Department of Sociology & Criminology

Department of Sociology & Criminology

Contact Information

Department of Sociology & Criminology
Villanova University
Saint Augustine Center, Room 204
800 Lancaster Avenue, Villanova, PA 19085
Phone: 610.519.4740
Fax: 610.519.6319

Robert DeFina, Ph.D., Department Chair 610.519.4482
Mary Ann Hostler, Administrative Assistant for the Sociology Undergraduate Program 610.519.4742
Sarah Spencer, Administrative Assistant for the Criminology Undergraduate Program 610.519.4786
Mariana Pardes, Research Associate 610.519.7275

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Welcome to the Department of Sociology & Criminology

“I am so happy that I chose to major in both Criminal Justice and Sociology. The coursework is fascinating, but also intense. I've never done so much reading, researching, and writing in my life. But all of the hard work is so worth it because I have grown to be a better student. I have learned valuable skills from my professors, who are engaging and passionate. I can't thank them enough!” – Nicole Accurso (2013)

"A sociology major exposes students to a great deal of research and writing, which are the foundations of law school. The study of sociology also teaches you how to think and approach problems analytically and critical analytical thinking is a skill you need in law school." -M.D. (2002)

“I've been with the FBI for about a month and a half now. The things I learned in [my sociology/criminal justice classes] have been very useful to me in order to succeed in my position. I've been working hand-in-hand with Special Agents and Intelligence Analysts as a Research Analyst and the techniques I learned from you have helped me tremendously. Thank you for everything you taught me.” -J.D. (2009)

"I use SO MANY of the skills I learned in my theory and methods courses in my job everyday... Tell your students that it has been over 2 years since I presented my paper at the Mid-Atlantic Conference and I still talk about it." -C.D. (2005)

"Academically, I found that my undergraduate coursework prepared me for the intense workload and challenging courses of the doctoral program. This has been particularly true in my required statistics, methods, and theory courses. The time management skills I gained also aided my transition to graduate school; this has enabled me to complete my coursework, be a teacher’s assistant, and pursue my own research interests." -J.S. (2004)

"Thanks to Villanova's B.A. in Criminal Justice program, I have developed the theoretical knowledge and practical skills necessary to succeed in a wide variety of career paths. Through coursework focused on theory, research methods, and critical analysis of the justice system, I am well-prepared for a future in law enforcement, legal work, social advocacy, or academia. Additionally, the wide array of volunteer and internship opportunities offered through the department has allowed me to apply what I learn in the classroom in ‘real-world’ situations." -Kenneth C. Tsang (2013)

Read more testimonials from students and alumni!

The department offers undergraduate programs in Sociology (major; minor) and Criminology (major; minor). Please take your time and explore our website. You can find information about our current course offerings in Sociology and Criminology; learn more about our award-winning faculty; read about what students are involved with in and out of the classroom; check out resources regarding internships, career preparation, research, service learning, and graduate school; and review our departmental newsletter. Should you have any additional questions, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Robert DeFina, the Department Chair, at 610.519.4482.

33rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Social Research Conference

Thank you to all student presenters, faculty advisors, and panel moderators for your participation in the 33rd Annual Mid-Atlantic Undergraduate Social Research Conference (MAUSRC) at Villanova University last Friday, April 19! Please take a moment to answer two questions to help us gather information about your experience at MAUSRC this year. Your responses to these questions are anonymous so we encourage you to share your honest feedback.

MAUSRC Program Guide 2013.pdf

Our Spring 2013 Interactions newsletter is now available!

In this issue...

- The Chair’s overview of upcoming additions and changes in our department

- The reflections of Molly Sapia '13, a senior majoring in Sociology, upon her independent study on mass incarceration

- Dr. Kelly Welch’s experience as an expert witness and litigation consultant for the U.S. Department of Justice

- Insight into Kenny Tsang’s (CRJ ’13) research project and experience with the Villanova Undergraduate Research Fellows (VURF) Program

Upcoming Events

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Sociology major requirements

Sociology minor requirements

Sociology courses - Fall 2013

Criminology major requirements

Criminology minor requirements

Criminology courses - Fall 2013

Internship Opportunity

Joshua T. Roth, a Villanova graduate (2011), has informed us of an internship program with the United States Pretrial Services Office! His office is seeking student interns for the Fall 2013 semester and possibly for this summer as well. This is a great opportunity for those who would like to broaden their knowledge of the federal court system and criminal justice system overall. Check out the document below for a detailed description and instructions on how to apply!

Pretrial Services Internship.pdf

Faculty & Student Awards and Honors

Congratulations! Four students from our department have been chosen for induction into the Villanova Chapter of Phi Beta Kappa: Kristen DiGloria, Nicole Frisch, Marissa Pardue and Emily Several! An induction ceremony will be held on May 18 at noon in the St. Thomas of Villanova Church.

Two studies by Drs. Robert DeFina and Lance Hannon on the adverse effects of mass incarceration were cited in a February 19^th New York Times article, Prison and the Poverty Trap.

Learn about Dr. Jill McCorkel's upcoming book, Breaking Women: Gender, Race, and the New Politics of Imprisonment.