Over the years social work and criminal justice have developed specialized programs, but sociology remains a strong liberal arts discipline attractive to many students for many reasons.
Sociology studies the impact that social structure has on individuals and groups.
As such, sociology at Calvin College has strong connections with anthropology and with the Social Research Center. The Department of Sociology, Social Work, and Criminal Justice's mission is to prepare informed Christian participants in the restoration of social systems, criminal justice systems, and the world at large. More specifically, department programs will prepare students for entry-level social and cultural restorative practice within the context of a Reformed, Christian liberal arts education. To prepare students to function effectively as informed participants in the restoration of social and cultural relationships from a Reformed, Christian perspective. To give students a solid foundation for graduate work in sociology, social work, criminal justice, or other appropriate fields of study.