Facebook Pixel Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies | Western Kentucky University
Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies

Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies

Apply Now

  1. WKU
  2. PCAL
  3. SCCJS

Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies

Welcome to the Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies. Here, related social science disciplines unite to foster a deeper appreciation of complex issues affecting individuals, communities, and societies. Our department is dedicated to fostering student success through engaging degree programs and experiential learning that lead to meaningful careers. The discoveries and insights of our academic disciplines provide understanding of and solutions to the social, cultural, and consequences of human behavior in the past and present. Explore our programs, engage with our applied research opportunities, and contribute to our mission of creating platforms of social engagement where all can flourish.

 

Apply Now

 

Anthropology students

 

MAJORS

Anthropology, Bachelor of Arts (608)

  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Overview

Anthropology is the scientific and humanistic study of human culture and biology in the past and present and anywhere in the world. The anthropology major offers students a cohesive program of study to enrich their understanding of interactions between human culture and biology in contemporary societies and in the archaeological and evolutionary past, to develop their cross-cultural perspectives, and to prepare them for a variety of careers. Delivered by full-time faculty members, the anthropology curriculum emphasizes hands-on learning in the classroom, in the laboratory, and in the field; extracurricular opportunities and events; and a broad, four-field approach including cultural anthropology, biological anthropology, linguistic anthropology, and archaeology. The anthropology major encourages students to step outside their biocultural bubbles to explore the rich diversity of human experiences in their own communities and around the globe.

Concentrations

  • Applied Anthropology (ANAP)
  • Archaeology (ANAR)
  • Biological Anthropology (ANBA)
  • Cultural Anthropology (ANCA)

Program Requirements (31 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

A major in anthropology (reference number 608) requires a minimum of 31 semester hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. At least half of the total semester hours in the major must be in upper-division (300, 400) courses. Requirements of the major include core courses, concentration courses, and electives. All students complete the six-course (16-hour) core curriculum consisting of ANTH 120, ANTH 125, ANTH 130, ANTH 135, ANTH 399, and ANTH 499. Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all core courses. Each student completes at least one of four, three-course (9-hour) concentrations in applied anthropology, archaeology, biological anthropology, or cultural anthropology, each concentration having its own required courses.  Students choosing to complete only one concentration must complete 6 hours of electives to be selected from anthropology offerings in consultation with the advisor. Students choosing to complete more than one concentration do not need to complete elective courses, and they may count a maximum of one course in multiple concentrations. Students must complete a second major or a minor or certificate. 
 
Concentrations in the anthropology major give students opportunities to complete cohesive sets of upper-level courses in preparation for careers or graduate programs. Applied anthropology is the use of anthropological knowledge and methods to address contemporary human problems such as poverty and the human dimensions of global environmental change. Archaeology is the study of past human cultures based on material remains such as tools, monuments, and ritual objects. Biological anthropology is the study of the biological traits of past and present humans, as well as non-human primates. Cultural anthropology is the study of the beliefs, practices, and institutions of contemporary human societies. 
 
Course List
Required Core Courses:
ANTH 120Introduction to Cultural Anthropology3
ANTH 125Introduction to Biological Anthropology3
ANTH 130Introduction to Archaeology3
ANTH 135Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology3
ANTH 399Field Methods in Ethnography3
ANTH 499Senior Seminar1
Total Hours16

Applied Anthropology

Course List
Concentration Requirements
ANTH 360Applied Anthropology – Understanding and Addressing Contemporary Human Problems3
Select two courses from the following: 6
ANTH 300
Forensic Anthropology
ANTH 382
Medical Anthropology
ANTH 434
Graveyard Archaeology
ANTH 436
Applied Archaeology
ANTH 442
Ecological and Economic Anthropology
ANTH 449
Ethnographic Video Production
Electives
For student's completing one concentration, select 6 hours from anthropology offerings in consultation with anthropology advisor6
Total Hours15

Archaeology Concentration

Course List
Concentration Requirements
ANTH 316The Archaeology of Environmental Change3
or ANTH 318 The Archaeologist Looks at Death
or ANTH 333 The Archaeology of Ancient China
or ANTH 335 Old World Prehistory
or ANTH 336 New World Prehistory
ANTH 432Field Course in Archaeology (at least three hours)3
ANTH 438Archaeological Lab Methods3
Electives
For students completing one concentration, select 6 hours from anthropology offerings in consultation with advisor6
Total Hours15

