5 answers
Mia
Student
Kenner, Louisiana
3
Questions
Updated
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I am extremely interested in Criminal Justice and Sociology, but I don't know if I should double major, or if I should get a master's in one area. What's the most logical and cost effective thing to do?
I have a real passion for sociology and criminal justice. I'm not too sure what I want to do career-wise , but I do know that I want to be involved in helping people (especially children) of racial minorities break free from systemic racism. I am extremely passionate about social change and want to work to help fix a justice system that targets and fails socioeconomic minorities. That being said, I have narrowed down the two majors that can help me achieve these goals to sociology and criminal justice. However, I'm not sure what level of degree to pursue. I have been advised to pursue a master's in either subject, but I'm not sure which major is better for my interests. I have also considered double-majoring, but from what I've read I'm not too sure that double majoring is worth it. Any advice on what degree/major I should pursue? Is double majoring really not worth it? If I do double major, will it carry the same value as a master's degree in either area? If I have to choose, how can I know which major is right for me?
#criminal-justice #college #sociology #college-major
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5 answers
Jennifer Haden
Higher Education Consultant
123
Answers
Dallas, Texas
Updated
Jennifer’s Answer
Hi, Mia!
I applaud you on your career interests and the passion that you show for each! No doubt whichever major you pursue you will be successful!
To answer your questions specifically, however, you may note that often the criminal justice degree is housed in the Sociology department at the university which should help you narrow your decision when you take coursework to determine the better fit.
As far as how to select a major, I would recommend taking courses in each of the areas to determine where you seem to fit best. Taking a look at the degree plan (i.e. the list of courses required to graduate with a chosen major) could help you identify where your interests lie. Most majors are 30-36 credit hours of coursework (approximately 10-12 courses) beyond the introductory courses. Many times the courses can "double dip" for the general education core and/or major, minor degree requirements. With the criminal justice specialization commonly a part of the sociology department, however, it is not uncommon for a double major in these areas to be prohibited. A double major would not be seen as the equivalent of a master's degree under any circumstances.
Sociology is a broader subject area, whereas criminal justice or criminology is specific. In general in the undergraduate degree, students are exposed to a broad variety of coursework for exploratory, but also general educational purposes. It's in graduate school that students tend to focus on their chosen research question or area of expertise.
Double majors can be very interesting and helpful if, for instance, you don't believe that you'll go on to further your education in graduate school. They may also make sense for a student who is pursuing graduate studies in a particular field where the interdisciplinary approach helps with gaining additional knowledge. On the whole, however, students who are interested in pursuing graduate work do not need a double major. Another option that would alleviate additional time toward degree but that would give some additional credibility in a specific area would be a minor.
To give you an example, I'll use LSU (Tulane doesn't have a criminal justice major, although they do offer sociology and teach coursework related to criminology). Louisiana State University offers both sociology and criminology options. You can find out more information here:
SOCIOLOGY https://www.lsu.edu/hss/sociology/undergraduate_program/sociology_major.php and CRIMINOLOGY https://www.lsu.edu/majors/hss/criminology.php. Criminology falls underneath the Sociology umbrella. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in sociology can be taken for general sociology or with a concentration in criminology.
You can see the degree plans for each on https://catalog.lsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=21&poid=10743&returnto=1901.
The coursework can be seen on https://catalog.lsu.edu/content.php?filter%5B27%5D=-1&filter%5B29%5D=&filter%5Bcourse_type%5D=5169&filter%5Bkeyword%5D=&filter%5B32%5D=1&filter%5Bcpage%5D=1&cur_cat_oid=21&expand=&navoid=1949&search_database=Filter#acalog_template_course_filter.
Ideally, you would keep an open mind, take courses, and discover the path that works best for you!
Wishing you much success in the future!
I applaud you on your career interests and the passion that you show for each! No doubt whichever major you pursue you will be successful!
To answer your questions specifically, however, you may note that often the criminal justice degree is housed in the Sociology department at the university which should help you narrow your decision when you take coursework to determine the better fit.
