Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice

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The Department of Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice offers majors in sociology and anthropology as well as a joint major in sociology/anthropology (B.A.); a major in criminal justice leading to a Bachelor of Arts (B.A.) degree, and a major in social work leading to the Bachelor of Social Work (B.S.W.) degree.

Sociology is the scientific study of society and systematically examines the cultural and social factors that shape individual and group behavior. Students learn about the fundamental processes of human interaction, the forces of social inequality and social change, and critically examine society’s social institutions and social problems. The major prepares students for careers where knowledge of human relationships and/or research skills are desirable, and for graduate work in sociology and related social service fields.

Anthropology is the study of humankind in all its aspects, through archaeological, biological, cultural, and linguistic research, and fosters the use of this knowledge in addressing human problems. The major prepares students for graduate work in anthropology and/or archaeology and for careers that utilize anthropological knowledge and training. In sociology and anthropology students are required to study research techniques, statistical analysis, and acquire skills in theoretical analysis. Both majors are designed to allow flexibility for students to pursue their own intellectual interests.

Social Work is a profession that strives to prevent crisis, promote social justice, and enhance the social functioning of individuals, groups, and communities so that they may better cope with the many challenges they encounter. The Bachelor of Social Work degree program trains students in the generalist social work perspective, along with the values and ethical principles consistent with the profession’s historical commitment to social justice and positive change. Students trained in social work are capable of working with individuals, families, and communities of different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.

The Criminal Justice major is an interdisciplinary program grounded in the theoretical, methodological, and applied policy traditions of criminology and criminal justice, as well as those related disciplines that have contributed to its core knowledge (i.e., sociology, political science, public administration, law, philosophy, psychology). The degree choices that students can make are criminal justice, criminal justice with a specialization in homeland security and criminal justice with a specialization in information security and assurance.

Students also may select a combined major in sociology and anthropology, and a modified major in sociology or anthropology with a concentration in linguistics. Other concentrations include archaeology, gerontology, and addiction studies. The department also offers minors in sociology, anthropology, archaeology, criminal justice, geographic information science, and child welfare (for social work majors).

Departmental Honors

To be a candidate for departmental honors in sociology, students must have taken at least 16 of their major credits at the 3000-4000 level, have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their sociology major course work at Oakland University, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 in major course work at Oakland and receive recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

To be a candidate for departmental honors in anthropology, students must have taken at least 16 credits in the major at the 3000 level or above, have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their anthropology major course work at Oakland University, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 in major course work, and receive recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

To be a candidate for departmental honors in social work, students must have taken at least 16 credits in the major at the 3000 level or above, have taken a minimum of 20 credits of their social work major course work at Oakland University, have earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major course work, and receive recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

To be a candidate for departmental honors in criminal justice, students must have taken at least 16 credits in the major at the 3000 level or above, taken a minimum of 16 credits of criminal justice major coursework at Oakland University, earned a minimum GPA of 3.70 in the major coursework, and received recommendations from two departmental faculty members.

Programs

Courses

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