Biological Anthropology Concentration

Course List
Concentration Requirements
ANTH 300Forensic Anthropology3
ANTH 305Paleoanthropology: Human Origins and Evolution3
ANTH 452Bioarchaeology3
Electives
For students completing one concentration, select 6 hours from anthropology offerings in consultation with advisor6
Total Hours15

Cultural Anthropology Concentration

Course List
Concentration Requirements
Select one of the following:3
ANTH 340
Peoples and Cultures of Latin America
ANTH 342
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
ANTH 345
Peoples and Cultures of Native North America
ANTH 350
Peoples and Cultures of Africa
ANTH 378
Southern Appalachian Folklife
Select one of the following:3
ANTH 343
Anthropology of Gender
ANTH 382
Medical Anthropology
ANTH 388
Foodways
ANTH 400
Ethnomusicology
ANTH 410
African-American Music
ANTH 442
Ecological and Economic Anthropology
ANTH 446
Anthropology of Religion
ANTH 448
Visual Anthropology
ANTH 449
Ethnographic Video Production
Select one additional area or topics course3
Electives
For students completing one concentration, select 6 hours from anthropology offerings in consultation with anthropology advisor6
Total Hours15

For students completing one concentration; students may count a maximum of three credit hours in ANTH 395 Lab Practicum, ANTH 493 Archaeology Stewardship, and ANTH 495 Directed Study in the first 31 hours of the major.  

Finish in Four Plans

Applied Anthropology Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
ENG 100 or COMM 1453ENG 100 or COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4
 15 15-16
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
Second major or minor course3Applied Anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ no lab3Second major or minor course3
ENG 200 (or other Colonnade - Literary Studies course)3General Elective3
First-level world language requirement or general elective3Second-level world language course or general elective course3
 15 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Applied Anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3Applied Anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course3ANTH 3993
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
Colonnade - Connections course3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Colonnade - Connections course3ENG 3003
General Elective2 
 17 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Applied Anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3Applied Anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Colonnade - Connections Course3ANTH 4991
Upper-level general elective course3Upper-level general elective course3
 15 13
Total Hours 120-121

Archaeology Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353 
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3 
ENG 100 or COMM 1453ENG 100 or COMM 1453 
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093 
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4 
 15 15-16 
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353 
Second major or minor course3Archaeology concentration course or anthropology elective course3 
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o Lab3-4Second major or minor course3 
ENG 200 (or other Colonnade - Literary Studies course)3General Elective3 
First-level world language requirement or general elective3Second-level world language course or general elective course3 
 15-16 15 
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHoursSummerHours
Archaeology concentration course or anthropology elective course3ANTH 3993ANTH 4323
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3 
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course or general elective3 
Colonnade - Connections course3ENG 3003 
General Elective (not needed if two 4-hour courses completed in prior years)0-2Colonnade - Connections course3 
 12-14 15 3
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours 
Archaeology concentration course or anthropology elective course3Archaeology concentration course or anthropology elective course3 
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3 
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3 
Colonnade - Connections Course3Upper-level general elective course3 
Upper-level general elective course3ANTH 4991 
 15 13 
Total Hours 118-122

Biological Anthropology Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
ENG 100 or COMM 1453ENG 100 or COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o lab3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
Second major or minor course3Biological concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4Second major or minor course3
ENG 200 (or other Colonnade - Literary Studies course)3General Elective3
First-level world language requirement or general elective3Second-level world language course or general elective course3
 15-16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Biological concentration course or anthropology elective course3Biological anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course3ANTH 3993
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
Colonnade - Connections3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Colonnade - Connections3ENG 3003
General Elective (not needed if two 4-hour courses completed in prior years)0-2 
 15-17 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Biological concentration course or anthropology elective course3Biological concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Upper-level general elective course3ANTH 4991
Colonnade - Connections3Upper-level general elective course3
 15 13
Total Hours 118-121

