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Criminology are well-prepared for a wide-range
of opportunities after graduation.
Why Study Sociology and
Criminology at Butler?
The Department of Sociology and Criminology
aspires to be a cornerstone program in the
social sciences, emphasizing writing and critical
thinking, analytical skills, experiential learning,
and an in-depth understanding of the changing
world including multicultural and global issues.
The department provides comprehensive,
sociology-based coursework in Sociology,
Sociology with a Specialization in Social
Work and Social Policy, and Criminology.
Our program is distinguished by:
• A curriculum that emphasizes the
connection between theory and practice.
Students have numerous opportunities to
apply what they have learned in the classroom
to “real world” settings and to everyday
life.
• Majors that culminate in a capstone
experience. Students undertake and
complete an independent empirical
research project in their senior year that
demonstrates their mastery of sociology
or criminology. Students present their
research findings at the Butler Undergraduate
Research Conference or a
professional meeting.
• An emphasis on multicultural and global
issues. Our curriculum introduces students
to other cultures and societies and prepares
them for participation in an increasingly
diverse and multicultural world.
• Student participation in internships and
service-learning courses. Internships in
criminal justice, human services, businesses,
and community contexts provide students
with practical experience and career
opportunities. Service learning courses
promote learning through the active
participation of students in the local
community.
• Student engagement in the research
process. Students have many opportunities
to engage in the research process and to
collaborate with faculty on research projects.
• A curriculum that prepares students for
the job market and for advanced study.
Graduates of the department work in
a wide range of employment fields including
human services, social policy agencies,
Butler University
the criminal justice system, health care
and business. Majors also pursue advanced
professional degrees in law and social work,
as well as degrees in sociology, criminology
and other related fields.
• Numerous student opportunities beyond
the classroom. The department sponsors a
chapter of Alpha Kappa Delta, an international
honor society for sociology. The
Student Sociology Association conducts
community service projects such as tutoring
disadvantaged youths and collecting food
and blankets for the homeless. The association
also sponsors speakers and a career
panel each year.
• A diverse faculty of dedicated teachers
and researchers. Faculty work closely with
students and encourage student learning
through hands-on experiences in and out
of the classroom.
Sociology and Criminology Student
Learning Outcomes
The core values of the Sociology and
Criminology Department are placed squarely
within a liberal arts tradition that strives to
foster critical reflection, social awareness and
responsibility, socio-cultural diversity and a
global perspective. The department’s central
mission is to (a) foster a knowledge of social
and cultural issues, theories, and research methods;
(b) cultivate students’ abilities to succinctly
and clearly express this knowledge in oral and
written form; (c) to provide opportunities for
students to utilize these acquired skills in an applied
context; and (d) to develop an awareness
of global and multicultural issues. Students will
develop a perspective that emphasizes critical
inquiry and reasoning to address challenging
social problems. Ultimately, our program and
curriculum cultivates values that will shape
students into life-long active, responsible and
informed members of the greater community.
Degrees
• Major in Sociology
• Minor in Sociology
• Major in Sociology with a Specialization
in Social Work and Social Policy
• Major in Criminology
• Minor in Criminology
• Combined Major in Sociology and
Criminology (see “Combined Majors”)
• Combined Major in Sociology with a
Specialization in Social Work and