MAJOR FINDER

Filter by College

Filter by Program Types

Filter by Subject

Criminal Justice

College of Arts and Sciences

Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice

Apply Now >

DISCOVERING JUSTICE IN SOCIETY

The criminal justice major at the University of Delaware takes a rigorous liberal arts approach to the study of crime, law and justice. The program integrates theory, research and policy analysis with real-world application.

Students explore major trends and challenges in the criminal justice system, including the causes of crime, inequalities in justice processes and how institutions such as courts, law enforcement and corrections are organized and operate.

Drawing on perspectives from sociology, political science, psychology, law and related fields, the major emphasizes critical thinking and evidence-based analysis. Through field experience, experiential learning courses, study abroad and engagement with nationally recognized research centers, students build strong analytical, quantitative and qualitative research skills.

Graduates are prepared to address contemporary challenges in criminal justice policy and practice and to pursue careers or advanced study in law, public service, research and related fields.

RELATED MAJORS

Sociology

Sociology Education

AREAS OF STUDY

Criminology
Criminal Law
International and Comparative Criminal Justice
Crime and Inequality
Restorative Justice
Criminal Justice Institutions and Systems
Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
Substance Abuse
Criminal Justice Policy

CAREER OPTIONS

Law Enforcement Officer
Probation and Parole Officer
Lawyer
Paralegal
Court Administrator
Victim Services Counselor
Financial Fraud Investigator
Research Analyst

GRADUATE SCHOOL

Law
Criminology/Criminal Justice
Social Sciences
Public Administration
Social Work
Forensic Science

What’s special about this program?

Learn from nationally recognized faculty

Criminal justice majors at the University of Delaware study with faculty who are nationally and internationally recognized for award-winning research on issues such as inequality, health disparities, substance use, disasters and justice policy. Our faculty include recipients of major national book awards and highly cited scholars whose work shapes the fields of sociology and criminology. UD’s graduate program in criminology is ranked 18th in the nation, and sociology is among the University’s top 20 graduate programs, reflecting the strength of our faculty and academic programs. Faculty members are also committed teachers and mentors, with many earning departmental, college and University-level teaching and advising awards.

Specialized Opportunities

Students may also pursue minors in sociology or emergency management. The sociology minor provides a strong foundation in human behavior along with analytical and communication skills essential for careers in fields such as journalism, criminal justice, and public relations. The emergency management minor prepares students to make a difference before, during, and after disasters, blending theory, research, and practical problem-solving to address real-world challenges.

Get Involved

Sociology and Criminal Justice Club

Alpha Kappa Delta Honor Society

IAEM@UD

HenLaw Society

UD Mock Trial Team

Field Experience Internships

Undergraduate Research

Study Abroad

Learn by doing

Students connect classroom learning to real-world experience through opportunities such as:

Undergraduate research with faculty
Study abroad programs that explore justice and society in global contexts
The nationally recognized Inside-Out Exchange Program, where UD students and inside students learn together in a correctional facility
Field experiences and internships in courts, law offices, government agencies, nonprofits and community organizations
Research projects with the Center for Drug and Health Studies and the Disaster Research Center on topics such as substance use, health and disasters

Customize your path in criminal justice

Within sociology and criminal justice, you can:

Focus on areas such as emergency and environmental management, health and health services, law and society and social welfare
Combine coursework with hands-on experiences that prepare you for graduate study or careers in law, public policy, public health, social services and emergency management
Choose a minor in sociology or emergency management to build additional skills and broaden your options after graduation

Sample Curriculum

FRESHMAN

CRJU110

Introduction to Criminal Justice

CRJU201

Problems of Law Enforcement

ENGL110

Seminar in Composition

MATH113

Contemporary Mathematics (or higher)

PSYC100

General Psychology

SOCI201

Introduction to Sociology

UNIV101

First Year Experience

University Breadth Courses

Foreign Language Courses

SOPHOMORE

CRJU202	Problems of Criminal Judiciary
CRJU 203	Problems of Corrections
POSC150	Introduction to American Politics or
SOCI301	Sociological Research
	University Breadth Courses
	Foreign Language Course
	University Multicultural Course

JUNIOR

PSYC325	Child Psychology or
PSYC334	Abnormal Psychology
	Criminal Justice Electives
	Science with Lab Breadth Course
	University Breadth Courses
	Second Writing Requirement
	Elective Courses