About headline

Iowa is one of only a few integrated sociology and criminology departments at R1 institutions in the nation; this supports our strong focus on race, gender, ethnic, and class aspects of criminology, and allows our students to blend coursework and training in these areas seamlessly. 

The Department of Sociology and Criminology offers our students the opportunity to ask essential questions about the societies in which we live and participate in research with nationally renowned faculty on a host of topics.  Our students develop strong theoretical foundations that combine with broad methodological training to develop the skills that lead to successful professional and academic careers; and our culture is characterized by a strong commitment to diversity, equity and inclusion.

Why Iowa?

For students interested in society, crime, and social justice who want a strong foundation for a variety of professional, legal, research or academic careers, only Iowa delivers the benefits of an integrated sociology and criminology program with exceptional training in writing and communication.  For a large research university, our faculty are very accessible to undergraduates, and our graduate students benefit from smaller cohorts that foster connections and collaboration.

Meet our Faculty

BA Program

  • Earn a degree (BA) with a high rate of employment opportunities
  • Affordable tuition at a premier public university
  • Opportunities to specialize with certificates in Social Science Analytics
  • Gain valuable experiential learning through internships, volunteering, networking with professionals, and research with faculty
  • Embedded in a large Liberal Arts college, drawing on diverse perspectives of:
    • social and behavioral science theory
    • social research
    • social policy development, analysis, and implementation
    • culturally competent intervention and prevention approaches in working, with individuals, families small groups, organizations, and communities
    • social integration
    • multiple systems assessment and evaluation
    • knowledge pertaining to diversity, equity, and inclusion
  • Big Ten University experience on a beautiful campus
Undergraduate Programs

MA & PhD Programs

  • Rigorous training in theory and methods in the following areas:
    • Criminology
    • Gender and Family
    • Social & Political Organization
      • Stratification
      • Complex Organizations
      • Political Sociology
    • Social Psychology
  • Intensive faculty guidance and mentorship
  • Teaching opportunities
  • Interdisciplinary coursework
  • Research opportunities
  • Prepares students for careers in academic, private, and government institutions
Graduate Programs

One of the fastest growing undergraduate criminology programs in America

#1

public university for writing in the disciplines (USNWR)