are drawn to criminology to learn why some acts are criminal and others are not, why people break laws, and how we respond to these law breakers. Our criminology option is rooted in the social sciences, and students get training in social statistics and research methodologies alongside coursework on crime, victimization, and the criminal justice system. Students can also take advantage of our internship program to get additional exposure to and experience with local law enforcement and criminal justice agencies.

Studying criminology at MSU creates pathways for a variety of careers and sets students up for diverse graduate education programs. Graduates of our program go on to careers in fields such as (but not limited to):

  • Local, state, and federal law enforcement
  • Detention and corrections officers
  • Probation and parole officers
  • Victim services
  • Juvenile justice

Graduates of our program are well-positioned to further their education in: 

  • Master’s and doctoral programs in sociology and criminology
  • Forensics and crime scene investigation
  • Law school
  • Social work programs 


 

Why study sociology at MSU?

Sociology is concerned with the study of human social interactions, social behavior, and the influence of society upon this behavior. More specifically, sociologists examine the behavior of individuals as members of social networks and groups such as the family, the work group, organizations, communities, and societies. The sociology degree at MSU provides students with a strong foundation in social statistics, research methods, and critical thinking.

Studying sociology at MSU creates pathways for a variety of careers and sets students up for diverse graduate education programs. Graduates of our program go on to careers in fields such as (but limited to):

  • Human services
  • Social services
  • Counselors and caseworkers
  • Health services

Graduates of our program are well-positioned to further their education in: 

  • Master’s and doctoral programs in sociology
  • Counseling programs
  • Social work programs
  • Law school

 

Why is our department right for you?

We deliver our sociology and criminology options through a flexible course schedule that includes a high number of elective courses. This gives students the opportunity take the classes they’re most interested in, and to pair their major with second majors or minors in related areas such as psychology or political science.

Our faculty are committed to an undergraduate education that provides several opportunities for students to get involved inside and outside of the classroom. Members of our faculty regularly oversee independent studies, helping students explore their own interests with faculty guidance. Students have opportunities to assist faculty with research projects and tasks, including literature reviews, qualitative interviews, fielding and coding surveys, and analyzing and preparing results. This often provides students with opportunities to present research at conferences or get author credit on faculty research publications.

Finally, students can get directly involved in the community through our internship program and student groups. Students who complete an internship overseen by the department can earn academic credit for their work. Our department maintains several relationships with local organizations and agencies that provide students an opportunity to work as an intern in law enforcement, corrections, and social and human services. These internships are a great opportunity to get more practical engagement with prospective fields, and often work as a springboard to future employment.