Department of Sociology and Criminology

Choosing to major in sociology or criminology at Barry University has many advantages. The faculty members have excellent credentials, are superior teachers, and maintain a high caliber of professional activity. The curriculum is challenging and comprehensive with an emphasis on issues of social justice. Class size is limited generally to 20 students per section, allowing for more individualized attention and ready-access to professors. All majors receive personalized, one-on-one advising from a regular full-time faculty member. Faculty advisors assist students with meeting degree requirements and with clarifying educational and career objectives. 

The Sociology & Criminology Club provides students with an outlet to meet and socialize with like-minded peers. Our academically superior students can join Pi Gamma Mu, the International Social Science Honor Society, which is sponsored by the Department. In addition to our excellent curriculum and dedicated faculty, our specialized program provides students with opportunities to gain practical experience through research projects or internships. Rich in diversity and culture, the Miami-South Florida area offers numerous possibilities in sociology and criminology related research and work experience. Majors have served as interns with child protection and youth service agencies, federal investigative agencies, circuit/criminal courts, correctional facilities, and state and federal probation offices.

At Barry, sociology, and criminology graduates are often employed in the helping professions, business, the criminal justice system (local, state, and federal level), and in a variety of public and private sector jobs, especially those which involve the delivery, development, and administration of human or social services.

Criminology students are more likely to choose employment in the justice system, but sociology majors may also select these types of positions. 

Employment opportunities include entry-level positions in occupations related to administration, advertising, banking, counseling (family services and youth services), community planning, health services, group and recreation work, marketing and market research, education, human resources/personnel work, social services, and government services.

As a complement to the required coursework, departmental volunteer and internship opportunities help students obtain the needed knowledge, skills, and connections to obtain work in their chosen fields.

Below are some common job titles of those who enter the work force with a bachelor's degree in sociology or criminology:

• Human Rights Officer
• Fundraising Assistant
• Child Care Worker
• Human Rights Officer
• Human Resources Manager
• Parole Officer
• Special Agent
• Consumer Relations