Sociology and Criminal Justice

Blue and Golden table for sociology and criminal justice department with five people standing behind it

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?

UD class behind prison walls

Group of people are sitting and facing each other in a circle, we only see their legs and feet, they are weaing jeans and sneakers

‘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.

Read more about the Inside Out program

Latest News
  • University of Delaware logo with campus building in the background

    Recognizing excellence

    March 10, 2025 | Written by Tabitha Groh
    Faculty Senate celebrates four for their scholarship and engagement
  • More than a furry face

    March 06, 2025 | Written by Hilary Douwes
    UD student’s experience raising puppies for service ignites passion, influences career path
  • In Memoriam: John Kelly

    March 03, 2025 | Written by UDaily staff
    Campus remembers first director of UD’s criminal justice program

UPCOMING EVENTS

UD 2024 Graduate Lauren Delaney shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”

YouTube link UD 2024 Graduate Lauren Delaney shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”: youtube.com/watch?v=D2z_0s7v06U