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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University of Delaware class sees education reach across prison walls
August 07, 2026 | Written by Kelly Powers of Delaware News JournalA course brings together UD students and incarcerated students in college courses exploring crime, justice and rehabilitation. Please note: This article is published by the Delaware News Journal/Delaware Online and may require a subscription to access. -
Alumni Spotlight: James Campbell
July 22, 2026 | Written by Chiu-Yin MakSince earning his degree in sociology and criminal justice in 2012, James Campbell has built a career in financial services. -
In Memoriam: Kenneth Haas
July 21, 2026 | Written by Hilary DouwesCampus community remembers former criminal justice professor.
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
