Dr. Charles Lieberman, the program’s director, joined �Թϱ��� in 2021 to develop this interdisciplinary graduate program. Launched in fall 2024, the curriculum was designed to address increasing student demand and the growing need for diverse, well-trained professionals in criminal justice.

The U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics projects that employment for police officers and detectives will grow 7% by 2030. �Թϱ���’s master’s degree can prepare graduates for a variety of careers, both in law enforcement and in a number of related fields.

“Although our program is ideal for police officers seeking career advancement, it’s important to note that the master’s degree provides a robust foundation for a variety of career paths,” said Stuart Sidle, Ph.D., SSBS dean. “Corporate security managers, justice policy advocates, individuals supporting victims of crime or formerly incarcerated persons — these are just a few of the many professionals who benefit from the critical thinking, ethical decision-making, research and strategic problem-solving skills that our program develops.”

The criminal justice faculty consists of current or former practitioners with decades of experience across adjacent areas of policing, corrections, federal agencies and the legal system. “We have veterans from the NYPD, the FBI, and even the Korean National Police Force,” said Lieberman. The faculty’s collective expertise provides students with an insider’s comprehensive understanding of the field.

While the benefits of a master’s degree include job security and higher earning potential as well as preparation for a wide variety of careers and doctoral studies, the realized value goes much deeper.

“Effective solutions to crime and criminal behavior require more than quick fixes based on emotional or political appeals. They demand approaches grounded in solid research and a refined understanding of underlying causes,” said Dean Sidle. “Society doesn’t lack solutions; it often lacks the ability to implement evidence-based strategies that address root causes effectively. Our program equips students with the skills to analyze data, apply research findings and make informed, empathetic decisions that lead to meaningful and lasting improvements to our justice systems and public safety.”

The timing felt right. “�Թϱ���’s curriculum stands out for its small class sizes, and that enables students to build close mentoring relationships with faculty,” Lieberman said.

Some students come to the program having held jobs in corrections, the courts, the military or law enforcement, Lieberman observed. Students who had majored in the social sciences also began inquiring about the program, hoping to apply their earlier studies to adjacent areas of focus such as victims’ assistance, the families of incarcerated individuals or criminal justice reform.

The students now enrolled in the master’s program reflect �Թϱ���’s commitment to diversity, with the majority being from minority backgrounds and over half identifying as women. “Diversity improves organizations by reducing bias and broadening perspectives,” Lieberman said. This representation is especially critical in criminal justice professions, where varied viewpoints can improve decision-making and foster stronger community connections.

Sidle noted that “By preparing a diverse generation of leaders, our aim is to create more equitable representation in the communities where our graduates hope to serve.”

By combining academic rigor, practical experience and a commitment to equity, �Թϱ���’s criminal justice program may be paving the way to a safer, more equitable future. Looking ahead, Lieberman said he hopes to expand �Թϱ���’s criminal justice offerings, further enhancing the University’s mission to promote social mobility and community impact. Sidle added, “It’s never been more vital to begin shaping the next generation of leaders who can meet the complex challenges our society faces.”

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