Cultural Anthropology Concentration

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
ENG 100 or COMM 1453ENG 100 or COMM 1453
HIST 101 or HIST 1023MATH 1093
Colonnade - Arts & Humanities3Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/o lab3
 15 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Second major or minor course3ANTH 120, ANTH 130, or ANTH 1353
ANTH 120, ANTH 125, or ANTH 1303Cultural anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Colonnade - Natural & Physical Sciences w/ lab3-4Second major or minor course3
ENG 200 (or other Colonnade - Literary Studies course)3General Elective3
First-level world language requirement or general elective3Second-level world language course or general elective course3
 15-16 15
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Cultural anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3Cultural anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course3ANTH 3993
Second major or minor course3Second major or minor course3
Colonnade - Connections3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Colonnade - Connections3ENG 3003
General Elective (not needed if two 4-hour courses completed in prior years)0-2 
 15-17 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Cultural anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3Cultural anthropology concentration course or anthropology elective course3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Second major or minor course or general elective3Second major or minor course or general elective3
Colonnade - Connections3ANTH 4991
Upper-level general elective course3Upper-level general elective course3
 15 13
Total Hours 118-121

Criminology, Bachelor of Arts (627)

  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Overview

As a scientific discipline, Criminology emerged from the field of Sociology. Core sociological concepts inform explanations of crime and society’s response to it. WKU’s Bachelor’s program in Criminology provides students with the opportunity to understand the theoretical principles which guide practical solutions to issues associated with offending, victimization, and interactions with the Criminal Justice System. Compared with traditional criminal justice programs, Criminology has a strong interdisciplinary focus. Our program continues this tradition by studying crime through a societal lens as we examine theoretical explanations, policy developments, and the broader implications of solutions on the health and well-being of communities and society.

Program Requirements (35 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in criminology requires a minimum of 35 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. Students majoring in criminology must select a minor, certificate, or second major. 

Course List
Core Courses17
CRIM 101
Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRIM 330
Criminology
CRIM 199
College & Careers in Criminology & Sociology
or SOCL 199
 College & Careers in Criminology & Sociology
SOCL 300
Social Statistics
SOCL 301
Social Statistics Lab
SOCL 302
Social Research Methods
SOCL 309
Social Deviance
Restricted Electives: Correlates of Crime3
Select at least one of the following courses:
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 361
Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 446
Gender, Crime, and Justice
Restricted Electives: Systems of Social Control3
Select at least one of the following courses
CRIM 340
Criminal Courts and Sentencing
CRIM 370
Issues in Policing
CRIM 380
Punishment and Society
CRIM 430
Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice
CRIM 432
Sociology of Criminal Law
PS 328
Criminal Justice Procedures
Unrestricted Electives12
Select four from the following:
ANTH 300
Forensic Anthropology
CHEM 111
Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
CHEM 430
Forensic Chemistry
CRIM 222
Introduction to Crime Mapping
CRIM 232
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRIM 233
Alternatives to Confinement
CRIM 234
Crime and Popular Culture
CRIM 238
Victimology & Victim Advocacy
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 340
Criminal Courts and Sentencing
CRIM 346
Special Topics in Criminology
CRIM 370
Issues in Policing
CRIM 361
Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 380
Punishment and Society
CRIM 430
Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice
CRIM 434
Organized Crime
CRIM 432
Sociology of Criminal Law
CRIM 437
The Death Penalty in America
CRIM 439
Internship in Criminology
CRIM 440
Police Interrogations and False Confessions
CRIM 446
Gender, Crime, and Justice
CRIM 447
Life-Course Criminology
CRIM 448
International Justice and Crime
CRIM 451
White-Collar Crime
CRIM 456
Homicide and Serial Homicide
CRIM 489
Criminology Study Abroad
CRIM 495
Directed Study in Criminology
CRIM 496
Directed Study in Criminology
HIST 445
American Legal History to 1865
HIST 446
American Legal History Since 1865
PH 165
Drug Abuse
PH 467
Drug Abuse Education
PH 472
Illicit Drug Policy in the Us
PLS 225
Introduction to Law
PHIL 211
Why Are Bad People Bad?
PS 220
Judicial Process
PS 326
Constitutional Law
PS 328
Criminal Justice Procedures
IA 350
Political Terrorism
PSY/PSYS 440
Abnormal Psychology
PSY 441
Psychological Aspects of Alcoholism
PSY 470
Psychology and Law
SOCL 359
Sexuality and Society
SOCL 389
Stigma and Society
SOCL 435
Family Violence
SWRK 356
Services for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families
PHIL 427
Philosophy of Law
CRIM 339
Experiential Learning in Criminology
SOCL 315
Public Problem Solving
Total Hours35

