Faculty

Because of the interdisciplinary nature of the field, the department's faculty have earned their Ph.D. degrees in various disciplines: history, justice studies, law, psychology, political science, sociology, social psychology, and social work. Their varied backgrounds add diversity and strength to the department and provide students with different insights and perspectives. Quite naturally, the research interests of the faculty have been shaped by their specific academic training and work experiences.

In addition to their academic training, the criminal justice faculty  has extensive administrative and research experience within the justice system. The faculty are involved currently in a number of research activities supported through federal, state, and local grants which provide research opportunities and financial support to graduate students in the department.  Many of the faculty also serve in advisory capacities to various criminal justice, social service and community-based organizations, which facilitate students’ access to internship opportunities.

The Department also relies on an excellent group of part-time instructors drawn from across the criminal justice system.  Practitioners from local and federal law enforcement agencies, prosecutors' offices, judicial offices, and probation, corrections, and parole agencies provide students with a direct connection to individuals currently working within the criminal justice system.  Click here for a list of current and past part-time instructors in the Criminal Justice Department.