Sociology & Criminal Justice
As sociologists and criminologists, we look beyond surface-level assumptions about social life and crime, seeking to uncover the deeper structural and cultural forces that shape human behavior, social interactions, and justice outcomes.
Sociology & Criminal Justice
Contact
Fernald Hall, Room 201
Orono, ME 04469
About
The Department of Sociology contributes to the liberal arts mission of the University of Maine through excellence in teaching, research, and public service. We emphasize critical thinking, analysis, and rigorous training in research methods for students in both Sociology and Criminal Justice, preparing them for the complex intellectual and professional demands of contemporary society. Grounded in the sociological tradition, our mission highlights cultural diversity, social inequality, and pluralism as essential lenses for understanding social life, crime, and justice. By applying the sociological imagination and evidence-based approaches to social and justice systems, we advance a deeper understanding of society and social change. In the spirit of public sociology, we uphold the values of a “good society”: public spirit, concern for the common good, and strong social institutions supported by an engaged and informed citizenry.
Sociology
The Sociology major provides a rigorous, liberal-arts-based examination of social life, social inequality, and the institutions that shape human behavior. Because the department does not have a graduate program, undergraduates are our primary focus, and students benefit from a welcoming, student-centered environment where faculty are deeply committed to high-quality instruction, mentorship, and support. Coursework emphasizes critical thinking, analytical reasoning, and the ability to understand complex social issues through evidence and theory.
The curriculum equips students with strong research skills in both quantitative and qualitative methods, preparing them to collect, analyze, and interpret data to address real-world problems. Students explore the causes and consequences of social inequality and examine how race and ethnicity, social class, gender, and other social forces shape institutions and behavior. Graduates leave broadly educated for diverse careers in social services, community development, policy, research, education, and beyond, carrying with them the tools to evaluate systems, understand human behavior, and contribute to meaningful social change.
Criminal Justice
The Criminal Justice major provides a rigorous, interdisciplinary, and evidence-based examination of crime, law, and the U.S. justice system. Grounded in a strong liberal arts foundation, our program teaches students how policing, courts, and corrections operate, and encourages students to critically assess the systems’ effectiveness, fairness, and broader social impact. Students explore the causes and consequences of crime through sociological, psychological, political, and legal lenses while analyzing the inequalities embedded within justice processes and outcomes.
The curriculum begins with core courses in criminal justice, criminology, and research methods, and culminates in a senior capstone or thesis. Electives span foundational and advanced criminology topics, allowing students to tailor their studies to areas such as policing, corrections, violence, victimology, gender, race, and law. With opportunities for internships, advanced methods training, and honors work, graduates are well-prepared for careers across justice-related fields or for further study in law, public policy, or graduate programs. The program ultimately equips students to work effectively within the system while contributing to meaningful reform and greater equity.
Research
Research is an important part of academic and professional development, even at the undergraduate level. Students begin building these skills in SOC 290 (Research Methods in Sociology) or CRJ 290 (Research Methods in Criminal Justice) and can carry their work forward to present at regional and national sociology and criminology conferences. Several organizations support undergraduate research, and the department has limited funds available to help offset related expenses. We encourage all students to speak with their advisor about opportunities to participate in research during their time at UMaine.
