Department Chair: Dr. Li-Chen Ma
Chair Location:      55 Maes Building
Chair Phone:          (409) 880-8545

Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice is a multidisciplinary department, consisting of four academic programs:  Sociology, Anthropology, Social Work and Criminal Justice.  Each has its own unique mission.  The common general mission of the four programs is to provide high-quality education through baccalaureate programs in Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice, a Master's in Applied Criminology, and a minor in Anthropology.  All programs emphasize excellence in instruction, research and scholarship, professional development, university and community service, and the preparation of students for graduate and/or professional education.  For additional information about the Department of Sociology, Social Work and Criminal Justice please contact us at (409) 880-8538.

Departmental Academic Policies

1. A grade of "C" or higher for each course in the major field (including transfer courses) is required for graduation.
2. Each student's use of English is subject to review up to and including the semester in which he or she is scheduled to graduate. Any faculty member who identifies a departmental major having poor English skills will notify the student and the department chair in writing. The department chair will then review writing samples and consult with the Director of Freshman English. Based on the recommendations of the Director of Freshman English and the department chair, additional diagnostic procedures and course work may be required before the student is recommended for graduation.
3. Students who wish to enter the department as criminal justice majors must have a 2.00 grade point average. Criminal justice majors must maintain a 2.00 G.P.A. to remain in the program.
4. The departmental academic probation and suspension policy is identical to that of the College of Arts and Sciences and is available from the office of the dean or department chair.
5. Students who are majoring in this department and who are on academic probation or returning from academic suspension may not enroll in more than 12 semester hours (13-15 hours if a laboratory course and P.E. are taken) in any semester.
6. All departmental majors (full-time and part-time) must have satisfied both the University's and the College of Arts and Sciences' requirements for English composition and mathematics before registering for 300 and 400 level courses offered by the department.

Lamar University reserves the right to modify degree requirements and teaching certificate requirements in keeping with legislative acts and rules established by the Texas Higher Education Coordinating Board and the State Board for Educator Certification.