Resources for
Department of Sociology and Family Studies
Study the forces that shape individuals, families and communities, and graduate prepared to be an agent of renewal in a world that desperately needs one.
Ethos
In Person
The Criminal Justice major at Union University prepares students for careers in law enforcement, criminal justice administration, and related fields through an interdisciplinary curriculum grounded in Union’s four core values. Students develop a strong ethical foundation alongside practical knowledge of the criminal justice system and its institutions.
In Person
The Family Studies major at Union University provides an interdisciplinary academic experience focused on families across the lifespan. Students develop expertise in family behavior, policy, communication, and development, building the knowledge and skills for careers in counseling, social services, education, ministry, and family advocacy.
In Person
The Forensic Science major at Union University offers interdisciplinary training in the collection, analysis, and interpretation of crime scene evidence. Students develop expertise across the scientific and investigative dimensions of forensic work, preparing them for careers in law enforcement, crime laboratories, legal systems, and forensic research.
In Person
The Sociology program at Union University examines human relationships, social institutions, and the structures of society through a Christ-centered lens. Students develop critical thinking, research, and writing skills alongside a deeper understanding of how brokenness and redemption shape social life, preparing them for careers in social research, ministry, education, and… Read More
In Person
The Human Studies minor at Union University offers an interdisciplinary foundation for students interested in education, human development, and the social sciences. Designed to provide flexibility, the minor complements a range of majors, equipping students with a broader understanding of human behavior, development, and learning for careers in education and… Read More
Union's sociology and family studies faculty are scholars and people of faith who bring both academic depth and genuine passion for human flourishing into every classroom. With small class sizes, they invest personally in every student, developing social thinkers who understand the world analytically and engage it faithfully, prepared for careers and graduate programs in counseling, social work, family ministry, and human services.
Education:
Ed.D., Union University
M.A., University of Memphis
B.S., Union University
A.S., Jackson State Community College
Eric Warren is an Adjunct Instructor in Forensic Science at Union and was instrumental in establishing and designing Union’s Forensic Science major. He also works full-time as a Forensic Firearms and Ballistics Consultant at SEP Forensic Consultants. Dr. Warren began his career with the Tennessee Bureau of Investigation (TBI) and has also served as an instructor at the Tennessee Law Enforcement Training Academy, the TBI Crime Scene Processing School, and various Criminal Investigator Schools for Tennessee law enforcement agencies. In 2024, Dr. Warren received the Walter J. Howe Member of the Year award from the Association of Firearm and Toolmark Examiners (AFTE), and he has also served as assistant editor for the AFTE Journal. He is certified in Firearms Evidence Examination and Identification and is an avid researcher who has published the results of his forensic research in multiple peer-reviewed forensic science journals. Dr. Warren actively provides forensic training to law enforcement agencies, continuing education to attorneys, and consulting on forensic cases.
Education:
Ph.D. in Biological Sciences, Vanderbilt University
B.S. in Molecular and Cellular Biology, Vanderbilt University
