Department of Social Sciences

Programs Offered

The Department of Social Sciences offers the following degree programs:

Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice
Bachelor of Arts in Criminal Justice with a Concentration in Criminology
Bachelor of Arts in Law and Government
Bachelor of Arts in Sociology
Bachelor of Social Work

Mission Statement

The mission of the Department of Social Sciences is to advance the intellectual, analytical, and communication skills of its students and to prepare them for the challenges of a diverse, global society. The Department further aims to nurture character that will enable students to function with proficiency and compassion within the human family. The Department is committed to providing quality instruction, advisement, and mentorship. The faculty encourages and supports student research by providing applied technological learning opportunities in research methods and statistics and assisting students in developing a defensible senior project.

Departmental Goals

The goals of the Department are

To nurture qualities which enable students to function with proficiency and compassion within the human family
To empower students to function in a global society by allowing them opportunities to learn more about themselves and their society
To develop critical analytical thinking and writing skills
To develop leadership skills
To prepare students for entry into graduate and professional school and
To prepare students for entry-level positions in government and the private sector.

Student Learning Outcomes

Students will be able to:

Demonstrate understanding of theories, concepts, ideas, methods, models and arguments prevalent in a variety of social science disciplines
Understand the shifting theoretical paradigms within the social sciences and within the disciplines
Communicate effectively through oral and written communication. Demonstrate an analytical and problem-solving ability in a systematic and logical manner
Conduct empirical research by utilizing both quantitative and qualitative methodologies to produce an acceptable scholarly study and be able to present the findings in a logical and coherent manner and
Utilize appropriate technologies to conduct research and communicate effectively in a cogent manner.

To ensure student achievement, faculty members of the Department of Social Sciences utilize a variety of teaching and evaluation techniques, engage students in research activities, and promote exceptional learning through internships and service learning.
Minors are offered in all social sciences degree-granting areas, as well as in African American Studies and History.

Criminal Justice

Program Mission Statement

The Criminal Justice Program promotes life-long learning among its students with the aim of turning them into professionals and leaders in the criminal justice system. The program empowers students to become critical thinkers, problem-solvers, policy initiators, ethical actors, and competent administrators in the study of crime and criminal behavior, crime prevention and justice at all levels of society. The curricula are dynamic, innovative and provide both substantive and practical knowledge that connects social-scientific theories with appropriate methodologies to serve a diverse multicultural environment. As a result, the program is divided into two specialized areas, including Criminal Justice, Criminology. Students are free and also encouraged to choose their area of particular interest.

Graduates are prepared for service in parole and probation agencies, correctional institutions, and federal, state, local, and private investigative or security agencies, juvenile justice programs, and law enforcement agencies. Graduates may choose to further their studies in graduate or law schools.

Program Goals

Students will demonstrate substantive knowledge in the field of criminal justice, including law enforcement, judicial and penal systems by engaging in scenario-based learning and applying theories to the practice.
Students will demonstrate the ability to effectively communicate in legal terminology of the criminal justice system by developing enhanced speaking and writing skills, critical thinking, analytical, and problem-solving skills.
Students will be able to demonstrate the ability to conduct scientific research using both quantitative and qualitative methods and be able to analyze and interpret data relevant to policy areas in criminal justice.
Students will demonstrate the ability to understand the ethical implications of criminal justice work and be able to perform with integrity.

Program Student Learning Outcomes

Upon completion of the Criminal Justice Program, the graduate will be able to:

Understand and critically analyze criminal justice, criminological, criminal law and delinquency concepts, theories and models.
Perform and function effectively in any professional environment with a full understanding of the scope and importance of ethical behavior.
Conduct scientific research using both quantitative and qualitative methods, analyze, and interpret data relevant to policy areas in criminal justice.
Analyze the organizational, cultural and institutional characteristics and operations of the major criminal justice system, including law enforcement, corrections, courts, adjudications and the sociopolitical and legal implications.