Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies
Sociology helps us see social forces that transcend the individual. With that critical perspective, sociology empowers those who work to make the world a better place. At Otterbein’s Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies you will learn how to be a positive catalyst for effective social change. We prepare students to engage complex challenges that affect our communities and social institutions.
Our courses consider questions such as:
- Who is empowered and whose voices are missing?
- Is an institution fair?
- What alternatives can we imagine?
- What resources are required to create social change?
If you have a passion for understanding society and the social forces that shape behavior, we invite you to help answer these vital questions using sociological research methods and critical justice perspectives.
Student, Faculty, and Alumni Spotlights
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Shay Locke presented her research, titled “Criminal Justice Reform: Rethinking Pretrial Risk Assessment Instruments” at the Ohio Council of Criminal Justice Education (OCCJE’s) 20th Annual Research Conference and Awards Ceremony held at Bluffton University.
Shay Locke ’22
Sociology Major with Minors in Criminology and Justice Studies
STUDENT SPOTLIGHT
Majoring in sociology will give you many resources to develop new and vital perspectives. These, when combined with Otterbein’s Integrative Studies general education curriculum, provide a well-rounded education which will prepare you for nearly any situation, both professionally and personally.
Anna Stamper ’22
Sociology Major with a History Minor
Former Ohio Governor John Kasich visits Criminology and Justice Studies classes to talk about a governor’s role in clemencies, sentence commutations for death row inmates, and private prisons.
Mitch Gitelman, video game developer with Harebrained Schemes, talked with students in our Video Games and Society class about designing socially responsive games and changing gaming culture.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The courses and experiences I had in the Department of Sociology, Criminology and Justice Studies helped me realize my full potential as a student, scholar, and community organizer.
Mina Zaky ’20
Sociology and Criminology & Justice Studies double major
Mina is a law student at The Ohio State University and judicial extern to Federal Magistrate Judge Chelsey Vascura in the Federal District Court for the Southern District of Ohio.
ALUMNI SPOTLIGHT
The skills I learned at my internship as a Government Relations Intern, coupled with my classes in Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies set me up to be not only employable in the field of my choice, but a competitive applicant to law school.
Selena LaBair ’20
Sociology and Criminology & Justice Studies double major, minors in Philosophy and Psychology
Selena will be attending Law School at the University of Michigan.
Deputy Matthew Wetzel visits Criminology and Justice Studies classes to talk about career opportunities at the Franklin County Sherriff’s Department.
The department’s capstone internship experience gives seniors a culminating immersive experience that allows them to apply their knowledge in a wide range of professional settings. Ronni Royer is pictured here during her internship with the Columbus Police Department.
Department Features and Student Opportunities
Scholarships and Honors
SCJS majors can receive several departmental scholarships in addition to institutional financial aid. These awards support student success, academic achievement, and engagement in scholarly research.
Alpha Kappa Delta
Otterbein is proud to host a chapter of AKD. Alpha Kappa Delta seeks to acknowledge and promote excellence in scholarship in the study of social problems, sociology, and intellectual activities that lead to the improvement in the human condition.
Teaching and Mentoring
SCJS Students learn about social movement organizations, not-for-profit management, and social justice advocacy and will be able to collaborate with faculty on research projects involving community organizations and criminal justice systems.
Theory and Practice
We offer a combined scholarly and applied course of study that lets our majors pursue their interests in academic or applied careers in criminal justice research and work at the community, national, or global level.
Double Majors
A degree in sociology pairs productively as a double major with public health education. Graduates work as health educators, conducting research in their communities to advocate for health services and environmental justice.
Student Research
We encourage our students to engage in scholarly research and support their efforts. One example is Corinne Saul ’19, who presented her research on Feminist Trauma Theory at the (2019) Northeast Undergraduate Sociological Symposium.
Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies Department News
National Media Recognize Otterbein University for Programs and Values
News - September 18, 2023
Otterbein University has been collecting honors this fall, as it is recognized in national publications for its programs and values, including U.S. News & World Report, Colleges of Distinction, and Washington Monthly. US News & World Report Otterbein University has been recognized by U.S. News & World Report for its academic excellence, commitment to undergraduate teaching, and focus on affordability, student success outcomes, and experiential learning. In the 2024 Best Colleges rankings by U.S. News & World Report, Otterbein has…
Fast Track Innovation Fund Lets Community Shape Otterbein’s Growth
News - July 31, 2023
Otterbein University is using an innovative approach to grow enrollment and revenue by “crowd sourcing” ideas from its own community and investing in the best ideas with $1 million approved by the Board of Trustees. Under the Fast Track Innovation Fund initiative, seven projects proposed by Otterbein faculty and staff in May have been funded and are already being implemented on campus. “This investment in Otterbein’s future demonstrates our trustees’ commitment to allowing every member of our community to be heard…
Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies Alumna is Columbus Crime Fighter
News - July 7, 2023
By Maggie Nicol ’25 Not all crime fighters patrol the streets, respond to emergency calls, and arrest suspects. Some, like Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies alumna Shilah Alexander ’21, analyze data to establish patterns that can be used to support the work of law enforcement officers, solve open cases, and prevent future crimes. Sociology Criminology And Justice Studies Alumna Shilah Alexander Alexander is one of three crime analysts that work on the six divided zones that make up the City…Programs of Study in Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies
Our Institutional Partners
Contact Us
Department of Sociology, Criminology, and Justice Studies
Towers Faculty Suite
1 S. Grove St
Westerville, OH 43081
Administrative Assistant
Patti Welch
614-823-1361
pwelch@otterbein.edu