Finish in Four Plans

Finish in Four Plan

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENG 1003ENG 2003
CRIM 1013CRIM 3303
MATH 183 (Or other Colonnade Math)3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Science with Lab3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Unrestricted CRIM Elective3
General Elective (prefer SOCL 100 or CSJ 200)3General Elective3
CRIM 199 or SOCL 1991 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SOCL 3023SOCL 3003
COMM 1453SOCL 3011
CRIM Restricted Elective: Correlates of Crime or Systems of Social Control3CRIM Restricted Elective: Correlates of Crime or Systems of Social Control3
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Colonnade Connections course3
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Science32nd Major/Minor Course3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENG 3003General Elective3
SOCL 3093Colonnade: Connections3
Colonnade: Connections32nd Major/Minor Course3
2nd Major/Minor Course32nd Major/Minor Course3
2nd Major/Minor Course3Unrestricted CRIM Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Unrestricted CRIM Elective-- recommend CRIM 4393Unrestricted CRIM Elective-- Recommend CRIM 4393
2nd Major/Minor Course32nd Major/Minor course3
2nd Major/Minor Course3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 122

Sociology, Bachelor of Arts (775)

  • Undergraduate
  • AB
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Overview

The program is designed to further awareness and understanding of social life including the social causes and consequences of human behavior in groups, organizations, societies, and various cultures. Completion provides a broad background for students pursuing a variety of careers by helping them develop valuable skills.

Program Requirements (32 hours)

A baccalaureate degree requires a minimum of 120 unduplicated semester hours. More information can be found at www.wku.edu/registrar/degree_certification.php.

Students who began WKU in the Fall 2014 and thereafter should review the Colonnade requirements located at: https://www.wku.edu/colonnade/colonnaderequirements.php.

The major in sociology requires a minimum of 32 credit hours and leads to a Bachelor of Arts degree. At least half the total semester hours earned must be in upper-division courses (courses numbered 300-499). A minor, certificate, or second major is required. 

Core Courses

The following courses are required for every sociology major:

Course List
A grade of C or better is required in SOCL 300, SOCL 302 and SOCL 304.
SOCL 100Introductory Sociology3
SOCL 199College & Careers in Criminology & Sociology1
or CRIM 199 College & Careers in Criminology & Sociology
SOCL 250Systems of Social Inequality3
SOCL 300Social Statistics3
SOCL 301Social Statistics Lab1
SOCL 302Social Research Methods3
SOCL 304Sociological Theory: Perspectives on Society3
Total Hours17

Non-restricted electives must be chosen from the following courses. No more than two of the following courses may be used as electives for the Sociology major: Socl 309; Socl 359; Socl 389; Crim 330; Crim 332;  Crim 361;Crim 370; Crim 380; Crim 432; Crim 434; Crim 446;  Crim 448; Crim 451

Course List
15 credit hours selected from the following:15
Electives:
CRIM 330Criminology3
CRIM 332Juvenile Delinquency3
CRIM 361Race, Class, and Crime3
CRIM 370Issues in Policing3
CRIM 380Punishment and Society3
CRIM 432Sociology of Criminal Law3
CRIM 434Organized Crime3
CRIM 446Gender, Crime, and Justice3
CRIM 448International Justice and Crime3
CRIM 451White-Collar Crime3
SOCL 210Interaction: Self in Society3
SOCL 220Marriage and Family3
SOCL 240Global Social Problems3
SOCL 245Sociology of Popular Culture3
SOCL 260Race and Ethnic Relations3
SOCL 309Social Deviance3
SOCL 310Behavior in Small Groups3
SOCL 312Collective Behavior and Social Movements3
SOCL 315Public Problem Solving3
SOCL 322Religion in Society3
SOCL 324Sociology of Sport3
SOCL 342Aging in Society3
SOCL 345The Sociology of Popular Music3
SOCL 346Special Topics3
SOCL 352Technology, Work and Society3
SOCL 355Sociology of Gender3
SOCL 359Sexuality and Society3
SOCL 360The Community in Rural and Urban Settings3
SOCL 362Social Institutions: Race, Class, and Gender3
SOCL 363Population, Society, and Development3
SOCL 375Diversity in American Society3
SOCL 376Sociology of Globalization3
SOCL 389Stigma and Society3
SOCL 402Evaluation Research Tech3
SOCL 404Qualitative Research Methods3
SOCL 408Survey Applications3
SOCL 410Socialization: Changes Through Life3
SOCL 435Family Violence3
SOCL 440Sociology of Health and Illness3
SOCL 442Sociology Research Project3
SOCL 450Occupations and Professions3
SOCL 452Social Change3
SOCL 455Theory and Practice of Community Development3
SOCL 466Gender, Family, and Society3
SOCL 470Environmental Sociology3
SOCL 480Sociology of Agri-Food Systems3
SOCL 489Sociology Study Abroad1-6
SOCL 494Internship in Sociology1-6
SOCL 495Directed Study1-3
SOCL 496Directed Study1-3
CSJ 200Introduction to Social Justice3

