Sociology Concentration: Criminal Justice
Minor(s): Education
Additional education/training: Touro Law School
Current Job: Mental Health Lawyer
Why did you decide to major in Sociology? I originally went to college with the intention of becoming a music teacher. I did theatre growing up and had a music scholarship at Wagner. However, I found that I wasn’t as passionate about my education classes as I was about when I heard my friends speak about their Sociology classes. When I took Dr. Ludwig’s “Marriage and the Family” class and another course with Professor Hoffner, I quickly realized I truly desired to practice law. I knew that Wagner would allow me to change my major to a minor and began studying Sociology instead. I appreciated that Sociology focuses on issues in U.S. society and around the world. I felt this major would expose me to an array of different issues, which would ultimately help to become a more well-rounded person. While nothing you do in undergrad can truly prepare you for law school, I do feel that majoring in Sociology has allowed for me to become a more well-rounded individual, which is an excellent quality if you want to pursue a legal career.
How has your Sociology degree helped you in your job (and personal life)? Absolutely! When I was applying for jobs after law school, I was often asked about my senior thesis that I wrote at Wagner (“Veterans and the Court System”). Aside from that, I felt that the basic understanding of how the criminal justice system works was something that set me apart from other applicants. In law school, you simply do not have the time to learn both the law and the history behind each of them. However, my general understanding of not only what our laws are but also the knowledge about the three original reasons behind incarceration in our country (rehabilitation, deterrence, and punishment)--something I learned at Wagner--has enabled me to feel more compassionately when making decisions.
Your fondest memory of a Sociology class? That’s a hard one. Dr. Ludwig, Professor Hoffner, and Dr. Ghosh were the three professors who truly made my Sociology experience as wonderful as it was. I would recommend anyone (Sociology major or not) to take a class with any of them if afforded the opportunity. You will learn so much more than what is written inside of a book. You will learn lessons and develop skills that will help you in any career you decide upon.
Any tips you have for current Wagner (Sociology) students? Learn all that you can. Sociology truly is one of the few majors that will benefit you no matter what you decide to pursue in life. If anyone is interested in attending law school after Wagner, this degree will benefit you more than many others. I am grateful every day to have had the experiences I did as an undergrad. Also, I would recommend you write your senior thesis on a topic that has to do with law, if you want to attend law school. In the SLC, you are required to intern and conduct research for your thesis and I truly valued my internship with Judge Brennan (who I also took a class with at Wagner). Utilize the connections and resources you have at Wagner. The professors truly care about their students and want them to succeed.
Additional Advice: I attended two law schools and if there is one thing I learned from my experience, it is to go with where you think you will be the happiest (and who gives you the most money). I ultimately graduated from a law school I did not even seriously consider at first and was so happy with my decision to go there after. You are taking the same bar exam regardless of where you graduate (and using the same textbooks as a result). I made friends at every internship from many different schools and can confidently say that if you work hard, you will be just fine wherever you graduate from. If anyone has any questions about law school, please feel free to reach out to me. I would love to help another Wagner student.