![A student walks across the campus with green grass and trees in the background]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1704576849/vanguardedu/zcnkqzlxb3dkxoslyswe/Sociology_VideoThumb.png","width":2200}])
Sociology and Criminal Justice
The mission of the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice is to equip the next generation of scholar-practitioners to be professionally competent social scientists who are devoted to the public good.
We are a community of learners dedicated to comprehending the cultural and social dimensions of human existence. In our programs, you will work in a collaborative learning model with faculty and other students to study human cultural diversity and to analyze the complex relationship that exists between human beings and the social processes and the institutions they create.
Students will gain a strong foundation in social science theory and method and have regular opportunities for field research, which will allow students to develop their capacity to apply social science to problem-solving in diverse professional contexts.
Areas of study within the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice include anthropology, criminal justice, social work and public health.
Our faculty work closely with their students to help them discover their vocation and strengthen their engagement with and in Jesus’ kingdom. Finally, we strive to cultivate in our students a moral vision of professional life so that they remain committed to advancing public good in the vocations they pursue as Vanguard alumni.
Students in the Sociology and Criminal Justice Department can choose from the following degree options:
- BA in Sociology
- BA in Criminal Justice (on campus)
- BA in Criminal Justice (online)
The department also offers a wide variety of minors, including Social Work, Public Health, Criminology & Criminal Justice and Sociology.
A Sampling of Sociology Courses
![A group of students sit outside in discussion]([{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_1/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":256},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_2/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":512},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_3/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":800},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_4/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":1200},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_5/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":1600},{"url":"https://resources.finalsite.net/images/f_auto,q_auto,t_image_size_6/v1704576927/vanguardedu/fogjq9px68xk0r8xecdf/SociologyVideoThumb-WhyChoose.png","width":2200}])
Is a degree in Sociology the next part of your story? Hear from students and faculty about why you should consider this major at Vanguard.
Program Highlights
Innovative Curriculum with Leading Practitioners
Our classes are tailored to reflect new research, market demand, and student interest. Our professors are leaders in social service agencies, criminal justice fields, and public health.
Community Partnerships & Experiential Learning
Our department has an extensive network of community partners that mentor our students as volunteers and interns.
Mentorship & Relationships
Faculty-mentors invite students to conduct research, present their work at conferences, and serve community members.
Make a Difference
Sociology graduates work and pursue study across a variety of industries.
Recent alumni work for:
- Project Hope Alliance
- City of Hope
- Orange County Social Services
- Olivecrest
- Riverside County Public Social Services
- Volunteers of America
- Casa de Esperanza
- Huntington Beach Police Department
- Human Options
- Isaiah 58 Ministries
Recent alumni work in:
- Social Work
- Public Health
- Law Enforcement
- Program Development
- Human Services
- Law Enforcement
- Teaching
- Non-profit social services
- Public Administration
- Law
Recent alumni study at:
- University of Southern California
- University of Chicago
- Emory University
- San Francisco State University
- Brooklyn College, CUNY
- California State University, Long Beach
- University of Law, London
- University of La Verne
- North Carolina State University
- California State University, Fullerton