FAQ- Department of Sociology, Anthropology and Criminal Justice

Why are these programs in one department rather than two separate ones?

Part of the reason is historical.  Sociology both as a major and as a department has been at Messiah College for many years. More recently, the Criminal Justice program was added.

These programs share many theoretical perspectives, methodologies and goals for social change. A number of courses serve both the SOAN and CJ majors. The program is stronger conceptually by this integration and students benefit by having courses from a wider range of faculty than if each program were separate.

Do the programs do other things together?

Each spring the department sponsors a Scholarship and Awards day. Students from each program present research, field placement and internship portfolios and other projects. The culmination of this day is the presentation of Outstanding Student awards from each program. There are other enrichment activities and social events shared by all programs.

Will employers and graduate schools recognize my program?

Absolutely!  Each program maintains autonomy to develop its program and serve its majors. Students graduate with a major that is unique to their program of study, the same as if the programs were separate departments. We hope to maintain the strength that separate programs would have and the strength that comes from collaboration.