Not more than 3 hours earned in SOCL 495 / SOCL 496 “Directed Study” in Sociology may be counted toward the first 32 hours required for the major.

Finish in Four Plans

General

First Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENG 1003ENG 2003
SOCL 1003SOCL 2503
SOCL 199 or CRIM 1991SOCL 3043
MATH 183 (or other Colonnade math)3General Elective3
Colonnade: Arts & Humanities3Colonnade: Natural & Physical Science with Lab3
General Elective-- consider CSJ 2003 
 16 15
Second Year
FallHoursSpringHours
SOCL 3023SOCL 3003
SOCL Elective3SOCL 301Should be taken the same semester as SOCL 3001
HIST 101 or HIST 1023Sociology Elective3
COMM 1453Colonnade: Connections13
Colonnade: Natural & Physical Science32nd Major/Minor Course3
 General Elective3
 15 16
Third Year
FallHoursSpringHours
ENG 3003Any Sociology Elective3
Colonnade: Connections23Any Sociology Elective3
Any Sociology Elective3Colonnade: Connections33
2nd Major/Minor Course32nd Major/Minor Course3
2nd Major/Minor Course3General Elective3
 15 15
Fourth Year
FallHoursSpringHours
Any 300-400 level SOCL Elective3General Elective3
2nd Major/Minor Course3Any 300-400 level SOCL Elective (suggested SOCL 494)3
General Elective3General Elective3
2nd Major/Minor Course32nd Major/Minor Course3
General Elective3General Elective3
 15 15
Total Hours 122

 

MINORS

Anthropology, Minor (311)

  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Course List
Select three of the following:9
ANTH 120
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH 125
Introduction to Biological Anthropology
ANTH 130
Introduction to Archaeology
ANTH 135
Introduction to Linguistic Anthropology
ANTH 399Field Methods in Ethnography3
Select 9 hours of electives from anthropology offerings in consultation with advisor9
Total Hours21
  • At least 12 hours must be in upper-division (300, 400) courses.
  • Students must earn a grade of “C” or better in all core (non-elective) courses of the anthropology minor. 

Criminology, Minor (342)

  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Program Requirements (21 hours)

Course List
Required Courses6
CRIM 101
Introduction to Criminal Justice
CRIM 330
Criminology
Electives15
Select five of the following:
ANTH 300
Forensic Anthropology
CHEM 111
Introduction to Forensic Chemistry
CHEM 430
Forensic Chemistry
CRIM 222
Introduction to Crime Mapping
CRIM 232
Introduction to Law Enforcement
CRIM 233
Alternatives to Confinement
CRIM 234
Crime and Popular Culture
CRIM 238
Victimology & Victim Advocacy
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 339
Experiential Learning in Criminology
CRIM 346
Special Topics in Criminology
CRIM 361
Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 370
Issues in Policing
CRIM 380
Punishment and Society
CRIM 430
Comparative Systems of Juvenile Justice
CRIM 432
Sociology of Criminal Law
CRIM 434
Organized Crime
CRIM 437
The Death Penalty in America
CRIM 439
Internship in Criminology
CRIM 440
Police Interrogations and False Confessions
CRIM 446
Gender, Crime, and Justice
CRIM 447
Life-Course Criminology
CRIM 448
International Justice and Crime
CRIM 451
White-Collar Crime
CRIM 456
Homicide and Serial Homicide
CRIM 489
Criminology Study Abroad
CRIM 495
Directed Study in Criminology
CRIM 496
Directed Study in Criminology
HIST 445
American Legal History to 1865
HIST 446
American Legal History Since 1865
PH 165
Drug Abuse
PH 467
Drug Abuse Education
PH 472
Illicit Drug Policy in the Us
PHIL 211
Why Are Bad People Bad?
PHIL 427
Philosophy of Law
PLS 225
Introduction to Law
PS 220
Judicial Process
PS 326
Constitutional Law
PS 328
Criminal Justice Procedures
IA 350
Political Terrorism
PSY/PSYS 440
Abnormal Psychology
PSY 470
Psychology and Law
PSYS 444
Psychology of Substance Use Disorders
SOCL 300
Social Statistics
SOCL 302
Social Research Methods
SOCL 309
Social Deviance
SOCL 315
Public Problem Solving
SOCL 359
Sexuality and Society
SOCL 389
Stigma and Society
SWRK 356
Services for Juvenile Offenders and Their Families
Total Hours21