As far as how to select a major, I would recommend taking courses in each of the areas to determine where you seem to fit best. Taking a look at the degree plan (i.e. the list of courses required to graduate with a chosen major) could help you identify where your interests lie. Most majors are 30-36 credit hours of coursework (approximately 10-12 courses) beyond the introductory courses. Many times the courses can "double dip" for the general education core and/or major, minor degree requirements. With the criminal justice specialization commonly a part of the sociology department, however, it is not uncommon for a double major in these areas to be prohibited. A double major would not be seen as the equivalent of a master's degree under any circumstances.
Sociology is a broader subject area, whereas criminal justice or criminology is specific. In general in the undergraduate degree, students are exposed to a broad variety of coursework for exploratory, but also general educational purposes. It's in graduate school that students tend to focus on their chosen research question or area of expertise.
Double majors can be very interesting and helpful if, for instance, you don't believe that you'll go on to further your education in graduate school. They may also make sense for a student who is pursuing graduate studies in a particular field where the interdisciplinary approach helps with gaining additional knowledge. On the whole, however, students who are interested in pursuing graduate work do not need a double major. Another option that would alleviate additional time toward degree but that would give some additional credibility in a specific area would be a minor.
To give you an example, I'll use LSU (Tulane doesn't have a criminal justice major, although they do offer sociology and teach coursework related to criminology). Louisiana State University offers both sociology and criminology options. You can find out more information here:
SOCIOLOGY https://www.lsu.edu/hss/sociology/undergraduate_program/sociology_major.php and CRIMINOLOGY https://www.lsu.edu/majors/hss/criminology.php. Criminology falls underneath the Sociology umbrella. The Bachelor of Arts (BA) degree in sociology can be taken for general sociology or with a concentration in criminology.
You can see the degree plans for each on https://catalog.lsu.edu/preview_program.php?catoid=21&poid=10743&returnto=1901.
The coursework can be seen on https://catalog.lsu.edu/content.php?filter%5B27%5D=-1&filter%5B29%5D=&filter%5Bcourse_type%5D=5169&filter%5Bkeyword%5D=&filter%5B32%5D=1&filter%5Bcpage%5D=1&cur_cat_oid=21&expand=&navoid=1949&search_database=Filter#acalog_template_course_filter.
Ideally, you would keep an open mind, take courses, and discover the path that works best for you!
Wishing you much success in the future!
Kim Igleheart
Career Counselor | Police Officer
1663
Answers
San Antonio, Texas
Updated
Kim’s Answer
Mia,
Hi! So, I majored in sociology, became a police officer, retired from that, and became a career counselor at the local workforce office. Here are some observations, some, possibly a bit cynical, but, I think they are worth telling you about.
First, Sociology and Criminal Justice are closely intertwined, and many positions will accept a degree in either field.
Secondly, a double major, or, a major with a minor, is a great idea, but don't do it in two closely related fields. It does not improve your knowledge, skillset, or marketability enough to make it worthwhile. Consider getting it in something like business/finance/management/public administration/urban planning etc.
Third, if you become an entry level worker, which, is where we all started, you will be doing the job given to you, and, won't really have much opportunity to create change. Change happens when policies are changed, or when programs receive better funding, for example. Let me go into this some more. . .
I joined the workforce office in 2008, the last time the economy tanked and people were out of jobs. I quickly learned that, although we helped people, the underlying motivational factor for the overwhelming majority of my coworkers was their own job security. Pause here, and re-read that. I believed that ideally, people should not NEED my help in finding a job. I wanted to teach them everything I knew, so they could navigate the internet, create a good resume, and be self-sufficient. I wanted them to sprout wings and fly! Apparently, that was not a good idea. When the unemployment rates dropped, rather than laying people off in our office, they found "Busy" work for them to do. So, think about the WARS: The war on illiteracy, the war on poverty, the war on drugs. If we "win" the wars, it puts people out of work!
But, I digress. Please dream high, to be that person who can make a difference in what these agencies are doing!
Also, about a Masters degree. Please wait until you start working, and figure out what direction you will be going. You want the Masters to be relevant to that career goal, and, there's a good chance you can get tuition assistance from your employer. Additionally, you will benefit more from masters level programs if you have some actual work experience under your belt. The material will make much more sense!
