About Our Department

Justice Studies Department began as the “Police School” in 1930, offering the first complete college education program for future police officers as an academic program in a regular academic curriculum, otherwise known as a “college major;” this was the first major in the field called Criminal Justice. Through time, scholars found that criminal justice and social justice are intricately intertwined. 

Five Pillars

• Criminal Justice Studies
• Criminology
• Forensic Science
• Legal Studies
• Human Rights

Highlights

• Founded in 1930, the Justice Studies Department is the oldest academic program of its kind. It has consistently been rated among the nation’s best
• A unique program of Lecture Series, Research Colloquia, and guest lectures exposes JS students to cutting-edge scholarly debates in the areas of social (in) justice, law, penal politics, forensic science, and human rights.
• Required internship experience allows majors to apply theoretical concepts to practical situations.
• Required International Experience educates majors for global living.
• CSI Summer Camp
• Record Clearance Project
• Themis, Research Journal of Justice Studies and Forensic Science
• Major Events:
  - The Ann Lucas Lecture Series in Law and Justice
  - Forensic Science Lecture Series
  - Annual Human Rights Lecture
  - Department Showcase and Alumni Dinner
  - Beyond the Books Lecture Series
  - Confidence Challenge

Today We Offer Multiple Degrees:

• B.S., Justice Studies
• B.S., Justice Studies, concentration in Criminology
• B.S., Forensic Science, concentration in Biology
• B.S., Forensic Science, concentration in Chemistry
• M.S., Justice Studies
  - Resident Program
• MS, Criminology, Concentration in Global Criminology
  - Online
• Minors in Justice Studies include Human Rights, Forensic Studies, Legal Studies, and Justice Studies.
• Advanced Certificate in Collaborative Response to Family Violence