Sociology & Criminal Justice at PLU

Whether we are studying families, policing, gender, or deviance, the Department of Sociology and Criminal Justice at Pacific Lutheran University teaches students to understand the social and structural context of our human experience. Our classes highlight how inequalities in American Society impact individual opportunities, such as access to housing, bail, healthcare, or legal representation. Our programs in sociology and criminal justice provide unique opportunities for independent research, faculty mentorship, and career exploration.

To learn more about the sociology program and the criminal justice program (launching Fall 2020) click on the links to the left.

To declare a major or minor in sociology or criminal justice, to learn about opportunities to participate in internships or student-faculty research, or if you’d like to simply discuss the fields sociology and criminal justice, please contact department chair, Dr. Kate Luther (lutherke@plu.edu)

Careers in Sociology & Criminal Justice

Five panelists seated at table for Department of Sociology Criminal Justice Anthropology panel discussion
More Information

Spring 2026 Alumni Panel