Criminal Justice

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Faculty

Professor Kristen J. Kuehnle, Chairperson

Professors: Carol A. Facella, Eric W. Metchik, Anne M. Sullivan

Associate Professors: Jeb A. Booth, Kevin P. Borgeson, Amanda Orcutt

Assistant Professors: Sami Ansari, Jenifer Girgen, Forrest Rodgers

Faculty Emeriti

Professor: Edward LeClair

Programs Offered

Bachelor of Science – Criminal Justice

Concentrations

Administration
Criminal Investigation

Minor

Criminal Justice Minor

Combined Bachelor of Science / Master of Science in Criminal Justice

Programs in Criminal Justice

Criminal Justice

Major in Criminal Justice (Bachelor of Science Degree). The program is designed to provide students with a broad liberal arts education coupled with a specialization in criminal justice. The curriculum integrates criminal justice theory, research, administration and policy. The faculty utilize innovative teaching styles and techniques to help students analyze substantive issues, develop verbal and writing skills, acquire proficiency in research methods, statistical analysis and computer applications and enhance critical thinking. Students may choose from one of four concentrations: Administration, Criminal Investigation, Policy and Management Research or Technology and Research.

Combined Bachelor of Science/Master of Science in Criminal Justice. This program will allow accomplished students to earn both a Bachelor of Science and Master of Science in Criminal Justice in five years. Students accepted into the program will take a total of four graduate courses their senior year of undergraduate study, two in the fall semester and two in the spring semester. These courses will count towards both the undergraduate and graduate degree. Students will, then, be able to earn a Master’s degree with one additional year of coursework. Applicants must meet the academic criteria, a GPA of at least 3.25 and the completion of 70 undergraduate credits. Students who have transferred 45 or less credits can apply if they meet the academic criteria. The GRE requirement is waived for successful applications.

Criminal Justice Academy is an association of students from the University who are interested in the field of criminal justice and in the study of related legal, social and political issues. Activities include guest speakers, career days, tours of criminal justice facilities, conferences, films and open houses.

Friends of Criminal Justice. The Association includes graduates from the Criminal Justice program who participate in various activities and maintain a professional network.

Alpha Phi Sigma, Eta Eta Chapter. Alpha Phi Sigma is the only Criminal Justice Honor Society for Criminal Justice Majors. The society recognizes academic excellence of undergraduate, graduate students of crimial justice, as well as juris doctorate.

Mission Statement

The Department of Criminal Justice is committed to fostering a challenging and intellectually stimulating environment that provides a broad range of interactive academic and field experiences. An understanding and appreciation of the theory, research, policy and practice of criminal justice, as a unique social science discipline, will be advanced. The Department will promote the development of future academicians and professionals who are capable of assuming responsibility for the research, continuing scholarship and administration of the criminal justice system.

Strategic Goals

To engage students in the educational process and to foster their development as competent and ethical academicians and professionals.
To use selective teaching styles and innovative techniques to impart a comprehensive body of knowledge, analyze issues, develop verbal and writing skills and enhance critical thinking.
To advance criminal justice as a unique social science discipline through curriculum development, appropriate classroom objectives, content and learning experiences.
To establish a comprehensive professional development program to enhance faculty scholarship, teaching and technological abilities.
To further develop a broad variety of professional relationships for the advancement of the discipline.