The Law, Crime, and Deviance interest track examines matters of sociological interest related to the study and understanding of juvenile or adult law-violating behavior and the organization and operation of law enforcement, judicial, and correctional processes. Laws, legal process, criminology, and criminal justice are fields that have long been served by sociology as the core discipline.
This interest track is ideal for those who are interested in law, policy, intervening in and helping those who become entangled in the legal system, or helping communities combat crime. Careers in this interest area (based on our alumni’s career paths) include, conducting government research on the legal system, working for non-profits who address juvenile delinquency and crime prevention, becoming a lawyer or paralegal, a police officer, probation officer, corrections official, or federal law enforcement agent. The sociology major effectively prepares undergraduates for these important career paths. Through advising, tailored course selection and an internship in criminology or criminal justice, you will be prepared to enter a professional career built on a strong and flexible major. (Additional requirements must be met to be certified for law enforcement in Minnesota.) If you are interested in the field of crime and deviance, contact Nancy Fischer (fischern@augsburg.edu).
Relevant Courses:
- Introduction to Criminology (SOC 277)
- Race, Class and Gender (SOC 265)
- Cultures of Violence (SOC 290)
- Sociology of Law (SOC 320)
- Juvenile Delinquency (SOC 331)
- Internship (SOC 399)
Relevant Courses Outside of Sociology:
- Law in the United States (POL170)
- American Government & Politics (POL 121)
- Psychology and Law (PSY 235)
- Constitutional Law (POL 370)
- Argumentation (COM 351)
- Persuasion (COM352)
- ACTC courses in Introduction to Criminal Justice, Policing, and Corrections; Forensics