Statement: The University of Illinois in Champaign should consider adding a criminology major to its curriculum due to the compelling reasons grounded in real facts. 

1. Growing Demand: There is an increasing demand for professionals in the field of criminology. With the complexity of modern crime and the need for comprehensive understanding and effective responses, a criminology major can equip students with the necessary knowledge and skills to address these challenges.

2. Interdisciplinary Nature: Criminology is an inherently interdisciplinary field that draws upon various disciplines such as sociology, psychology, law, and public policy. By offering a criminology major, the University of Illinois can provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime from multiple perspectives, fostering critical thinking and analytical skills that are highly valued in today's job market.

3. Addressing Societal Issues: Criminology offers insights into the causes and consequences of crime, as well as strategies for prevention and intervention. By introducing a criminology major, the University of Illinois can contribute to addressing pressing societal issues such as crime rates, social inequality, and justice system reform. Graduates with a strong background in criminology can make meaningful contributions to their communities by working in law enforcement, criminal justice agencies, policy-making organizations, and community advocacy groups.

4. Research Opportunities: The addition of a criminology major would provide students with opportunities to engage in research on crime-related topics. This research can contribute to the development of evidence-based policies and interventions, helping to improve the effectiveness of criminal justice systems and promote social justice. Furthermore, research experience gained through the criminology major can enhance students' competitiveness for graduate programs and research-oriented careers.

5. Career Prospects: A criminology major can open up a wide range of career opportunities for graduates. The criminal justice field offers diverse career paths, including law enforcement, probation and parole, corrections, victim advocacy, crime analysis, research, and policy analysis. By offering a criminology major, the University of Illinois can better prepare students for these career paths, addressing the growing demand for professionals in the field.

In conclusion, the addition of a criminology major at the University of Illinois in Champaign would not only meet the growing demand for professionals in the field but also provide students with a comprehensive understanding of crime, opportunities for research, and a strong foundation for various career paths within the criminal justice system. By incorporating a criminology major, the university can contribute to addressing societal issues, promoting social justice, and producing well-prepared graduates who can make a positive impact in their communities.

One more thing… The University promised a Criminology concentration to be available to students in Sociology this school year, just to take the option away with no explanation. If the University will not add a Criminology major of study, then at least they must deliver on the concentration that was promised.