Folklore, Minor (362)

  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Program Requirements (21 hours)

The minor in folklore requires a minimum of 21 semester hours. 

Course List
FLK 276Introduction to Folklore3
FLK 399Field Methods in Ethnography3
Restricted Electives15
Total Hours21
  • Restricted electives selected in consultation with the program advisor.
  • Restricted electives must include at least one 400-level course (excluding FLK 479 and FLK 489).
  • Students must earn a grade of "C" or better in all courses applied to the folklore minor.

Sociology, Minor (461)

  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Program Requirements (22 hours)

At least 12 hours earned in the minor must be in upper-division courses (courses numbered 300-499). Not more than 3 hours earned in SOCL 495 / SOCL 496 may be counted toward the first 22 hours required for the minor. 

Course List
Required Courses
A grade of C or better is required in SOCL 300, SOCL 302 and SOCL 304.
SOCL 100Introductory Sociology3
SOCL 300Social Statistics3
SOCL 301Social Statistics Lab1
SOCL 302Social Research Methods3
SOCL 304Sociological Theory: Perspectives on Society3
Electives
Select three of the following courses:9
CRIM 330
Criminology
CRIM 332
Juvenile Delinquency
CRIM 361
Race, Class, and Crime
CRIM 370
Issues in Policing
CRIM 380
Punishment and Society
CRIM 432
Sociology of Criminal Law
CRIM 434
Organized Crime
CRIM 446
Gender, Crime, and Justice
CRIM 451
White-Collar Crime
SOCL 210
Interaction: Self in Society
SOCL 220
Marriage and Family
SOCL 240
Global Social Problems
SOCL 245
Sociology of Popular Culture
SOCL 250
Systems of Social Inequality
SOCL 260
Race and Ethnic Relations
SOCL 309
Social Deviance
SOCL 310
Behavior in Small Groups
SOCL 312
Collective Behavior and Social Movements
SOCL 322
Religion in Society
SOCL 324
Sociology of Sport
SOCL 342
Aging in Society
SOCL 345
The Sociology of Popular Music
SOCL 346
Special Topics
SOCL 352
Technology, Work and Society
SOCL 355
Sociology of Gender
SOCL 359
Sexuality and Society
SOCL 360
The Community in Rural and Urban Settings
SOCL 362
Social Institutions: Race, Class, and Gender
SOCL 363
Population, Society, and Development
SOCL 372
Causes and Consequences of Human-Wildlife Conflict
SOCL 375
Diversity in American Society
SOCL 376
Sociology of Globalization
SOCL 389
Stigma and Society
SOCL 402
Evaluation Research Tech
SOCL 404
Qualitative Research Methods
SOCL 408
Survey Applications
SOCL 410
Socialization: Changes Through Life
SOCL 435
Family Violence
SOCL 440
Sociology of Health and Illness
SOCL 442
Sociology Research Project
CRIM 447
Life-Course Criminology
CRIM 448
International Justice and Crime
SOCL 450
Occupations and Professions
SOCL 452
Social Change
SOCL 455
Theory and Practice of Community Development
SOCL 466
Gender, Family, and Society
SOCL 470
Environmental Sociology
SOCL 480
Sociology of Agri-Food Systems
SOCL 489
Sociology Study Abroad
SOCL 494
Internship in Sociology
SOCL 495
Directed Study
SOCL 496
Directed Study
CSJ 200
Introduction to Social Justice
SOCL 315
Public Problem Solving
Total Hours22

