Welcome
Sociology and criminology majors make a global impact. Have you ever wondered how you can fight poverty, reform the criminal justice system or be a voice for children in foster care while building a sustainable career? Your passion for helping those around you is exciting and worth cultivating. With the support of dedicated professors and faculty, you’ll learn to harness this passion to help change people’s lives for the better.
In the McMurry University Sociology and Criminology Department, you’ll receive a high-level curriculum created with the most up-to-date resources and data. Practical classroom learning and on-the-ground experience will equip you with an outstanding portfolio for further studies in graduate school or a successful entrance into the workforce. You’ll be ready to take your first steps toward a fulfilling career in human resources, public relations, criminal justice, public policy, social work and more. Begin at McMurry, where higher education meets hands-on work experience to bring about real-world change.
Areas of Study
The sociology and criminology department offers degrees in four high-demand areas.
Sociology
Sociology is a vast scientific field of study that examines all aspects of human interactions-everything from the way we think about ourselves and behave as individuals to the way our societies are organized and operate. The sociology major equips you with knowledge and understanding of a variety of sociological perspectives and scientific tools in order to examine how outside social forces shape your own and other’s experiences. This “sociological eye” allows you to see the complexity in what others call simple and prepares you for any field in which critical thinking, data literacy, problem-solving, and empathy are required. Because sociology is a broad field, it prepares you to enter careers in all industries including legal studies, social work, government and politics, education, community organizing, public policy, and many more. SociologyCriminology
Criminology offers a comprehensive examination of all facets of crime in society. The criminology major offers broad-based instruction in fundamentals of criminology including causes and consequences of crime, the functioning of the criminal justice system, victimology, and the societal responses to criminal behavior. Through this instruction coupled with opportunities for internships within multiple fields, you will attain the knowledge, skills, and experience for a career in law enforcement, crime scene investigation, criminal profiling, corrections, forensic science, legal studies, community support, or public policy. CriminologyCriminal Justice (Online)
The criminal justice major is designed for current law enforcement professionals seeking to advance in their careers by obtaining a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. In this major, you will study all aspects of the criminal justice system from critical and practical perspectives. Whether you are interested in aiding victims of crime, supporting the wrongfully convicted or helping the incarcerated seek justice, you will develop knowledge and skills to advance your career and contribute to your communities. Your classes will prepare you to apply for competitive jobs in forensics, detective work, police administration, domestic intelligence and more. Criminal justice
Student Opportunities
Pre-Professional Programs
The mission of the McMurry University Pre-Professional Program is to provide the curricular advising and career guidance needed by our students as they prepare themselves for application to and successful completion of a professional school program. Pre-Professional ProgramsAlpha Kappa Delta
Welcome to the sociology international honor society, Alpha Kappa Delta. By joining, you gain access to exclusive grants, travel opportunities, scholarships and mentorship programs. Plus, you’ll make lifelong friends who are passionate about sociology. Entrance for students, junior year and above, can be earned with a maintained GPA of 3.0 or higher and a declared major or minor in sociology. Engage in activities that challenge your mind and participate in group research projects to understand the social problems of our time. We’ll study the human condition and take active steps toward real change. Alpha Kappa DeltaSociology Club
Observation is one of the key tools used to study sociology in depth. What better way to learn the details of humanity than by interacting with your peers and others? The Sociology Club offers the opportunity for sociology majors and minors to experience their degree coming to life. You’ll connect with local human service agencies and organizations and become lifelong friends with other future sociologists.Departmental Honors and Awards
Each spring, the department of sociology and criminology recognizes students who display outstanding performance. Awards include:- Robert Dean Bouldin Scholarship, outstanding sophomore in sociology
- Everett E. and Orabeth Woods Scholarship, outstanding junior in sociology
- Dan W. Dodson Award, outstanding senior in sociology
- Morris Baker Award, outstanding graduating senior in psychology or sociology
- Esma Morris Cash Scholarship, outstanding female student in education, religion or sociology
- Edwin Sutherland Award, outstanding student in criminology
Research
On-the-job experience is essential to your success as a sociology and criminology department student. We believe that learning by doing is the most powerful way to prepare yourself to stand out in your field after graduation. Here are some of the ways we engage students in hands-on educational experiences.- We make our courses discovery based. You’ll learn how to formulate your own conclusions based on research and evidence. Classes include hands-on learning through research projects, experiments, data collection and analysis.
- We invite our students to join in faculty research. You’ll have the opportunity to participate in real sociology and criminology research studies led on-site by our professors or off campus at prestigious research centers. Current affiliates include the Southwestern Sociological Association and the American Sociological Association.
- We require all students to complete a capstone experience. This unique senior project will challenge you to explore your knowledge of sociology and criminology and prepare and present your findings. You’ll conduct own research and data analysis on a topic you select and use your project as a steppingstone to a successful career or further studies as a graduate student.
Honors Program
McMurry’s educational programs and resources help students thrive inside and outside the classroom. Students who receive a 3.25 GPA or above are highly encouraged to enhance their education by taking honors courses and enrolling in the sociology and criminology honors program. Honors CurriculumGlobal Learning Endorsement
The Global Learning Endorsement provides an opportunity for students to highlight academic achievement in global/international studies on their transcript. This endorsement will provide helpful documentation of the student’s expertise for employment in an increasingly globalized world. Learn More
Beyond McMurry
Careers
An undergraduate degree in sociology and criminology opens doors for a successful career or further graduate program study. Here are just a few promising career options:- Correctional Counselor
- Crime Scene Investigator
- Criminal Profiler
- Defense Attorney
- Drug Enforcement
- FBI Agent
- Forensic Scientist
- Human Resources Worker
- Human Rights Activist
- Law Enforcement Worker
- Nonprofit Worker
- Parole Officer
- Private Investigator
- Project Management
- Psychologist
- Rehabilitation Officer
- Social Worker
- State Trooper
Join the Ranks of Accomplished Alumni
McMurry sociology and criminology graduates are working across the country in advanced careers helping people of all cultures and backgrounds. Alumni are passionate about their work, and their education helps them connect with the people they interact with daily. Many go on to graduate program study.You’ll find McMurry sociology and criminology graduates leading the way in a wide range of fields:- Adult Probation Officer
- Air Force Military Police Officer
- Child Protective Services Investigator
- Correctional Officer
- Department of Family and Protective Services Worker
- Department of Health and Human Services Research Assistant
- Innocence Project of Texas Worker
- Licensed Professional Counselor
- Meals on Wheels Volunteer Coordinator
- Police Officer
- Primary Prevention Specialist
- Rehabilitation Center Worker
- University of Cincinnati School of Social Work Professor
- University of Texas Team Member
- Victim Advocate
- Victim Crisis Center Worker
- YMCA Associate Executive Director of Health and Wellness
Advanced Degree Pathways
For students working toward a specific career focus, McMurry offers additional phases of education to smooth the transition to graduate school. For more information email sociology@mcm.edu.Faculty
David Wahl
Assistant Professor of Sociology and CriminologyInstitutional Review Board, Chair
Institutional Review Board
Pocast
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