The Social Sciences and Criminal Justice Department offers majors in Criminal Justice, History, Political Science, Psychology, Religion and Philosophy, and Sociology. The vision of the Social Sciences and Criminal Justice Department is to become an exemplary, growth-oriented teaching and research unit within the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences. Its aim is to offer the highestquality programs in a nurturing atmosphere by attracting and retaining dedicated, credentialed facultywho excel in teaching, student mentoring, scholarly research, and service to the community. It further aims to provide applied technological learning opportunities designed to advance the intellectual, analytical, and communication skills of its graduates.

In keeping with the mission of the School of Humanities, Arts and Social Sciences, the Social Sciencesand Criminal Justice Department is committed to providing the necessary instruction, advisement, andacademic support to prepare its graduates for entry into diverse careers and admission to graduateand professional programs.

Courses offered within the Department of Social Sciences and Criminal Justice are designed to promote social responsibility and ethical values, improve quality and understanding of life, and encourage cultural awareness and appreciation for diversity. The faculty of the Department of SocialSciences and Criminal Justice is committed to research and community services, and it encouragesresearch by preparing students in research methods and analysis.

Objectives

The specific objectives of the Department of Social Sciences and Criminal Justice are to:

1. Provide a well-defined, broad-based liberal arts education for its students;
2. Provide students with the analytical and critical thinking skills needed for academicand professional success;
3. Provide a focal point for incorporating the diverse units of the social sciences intoa program of study that gives meaning to its application in real life situations;
4. Enhance computer literacy, including: research, written and verbal communication skills;
5. Prepare students for postgraduate education, including: law, graduate, and/or professional training academies;
6. Provide access to government, business, and industry experiences via internships, cooperative education work positions, and/or collaborative agreementswithin the metro and regional professional communities;
7. Incorporating an honors academic tract for students maintaining a 3.25 gradepoint average or above;

Source: Benedict College Catalogue 2007-2009.

Benedict Professor named among five women for Girl Scouts Award (March 9, 2005).