Double Major in Sociology and Criminology
This double major gives students the opportunity to specialize in two related fields and explore the disciplines of sociology and criminology efficiently.
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Department of Sociology & Criminology
211 Old Main,
University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
P 479-575-3205
E-mail: nkarnes@uark.edu
UNDERGRADUATE
Undergraduate students in the Department of Sociology and Criminology can major in criminology, sociology with AAST dependent major, or acquire a double major in Sociology and Criminology. We also offer two minors: in Criminal Justice and Sociology. Our fully online minor in Criminal Justice and online minor in Sociology count toward the Interdisciplinary Major. We participate in and contribute to African and African American Studies, Latin American & Latino Studies, Gender Studies, Religious Studies, and other interdisciplinary area studies programs.
Sociology Degree
Sociology is a comprehensive liberal arts degree that provides an excellent foundation and springboard for working in today's diverse social, organizational, non-profit, and business environments. The Sociology major provides marketable skills and competitive edge in research, theory, and data analytics and knowledge related to social institutions, interactions, cultures, social inequality, and organizations.
Criminology Degree
The criminology major is a comprehensive liberal arts degree that offers marketable skills and distinct advantage to students interested in working in the areas of crime prevention, law enforcement, and the court system. The major provides highly competitive skills in research, theory, and data analytics that prepare students beyond an understanding of criminal procedures or evidence.
MAJOR AND MINOR OPTIONS
Minor in Criminal Justice
18 semester hours in criminal justice and sociology and at least nine hours of 3000-level classes or above are required.
Minor in Sociology
18 semester hours in sociology and at least nine hours of 3000-level classes or above are required.
Senior Writing Requirement (SWR)
Department of Sociology and Criminology
Important Information for All Juniors and Seniors
Department of Sociology and Criminology Senior Writing Requirement (SWR) Guidelines
All students are required to write a senior paper in Fulbright College within their major. If you are a student in the department you will write one senior paper. The paper is a contract between you and a professor for a class at or above 3000 level. If you choose to write your paper for a specific class you must contact the professor at the beginning of the semester. Once the professor has agreed, you will have the semester to complete one of the following options below to be determined by your professor:
- Option One: Traditional Research paper 12 pages (not including references)
- Option Two: multiple papers - will require students to submit 3 mini-papers of 4 pages (for a total of 12 pages) in any given course.
- Option Three: multiple papers - will require students to submit 4 mini-papers of 3 pages (for a total of 12 pages) in any given course.
- Important: The paper if in several smaller sets (option 2 and 3), will need to build on the first one (cumulative argument).
- Important: The paper(s) should incorporate peer-reviewed, scholarly research to support the argument.
- Important: The final delivery should be 12 pages in total (not including references), regardless of the option.
Note: Honors Students automatically fulfill the SWR with their Theses.
Below are some basic guidelines, tips, and resources. Note that your professor will provide the final template. These are just basic guidelines. See your professor for specific requirement:
1. Introduction
a. What is the topic of your paper?
b. What is the thesis statement or the main question? Make sure to include it here and to make it clear to the reader.
c. You should state your intended purpose. This may be a rationale for the study.
2. Literature Review. In sociology and criminology this typically includes previous scholarly work, empirical studies and/or theoretical perspectives.
3. Methods - Description of how you went about doing your study
4. Results - data analysis section depending on the topic – analytic/theoretical/empirical
5. Discussion and Conclusion - What is the summary of your paper and what did you discover that you did not know prior to the literature review and previous works on your topic.
6. References. Tips: Once you have written your paper and made revisions, be sure to revisit the introduction and conclusion to make sure that they are consistent with each other and reflect the argument you make throughout the paper. Most criminology and sociology assignments do not rely upon personal anecdotes, experiences, or opinions as "data" to make an argument. In social sciences, topics are data or theoretically driven. This varies by assignments. If you are unsure, check with your instructor. Never turn in a paper or even a draft without having it proofed for grammar and spelling. The University of Arkansas has writing resources through the English department to assist with organization, spelling and grammar. Below are very helpful On-line Resources with general guides on writing papers, citation, bibliographies/references
How to Write a Sociological Research Paper - short video
Writing in the Social Sciences - pdf file
Writing for Sociology Guide Second Edition
Writing Sociology Papers by Geneseo
How To Write A Sociology Research Paper Outline: Easy Guide With Template by PapersOwl
How to cite sources by Berkeley Graduate Division
Writing Sociology A Guide for Junior Papers and Senior Theses by Rebekah P. Massengill, Ph.D.
Reflective Essay to accompany Senior Writing Requirement
You wrote a senior paper on a sociological or criminological topic as evidence of your basic scholarship, critical thinking, analysis and writing ability. In this reflective essay, you are asked to integrate your experiences as a major in this department. Your essay will be approximately 1, 250 words. More requirements and details can be found in the link below.
Fully Online Minor Programs
The department also offers a 100% online Criminal Justice Minor and a 100% online Sociology Minor, which count toward the Interdisciplinary Majors. A student must notify the department of her or his intent to minor. Students can do this online by completing the Fulbright College program update form.
Internship & Other Student Opportunities
We offer robust undergraduate internship opportunities that help sociology students develop a better understanding of a prospective career and determine whether their interests match a chosen career path, while simultaneously gaining experience with professionals in the field.
APPLICATION REQUIREMENTS
We are delighted that you are interested in undergraduate program in our department.
All incoming undergraduate students apply through general admission to the BA program. All materials should be uploaded through the undergraduate admissions portal.
Office of Admissions
232 Silas Hunt Hall
1 University of Arkansas
Fayetteville, AR 72701
CONTACT US
Undergraduate Program Director
Phone: 479-575-3205
Email: lholyfie@uark.edu
DEADLINES
August 1
Final Fall Application Deadline
Late application deadline for fall admission. Last opportunity for students wishing to enroll for the fall semester. All required information must be submitted by this date. Students will be admitted based on the availability of space.
December 15
Final Spring Application Deadline
Application deadline for spring admission for all students. Last opportunity for students wishing to enroll for the spring semester. All spring applications must be submitted by this date.
Fulbright College
Academic Program Update Form Now Online!
You can now add, drop, or modify your degree plan by completing our online form and responding to the confirmation email.
Sociology Teacher Licensure
All students must complete course requirements for entrance into the M.A.T. degree program. (All course requirements are subject to change. Students must meet requirements at time of application for graduation.)
Licensure for teaching requires completion of the bachelor's degree in Fulbright College and completion for the Master of Arts in Teaching (M.A.T.) degree through the College of Education and Health Professions. For more details, please check the current catalog.
Students are advised to obtain an additional licensure area.