Research
The criminal justice program is dedicated to increasing learning through close research collaboration between faculty and students. The program offers a research practicum (450) in which students may opt to take part. As participants, they gain first-hand research experience collecting primary data and contributing to a project that is significant in scale and scope. By the conclusion of the project, students have gained special knowledge and skills that help provide solutions to relevant problems in the criminal justice discipline.
The School of Arts & Sciences also offers research fellowships to support students who want to conduct undergraduate research under a faculty mentor. Fellowships can support on-campus summer research (10 weeks of living expenses) or provide a stipend to students conducting research during the academic year. The School also offers travel grants to students who would like to present their research findings at a regional or national conference or meeting.
Independent Study
Students may also opt to take an independent study course (Criminal Justice 400) if they wish to explore a particular interest while earning academic credit. Students put together an individualized educational program with the help of a supervising faculty member. Typical proposals incorporate a reading list, regular meetings to discuss the readings and research papers or reading responses.
