By Fatima Salinas 

Some students choose a major because they know exactly what career they want. For Abigail McCusker, the decision started with a desire to better understand people.  

In the College of Liberal Arts and Sciences, she's exploring the social factors behind crime while building a foundation for a future in law. 

“Sociology covers a lot of different things. It’s the study of people overall,” McCusker said. “Criminology specifically looks at why people commit crimes. We start with a sociological foundation and then add crime as another element.”  

That focus on understanding people is what first drew her to the major. Because she knew law school was part of her long-term plan, McCusker chose criminology for its strong foundation and close alignment with her interests. 

While the program complements her aspiration to study law, McCusker also appreciates its versatility. From corrections and social work to law enforcement and research, she has discovered that a criminology degree can lead students in many different directions. 

One opportunity that stood out most is the emphasis on research. 

"I'm really interested in research and doing research projects, and you get to do a lot of that in criminology," she said. 

McCusker’s experience extends well beyond the classroom. She credits the University of Iowa community with making her college years both meaningful and memorable. 

"The decision to come to the University of Iowa was probably the best decision I've ever made," she said. "The people here are so passionate. Everybody is so welcoming. I have learned so much. I've made lifelong friendships. And I've really learned a lot about this culture and this community, and I really think that there's no place better than here." 

Watch the video below to hear McCusker share more about why she chose criminology and what has made her University of Iowa experience so memorable.  

Visit Sociology and Criminology at iowa