Why Study Sociology or Criminology

The Department of Sociology & Criminology offers you an understanding of human social systems and prepares you to continue your education. Aspiring sociologists and criminologists will find our program gives them the observational and analytical skills they need to succeed long after they graduate.

The broad perspectives and valuable research experience of our sociology and criminology students also provide a useful background if you're planning to enter into careers in law, social work, police work, crime analysis, teaching, nonprofit organizations and even business. Many of our recent graduates are actively working to create sustainable change in their communities.

  • What do individuals with sociology & criminology degrees do?

    What can you do with your sociology/criminology training to help groups and organizations get things done?

    Most jobs, from running a nonprofit program to working in criminal justice or shaping public policy, involve understanding people and social systems. Sociologists and criminologists study how individuals, groups, and institutions interact, especially in relation to issues like inequality, crime, justice, and social change. This social knowledge is essential for helping organizations respond effectively to complex human and community challenges.

    How sociology and criminology turn that social knowledge into action:

    • They help identify the key social or structural questions behind real-world issues (for example, why crime patterns emerge, how policies impact communities, or how organizations can better serve different populations).
    • They use research methods to gather and analyze data, through interviews, surveys, fieldwork, statistical analysis, and community engagement, to better understand those issues.
    • They apply this information to evaluate programs, inform policy, improve services, and help organizations design more effective and equitable responses.

    Sociologists and criminologists help people and organizations get things done by using:

    • A set of skills in data collection, analysis, interpretation, problem solving, and program evaluation
    • A knowledge base centered on how social systems, inequality, institutions, and behavior shape outcomes
    • A sociological and criminological perspective that emphasizes context, lived experience, structural forces, and both qualitative and quantitative evidence to understand and address social problems’

  • Where do individuals with a sociology or criminology degree work?

    Most sociologists and criminologists work collaboratively with professionals and community partners across the public, private, and non-profit sectors.
    • Law and Criminal Justice: private and public law, probation, corrections, policing and security, compliance, victim advocacy, case management, and community program coordination.
    • Research and Policy Organizations: criminal justice and social science research assistance, policy and program coordination, data collection, community engagement, and applied research initiatives.
    • Nonprofit and Community Organizations: community outreach, nonprofit case management, victim advocacy, social services, and community-based support programs.
    • Government and Public Service: probation services, correctional support, policy implementation, compliance, social services, and public safety initiatives.
    • Healthcare and Social Services: social work, case management, victim services, behavioral and community support, and outreach programming.
    • Business and Human Resources: human resources, compliance, organizational support, workplace relations, and training initiatives.
    • Education and Universities: teaching, student support services, educational programming, research support, and community engagement initiatives.

    Our students gain hands-on experience through internships with organizations including Early Milestones, Colorado Innocence Project, Adoption Exchange, and Rocky Mountain Crisis Center, as well as government agencies including Denver PD, Public Defense, District Courts, and the Colorado State Capitol.

  • What is the job market like for someone with a degree in sociology or criminology? ?

    The job market for graduates of sociology and criminology programs is broad and continues to grow across public service, nonprofit organizations, research, healthcare, law, education, and community-based fields. According to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Stati
    • An Associate’s degree introduces students to foundational sociological and criminological concepts and helps build skills in communication, critical thinking, and understanding social systems and institutions.
    • A Bachelor’s degree in sociology or criminology opens pathways to careers in areas such as criminal justice, social services, community outreach, human resources, research, policy, advocacy, and education.
    • A Master’s degree allows graduates to advance into professional and leadership roles in government, nonprofit organizations, research institutions, healthcare, education, and criminal justice settings.
    • A PhD in sociology or criminology leads to specialized careers in research, policy analysis, consulting, and higher education, and is often the entry-level qualification for academic positions.

"My experience in this department enhanced my critical thinking skills, my research skills, and my writing skills. I have a much deeper understanding of social issues, crime, and justice, preparing me for academic or professional opportunities in the future."

Kaitlyn Fitzgerald, DU Criminology Student (2025)
Graduate Smiling
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Understanding People, Systems, and Justice in Action



Sociology and criminology focus on how societies are structured and how issues like crime, inequality, and justice are shaped through institutions and lived experience. With this perspective, SOC/CRIM students learn to work directly with people and systems, supporting communities, informing policy, improving justice processes, and helping organizations respond more effectively to real social challenges.
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Looking For What's Next?

Our department has a strong group of alumni who practice sociology and criminology in a variety of professional settings. Check out their stories!

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