TMU offers new criminal justice degree concentrations

By Jenny Gregory

CLEVELAND – New criminal justice degree concentrations will be offered through Truett McConnell University’s Michael Sattler School of Public Service beginning fall semester 2019.

Along with the general Criminal Justice concentration, prospective students interested in the criminal justice degree will now have the opportunity to focus on concentrations in forensic psychology, forensic science – biology, forensic science – chemistry, law enforcement, leadership and executive management, and pre-law.

“The chance to expand opportunities for students to enter their called mission field by giving them training aligned with the needs of our criminal justice community is so powerful,” said J. Marie Griffin-Taylor, Associate Dean of The Michael Sattler School of Public Service and Assistant Professor. “Students will also gain knowledge under faculty who all have a minimum of ten years’ experience within their field.”

“The opportunity to provide greater focus for our students, all geared towards what the job market needs, is what excites me the most about our Criminal Justice concentrations,” added Griffin-Taylor.

The program as a whole provides an in-depth understanding of the criminal justice system while developing leadership and managerial skills to allow the opportunity for promotion in the work force. Prospective students receive on-site training via internships through partnerships from other public safety branches and are equipped with coursework such as Criminology, Social Science Research Methods, Policing in America, and Ethics in Criminal Justice, all taught by professors through a Christian worldview.

Criminal Justice concentrations include:

• Forensic Science – Biology offers two tracks – Anatomy and Physiology and Environmental/Ecological. These tracks are for students desiring a focus on the biological investigative aspects or wanting to work for the Department of Natural Resources.
• Forensic Science – Chemistry is suited for students who are interested in working as a crime scene and lab analyst or technician, responsible for collecting and processing evidence and completing chemical analyses
• Forensic Psychology is designed for students who are interested in delving into the criminal psyche, aiding victims in dealing with their trauma, and helping first responders develop positive coping mechanisms.
• Law Enforcement provides the required knowledge for those entering a law enforcement career and expands the skillsets of those currently working in the field of law enforcement at the local, state, and/or federal level.
• Pre-Law is designed to prepare students for law school with inclusion of criminal and civil aspects at the national and international levels.
• Leadership and Executive Management will provide the necessary skillset to excel in a leadership capacity, either to individuals currently serving in a leadership capacity (command staff) or to anyone who seeks an edge to attain one of these positions.
• General/Independent allows students an opportunity to build a program suited to their specific needs and wants.

Learn more about requirements for the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree by visiting truett.edu/criminaljustice or by emailing jtaylor@truett.edu.

Jenny Gregory is the digital marketing specialist for Truett McConnell University.