Why Iowa?
One of only a few combined sociology and criminology departments at R-1 institutions in the nation, at an institution known for excellence in writing and communication.
See yourself here
Gain a powerful foundation for your professional and academic goals and explore the complexities of society, crime, and social justice.
"Learning about the operation of various processes within the criminal justice system along with their flaws is what drew me into this major, which continues to motivate me to ultimately end up in a position to contribute to and improve the state of such processes."
- Nicholas Hove
Write your story
Whether you're interested in the effects of human behavior or crime on the world around us, Iowa will prepare you to ask essential questions about the societies we live and participate in with our programs.
News and announcements
4 University of Iowa students awarded Leona Zaharis Scholarship to study abroad
Monday, August 3, 2026
Criminology student finds purpose in understanding people
Monday, July 27, 2026
A student shares how studying criminology prepared her for law school, fueled her passion for research, and helped her find a welcoming community at Iowa.