Sociology / Criminology

Psychology comforts the afflicted;
Sociology afflicts the comforted.
--Earl Schaeffer

Sociology is the scientific study of society. It is sometimes called the "group science" because of its focus on human interaction, which occurs between two or more individuals, groups, and institutions. Any type of human interaction can be studied by sociologists. Groups, institutions, communities, and entire societies are investigated by sociologists and criminologists, sometimes for description, other times for comparison and contrast.

Our courses cover topics such as conformity and deviance; crime; delinquency; racial, ethnic, and gender relations; the implications of social class; marriage and family life; education, religion, the health care system; the law and the legal system; and economic, political, and social change.

The study of criminology focuses on the causes and consequences of crime in society. Criminologists seek to understand and explain why crime rates differ across time, culture, and place; why some individuals are more prone to crime than others; why crime rates vary across different ages, genders, and groups; why some acts are considered criminal and others are not; and what we can do to prevent crime.

There are many reasons for taking courses in this field. Aside from seeking knowledge for its own sake, the reasons include achieving a better understanding of yourself and of the impact of social forces upon your life; developing awareness of diversity and appreciation of that diversity, in your neighborhood, community, society, and the world; learning critical thinking skills, developing analytical skills, and being able to apply these to social situations; and becoming familiar with research techniques employed by social scientists. In personal relationships, you may develop skills that will enable you to get along better with the people you interact with at home, at work, and in everyday life.

Sociology/Criminology Course Descriptions

Columbus State offers the following courses in this area:

Introduction to Sociology
Rural Sociology
Social Problems
Sociology of Deviant Behavior
Sociology of the Criminal Justice System
Law and Society
Marriage and Family
Racial and Ethnic Relations
Criminology
Various Special Topics Courses

For more information, check out our course descriptions in Sociology/Criminology.

Sociology/Criminology Faculty

Career Opportunities in Sociology/Criminology

Career opportunities in sociology for the most part require graduate degrees and involve research positions; however, many organizations recognize and value the strong critical thinking skills developed by this major. A sociology major, along with other skills, will prepare you well for the work force. Criminologists often work within the criminal justice system. Some of the major areas for Sociologists/Criminologists are listed below:

Teaching and/or Research in Schools or Universities

Research in Business

Many sociologists work in marketing and public relations engaging in public opinion research and data analysis.

Research in Governmental Agencies

Sociologists are also employed in social and corrective agencies such as prisons, halfway houses, and parole agencies.

Sociology may also be viewed as a stepping stone to other careers: political office (running for or being appointed to), public service, law, school teaching, police work, mental health, ministry, social work, and health care. Notice the common thread - they are all helping professions. While sociology is distinct as a science, it contains many elements that may be applied to social conditions and lead to other career choices that involve applying sociology to various conditions. Also note that those related careers may well require additional education in other fields of study.

Criminal Justice System

Criminologists work in many areas of the criminal justice system, including as police officers, parole officers, bailiffs, prison guards, and investigators. Those with advanced degrees can find work teaching or doing research at colleges and universities or with the state or federal government.

Academics Department

(614) 287-0000

academics@cscc.edu

Sociology / Criminology

Contents

Sociology/Criminology Course Descriptions

Sociology/Criminology Faculty

Career Opportunities in Sociology/Criminology

Sociology/Criminology Related Sites

Department Contact