Sociology and Criminal Justice
Explore society and justice
Transform your future
The University of Delaware’s Department of Sociology & Criminal Justice is internationally recognized for its research, faculty, and academic programs, including a top-ranked graduate criminology program.
The department offers undergraduate and graduate degrees in sociology and criminal justice, preparing students with in-demand analytical, critical thinking, and research skills. Through a mix of theory and hands-on experiences—like the Inside Out program, which unites university and incarcerated students—students explore pressing issues such as health disparities, race, gender, violence, and law enforcement.
The department partners with the Center for Drug and Health Studies and the Disaster Research Center, offering hands-on research in substance use, health, and disaster response. Graduates thrive in fields like law, criminal justice, social work, education, business, health care, and advanced studies.
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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_800x420.jpg "UD Campus Beauty Shot showing Memorial Hall with blue skies and students out an about on the green")
Top ranked graduate programs
April 08, 2026 | Written by CAS Communication StaffU.S. News & World Report list includes CAS degrees -
Where Sociology Meets Public Service
April 06, 2026 | Written by Chiu-Yin MakUD alumna Caroline Klinger uses her understanding of social issues to shape public messaging and community engagement in Delaware government. -
Support for the Next Step
March 26, 2026 | Written by Chiu-Yin MakSupport from UD’s Sociology and Criminal Justice Equal Justice Fellowship helped Nithila Chrisostam manage the expense of graduate school applications.
UPCOMING EVENTS
The Class That Will Stay With Me
As the University of Delaware Class of 2025 gets ready for Commencement, we asked seniors what classes had the biggest impact on them during their Blue Hen career. Senior Kelsey Rice shares the class that will stay with her as she graduates from UD. Kelsey has interned at the Leonard L. Williams Justice Center in Family Court, juvenile probation, and Ferris School, Delaware’s juvenile incarceration facility.
YouTube link UD 2025 Graduate Kelsey Rice shares “The Class That Will Stay With Me”: youtube.com/watch?v=HAwNY7x_zPA
