School of Criminology and Security Studies

Master of Arts
Master of Science

School of Criminology and Security Studies
Holmstedt Hall, room 208
Phone: 812-237-2192
E-mail: ISU-Criminology@indstate.edu
Web site: https://indianastate.edu/academics/colleges/arts-sciences/scss

Director:

GRADUATE FACULTY

Professors

Avdija, Avdi S., Ph.D., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Professor
Specializations: Police Policy Issues, Criminal Investigation, Crime Analysis

Barton, Shannon M., Ph.D., University of Cincinnati
Professor
Specializations: Community-Based Corrections, Criminal Justice, Research Methods, Criminological Theory

Polizzi, David, Ph.D., Duquesne University
Professor
Specializations: Correctional Counseling, Correctional Interviewing, Security Studies

Associate Professors

Akgul, Arif, Ph.D, Washington State University

Associate Professor

Specialization: Intelligence Analysis, Population Migration, Travel Security

Grimes, Jennifer N., Ph.D., Arizona State University
Associate Professor
Specializations: Corrections, Public Opinion, Mass Media

Murray, Jennifer, Ph.D, Arizona State University

Associate Professor

Specialization: Serial and Mass Murder, Research Methods, Ethics

Wilson, Franklin T., Ph.D., Sam Houston State University
Associate Professor
Specialization: Crime, Media, and Popular Culture

Assistant Professor

Dodge, Cassandra E., Ph.D., University of South Florida

Assistant Professor

Specialization:

Gallagher, Christian, Ph.D., Indiana State University

Assistant Professor

Specialization: Law enforcement, criminal investigation, crime and drugs

Girod, Robert, Ph.D, J.D. Union Institute and University, Western Michigan University

Assistant Professor

Specialization: Intelligence Analysis, Criminal Investigation, Criminal Law, Security Studies

James, Jason, D.Sc., Robert Morris University

Assistant Professor

Specialization: Cybersecurity, Cyber Investigation, Information Systems Security

PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

Crime and security issues affects nearly everyone in society. It is a threat to the safety and security of many people; it is a source of fascination for the general public as evidenced by the popularity of books, films, and television shows about crime; it is a mystery of human nature which challenges society to understand why some people choose lives of crime while most choose productive and decent styles of life. This continuing curiosity about crime has made criminology/criminal justice one of the most popular academic fields in the nation.

GENERAL PROGRAM DESCRIPTION

The School of Criminology and Security Studies offers the master of arts degree and the master of science degree for the preparation of academic and professional criminologists. Students may complete all requirements for either degree in the on-campus program or through distance education.

The School of Criminology and Security Studies expects its graduate students to share fully in the intellectual and social life of the department and the University. In support of this goal, the department offers frequent opportunities for students to participate in professional activities in the field (internships), student activities in the department (Lambda Alpha Epsilon professional fraternity and Alpha Phi Sigma honor fraternity), and scholarly activities at professional meetings and conferences. Students who are interested in conducting research may wish to assist in faculty-sponsored research projects or may wish to apply for funds to conduct their own research projects from the department’s Institute of Criminology. The Institute provides administrative services for activities that supplement the department’s traditional academic program, such as distance learning programs, grants and contract proposals, research projects, and partnership programs with practitioners.

MAIN OBJECTIVES

The School of Criminology and Security Studies graduate program is designed to reflect the theoretical orientation of criminology and the more practical emphasis of criminal justice and security. Through traditional classroom instruction and optional hands-on experiences in criminal justice agencies and facilities, the department provides students with the knowledge and skills necessary for successful careers in middle- and upper-level management positions in criminal justice, government, military, corporate and the private sector. The program is also designed to prepare students to pursue law degrees, as well as doctoral degrees in criminology, cyber security, security studies, intelligence analysis, and other related disciplines. Employment opportunities in these fields are plentiful, and faculty advisors work closely with students to help them formalize their individual career goals.