91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs criminology program raises inequality awareness through sociology-based curriculum
Contact: Sasha Steinberg
STARKVILLE, Miss.β91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ is known across the country for its diverse learning environment for students that cultivates academic, social, and emotional development. One way the university is enhancing studentsβ understanding of national and global social inequalities is through course offerings in its criminology program.
Housed in 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs Department of Sociology, the program offers its students, many who are future law enforcement officers, a distinctive learning atmosphere as one of only a few with a sociology-based Β curriculum. The bachelor's degree emphasizes the study of types, patterns, and trends in criminal behavior; social causes; and social response to crime and its effect on society.
91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ President Mark E. Keenum praised the 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ criminology programβs construct.
βAt this point in our nationβs history, the focus of our criminology program is very timely and relevant,β said Keenum. βBroad-based societal issues are vital in the training of students who plan to work in the criminal justice system, and Iβm pleased to see that this is being emphasized in our program.β
Nicole Rader, sociology department head and professor, said all criminology majors are required to take the Crime, Justice and Inequality course, and elective classesβRace, Crime and Justice in addition to Gender, Crime and Justiceβare offered. The topic of inequality also is part of courses in policing, corrections, and law and society.
βWe combine lessons about structural inequalityβrace, class and gender in particularβthroughout our curriculum,β Rader said. βIt is impossible for our criminology majors to get out of our program without understanding inequality.β
Rader is a Southern Illinois University doctoral graduate who earned a bachelorβs degree in criminal justice from Central Methodist University and masterβs in criminology from Drury University, both in Missouri. Criminology and gender, and qualitative methods are her primary research areas.Β
Rader said the College of Arts and Sciences is discussing inclusion of a law enforcement course as part of the collegeβs diversity certificate program.
βWe still need to think through what this might look like, but we are excited about the possibility of providing additional training and knowledge on racial inequality to law enforcement officers,β Rader said.
Learn more about 91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐβs College of Arts and Sciences at ; Department of Sociology at ; and the criminology major at .
91ΒιΆΉΜμΓΐ is Mississippiβs leading university, available online at .