The Department of Sociology and Criminology started a new PhD program in criminology after years of development. The development of a comprehensive criminology program that offers an undergraduate bachelor’s degree (BA) as well as a PhD for graduate students has been a monumental project that required statewide approval from the Iowa Board of Regents. 

Planning for the program was led by Professor Karen Heimer during her term as Chair of the Sociology Department. This work continued under Professor Jennifer Glanville’s term as chair with Professors Mark Berg, Stephanie DiPietro, and Freda Lynn playing key roles in the program’s development. The department officially changed its name to the Department of Sociology and Criminology and has hired additional professors in the last few years to meet rising student demand for criminology courses. The Criminology PhD program launched in 2023 and was the final element needed.

A Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) is the highest degree awarded by a university. Students who earn one go on to important careers in research, business, and government. Some become professors themselves. Our Criminology PhD program began its first year with four new criminology students with four new students committed to join the program in fall 2024.

As you will see from the accompanying articles about two of these new students -- Alexandria (Lexi) Bibbs and Joanna Frazier – the program will soon be a force advancing the field of criminology.