Although both programs are administered by the Department of Sociology, there are separate requirements for the sociology and criminology majors and minors. There is considerable overlap in these requirements and majors in either program take the same required theory, methods, and statistics courses.
Students whose interest in sociology is primarily outside the area of crime and deviance should probably major (or minor) in sociology.
Sociology Major Requirements Sociology Minor Requirements
For students who are mainly interested in crime and criminal justice, it is possible to pursue these interests in either major (or minor). The choice of sociology or criminology is then a matter of how one wants to be described to the world. The criminology major (or minor) may be especially desirable for careers or further study in criminal justice, while sociology may be viewed as a more traditional liberal arts area.
Criminology Major Requirements Criminology Minor Requirements
A minor in Social Welfare consists of courses in the social welfare curriculum, exclusive of introductory courses in sociology and related disciplines. This minor is designed to accompany a major in sociology, criminology, economic, political science or psychology, but may be pursued by students majoring in other fields.
If you have any questions and/or would like to set up an appointment to speak with an undergraduate advisor, please call 277-2501 or email socdept@unm.edu