Social Sciences
100 Campus Drive
Weatherford, OK 73096
(580) 774-3292
Fax: (580) 774-7192
socsci@swosu.edu
Mission
The mission of the criminal justice program is to provide graduates with an academic, intellectual, historical, comparative and scientific foundation for employment in all areas of criminal justice as well as future learning (via graduate school). We offer students a rigorous academic and intellectual experience, intended to produce keen observers, critical thinkers, competent writers, and graduates knowledgeable about criminal justice agencies, organizations, private businesses, theories, problems, policies, and ethics. Most of the courses included in the program are drawn from the criminal justice area, with supporting courses from sociology, social sciences, and political science.
An international dimension is included in the program. Field experience is integrated within the learning process through the internship course. Students are strongly encouraged to learn Spanish, a resource increasingly valuable in all areas of criminal justice employment. We recommend that majors take elective courses in other areas of the university that will benefit them in their careers. Students are also encouraged to take advantage of learning opportunities outside the classroom, including involvement in the Criminal Justice Student Association, attendance at the annual SWOSU Criminal Justice Speaker Series, and membership in professional associations, as well as in volunteer activities in public or private organizations.