I hope this helps! Thanks for wanting to make a difference!
Kim
Hi! So, I majored in sociology, became a police officer, retired from that, and became a career counselor at the local workforce office. Here are some observations, some, possibly a bit cynical, but, I think they are worth telling you about.
First, Sociology and Criminal Justice are closely intertwined, and many positions will accept a degree in either field.
Secondly, a double major, or, a major with a minor, is a great idea, but don't do it in two closely related fields. It does not improve your knowledge, skillset, or marketability enough to make it worthwhile. Consider getting it in something like business/finance/management/public administration/urban planning etc.
Third, if you become an entry level worker, which, is where we all started, you will be doing the job given to you, and, won't really have much opportunity to create change. Change happens when policies are changed, or when programs receive better funding, for example. Let me go into this some more. . .
I joined the workforce office in 2008, the last time the economy tanked and people were out of jobs. I quickly learned that, although we helped people, the underlying motivational factor for the overwhelming majority of my coworkers was their own job security. Pause here, and re-read that. I believed that ideally, people should not NEED my help in finding a job. I wanted to teach them everything I knew, so they could navigate the internet, create a good resume, and be self-sufficient. I wanted them to sprout wings and fly! Apparently, that was not a good idea. When the unemployment rates dropped, rather than laying people off in our office, they found "Busy" work for them to do. So, think about the WARS: The war on illiteracy, the war on poverty, the war on drugs. If we "win" the wars, it puts people out of work!
But, I digress. Please dream high, to be that person who can make a difference in what these agencies are doing!
Also, about a Masters degree. Please wait until you start working, and figure out what direction you will be going. You want the Masters to be relevant to that career goal, and, there's a good chance you can get tuition assistance from your employer. Additionally, you will benefit more from masters level programs if you have some actual work experience under your belt. The material will make much more sense!
I hope this helps! Thanks for wanting to make a difference!
Kim
Enrico Clarke
Underwriting
3
Answers
Washington, Washington
Updated
Enrico’s Answer
Hello Mia, I encountered a similar situation while I was in college. I started my college career off as a criminal justice major with plans to go to law school, but I also had a strong interest in business. I could not decide between the two so I decided to add business as another major. While double majoring, I was able to get the best of both worlds. I ended up finding more interest in business and pursuing a career in business after graduation. My business career ultimately led to me obtaining my MBA. Double majoring will assist you in being able to decide which career path that you like more. Depending on the career path you choose, a master’s degree may or may not be required. You could also double major with both and pursue in a master’s degree in the field that you like more.
Bri Scott
Mental Health Technician
37
Answers
Tinley Park, Illinois
Updated
Bri’s Answer
Double majoring would be great. Lots of kids do it and when your majors are similar they have some of the same classes. Also, what exactly are you trying to do with kids? Criminal justice lots of people become law enforcement, probation officers, lawyers and depending on which career you choose you need more schooling. Sociology is very broad and I have a degree in. If you choose to get a masters in sociology you have to pick field of interest for sociology. A lot jobs in sociology wants you to have more experience in the field and knowledgeable. Not sure if you talked to an advisor but they usual give great help. Hope this helps! Good luck
Malisa Gill
Sr. Director, Audit, Controls & Complaince
28
Answers
Fort Lauderdale, Florida
Updated
Malisa’s Answer
Hi Mia B - Congratulations on making it this far in your self evaluation to understand your goals and contribution you would like to make in the world. I know people who do double majors and for the most part they are happy feeling this will allow for them to be flexible from one field to another. Honestly, at that point they also go for a Masters in which ever one is easier and cheaper at the time. I would suggest you evaluate schools at this point. Are there some that offer both? Of those that offer both is one program clearly stronger than the other? Does it lend itself to having a double major easily? Some schools also offer 'fast track' programs in some areas which would compliment what you are trying to do. That said, talk to the school administrators and if possible teachers. Let them know of the contribution you want to make in the world will one degree over the other allow for you to do this? See if you can meet with some of their alumni who have been in the field and can advise you from real life experience. I wish you all the best in your future. ~Malisa