 

CERTIFICATE

Citizenship & Social Justice, Certificate (1759)

  • Undergraduate
  • Arts & Letters
  • Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies

Overview

The Certificate in Citizenship and Social Justice is an interdisciplinary program, focusing on contemporary social issues, that prepares students to be effective citizens—civic agents of change for the common good. The certificate program includes both coursework and co-curricular public work. The market-ready skills honed by the certificate in Citizenship & Social Justice open many opportunities, both locally and outside the region. For those interested in the public sector, there are openings in local, state, and federal governmental agencies, as well as educational institutions. Regarding private-sector work, organizations and businesses are increasingly interested in students with empathetic listening skills resulting in successful social media and other marketing campaigns, consulting, and entrepreneurship endeavors. The program requires 21 hours with a 15 hour core and 6 hours of electives selected from a list of courses.

Program Requirements (21 hours)

The Certificate in Citizenship and Social Justice is an interdisciplinary program, focusing on contemporary social issues, that prepares students to be effective citizens—civic agents of change for the common good. The certificate program includes both coursework and co-curricular public work. The market-ready skills honed by the certificate in Citizenship & Social Justice open many opportunities, both locally and outside the region. For those interested in the public sector, there are openings in local, state, and federal governmental agencies, as well as educational institutions. Regarding private-sector work, organizations and businesses are increasingly interested in students with empathetic listening skills resulting in successful social media and other marketing campaigns, consulting, and entrepreneurship endeavors. The program requires 21 hours with a 15 hour core and 6 hours of electives selected from a list of courses.
Course List
Core Requirements (15 hours)
CSJ 200Introduction to Social Justice3
PS 275Introduction to Citizenship3
PS 375Fundamentals of Political Campaign Management3
or PS 373 Minority Politics
or PS 374 Women and Politics
SOCL 315Public Problem Solving3
SOCL 494/CRIM 439Internship in Sociology3
or PS 403 Field Studies in Politics
or PS 405 Washington Internship and Academic Seminars
Electives (6 hours)
Select 6 hours of electives from the following courses: 6
AFAM 190
Introduction to African American Studies
AFAM/HIST 343
Communities of Struggle
ANTH 120
Introduction to Cultural Anthropology
ANTH/FLK 342
Peoples and Cultures of the Caribbean
ANTH 343
Anthropology of Gender
ANTH 360
Applied Anthropology – Understanding and Addressing Contemporary Human Problems
FLK 276
Introduction to Folklore
FLK 280
Cultural Diversity in the U S
FLK/ANTH 399
Field Methods in Ethnography
FLK 480
Women's Folklife
GWS 200
Introduction to Gender And Women's Studies
HON 251
Citizen and Self
MATH 270
The Mathematics of Social Justice
PHIL 103
Enduring Questions: The Committed Life
PHIL 323
Social Ethics
PS 110
American National Government
PS 311
Public Policy
PS 373
Minority Politics
PS 374
Women and Politics
SOCL 240
Global Social Problems
SOCL 250
Systems of Social Inequality
SOCL 435
Family Violence
SWRK 300
Diversity and Social Welfare
SWRK 395
Social Welfare Policy and Issues
Total Hours21
 

 

PCAL student Laurel

Everyone is so supportive and upbeat in the Department of Society, Culture, Crime, & Justice Studies. My interactions with my professors and fellow peers are very natural and getting to work closely with them on projects is really great. The department feels like a big, close-knit family.

Laurel Vaught

Loading...

Live with students who share similar academic or social interests.
Find Yours Today!

In a WKU Living Learning Community (LLC), students with similar academic or social interests live together on a residence hall floor and participate in activities tailored to their specific majors or interests. Criminology offers a Living Learning Community in the First Year Village's in Meredith Hall.

 

Learn More

Living Learning Student

 

Why Pursue a Degree in the SSCJS Department at WKU?

The Department of Society, Culture, Crime, and Justice Studies offers students valuable opportunities to engage in impactful research experiences.

Kentucky Folklife Program
Kentucky Archaeological Survey

 

 

 

Some of the links on this page may require additional software to view.

 Last Modified 9/25/25