
Sociology and Criminal Justice

Explore society and justice
Transform your future
Welcome to the University of Delaware’s Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice, where students explore human interaction and its effect on society. Our research and faculty are internationally recognized. Our graduate program in criminology is one of the top programs in the nation.
UD’s diverse sociology and criminal justice courses cover topics important to our lives and the functioning of our society. Sociology students examine health disparities and outcomes, disasters, and race and gender. Criminal justice students analyze trends in violence, the opiate crisis, and law enforcement policies and procedures. Students build skills in critical thinking, quantitative and qualitative analysis, which are in demand across a variety of jobs and career paths. They go on to rewarding careers in law, social work, education, business, and health care. Many also pursue graduate degrees or professional degrees in business school or law school.
Why Sociology & Criminal Justice at UD?
18th
in the nation for criminology graduate programs
89%
of sociology graduates are employed or pursuing further education
92%
of criminal justice graduates are employed or pursuing further education
UD class behind prison walls

‘Inside-Out’ facilitates dialogue despite differences
No hoodies or sweatpants. No jewelry except wedding or engagement rings and small stud earrings. No phones. No pencils or blue pens — only black ink pens.
UD's innovative class held behind prison walls is changing lives of both UD students and their incarcerated classmates.
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Recognizing excellence
March 10, 2025 | Written by Tabitha GrohFaculty Senate celebrates four for their scholarship and engagement -
More than a furry face
March 06, 2025 | Written by Hilary DouwesUD student’s experience raising puppies for service ignites passion, influences career path -
In Memoriam: John Kelly
March 03, 2025 | Written by UDaily staffCampus remembers first director of UD’s criminal justice program
UPCOMING EVENTS
YouTube link UD 2024 Graduate Lauren Delaney shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”: youtube.com/watch?v=D2z_0s7v06U