Sociology & Sociology/Criminology
Welcome to the Sociology Department
Sociology is the rigorous, scientific study of human interaction and social organization. We approach the study of society from various theoretical perspectives but we expect all of our students to be proficient in the analysis of quantitative data. Students who select sociology as their major may choose to concentrate their studies in criminology (Sociology/Criminology option) or concentrate in other required related areas such as community sociology, social and political thought, data analysis, and global issues. We also offer a minor in sociology and criminology. These minors fit well with other social science and humanities majors. Our graduates work in law enforcement, human service organizations, research based organizations, as well as local, state, and federal government offices. Our major provides outstanding preparation for graduate school.
Interested in Sociology? Request More Information.
Specific curriculum requirements for majors and minors can be found using the Academic Advisement link. Course descriptions are available in the undergraduate student catalog.
Criminology at Millersville
Hear from a student, an alumna, and a professor about our program and why it's different.
MISSION STATEMENT
The mission of the MU Sociology program is to provide students with the ability to understand human behavior in the context of social, historical, cultural, political, environmental influences - that is, to enable students to develop a "sociological imagination" with which they can understand their place in and responsibility for the world around them. All human behavior is necessarily social behavior, making the Sociology major, the Criminology emphasis within the major, and the Sociology and Criminology minors, widely applicable. Students need to be able to acquire, synthesize, and apply sociological information.
The MU Sociology program has adopted the following student outcomes:
1. Sociology graduates demonstrate written communication skills consistent with the Liberal Education and America's Promise (LEAP) essential learning outcomes.
2. Sociology graduates demonstrate information literacy.
3. Sociology graduates demonstrate the ability to interact appropriately with professionals in the community.
“I chose to major in sociology after I took Sociology of the Family with Dr. Smith as a first-semester transfer student majoring in social work. The sociology major has expanded my worldview as well as developed my critical thinking and writing skills. My favorite part of MU is the relationships I have built with my mentors and advisors, who have been nothing short of encouraging and dedicated to my growth. I look forward to using my sociology degree in the future to engage in social work practice that is strengthened by a strong understanding of sociological theory and social dynamics.”
- Victoria Ziegler | Senior, Sociology and Social Work Double Major
