What students want, students get.

After Monroe College student surveys showed a strong interest in developing a master’s program in criminal justice, the college responded by creating a Master of Science program to accompany their Bachelor of Science program in criminal justice.

The new graduate school, which began classes on Sept. 9, will provide a “good, rigorous education” for students, according to Donald E. Simon, assistant vice president for governmental affairs.
Among these new students is Denise Mitchell, a returning alumna from the bachelor’s program in criminal justice. “I feel like I came back home,” beamed Mitchell, as she filled out her course schedule in August.

Mitchell is enthused about her M.S. because it will allow her to fulfill her desire to become a probation or parole officer, which in turn will help her control juvenile delinquents and drug abusers. For Mitchell, the most rewarding aspect of working in a criminal justice field is “seeing people get the justice they deserve.”

Another Master’s student, Marielle Garcia, who received her Associates in Criminal Justice from Monroe, was also excited to return to the Bronx campus this fall. Garcia, who aspires to work in criminal justice and possibly pursue a career in law, said that she chose Monroe because “the faculty cares more for the students than the organization. The faculty is always welcoming, very friendly, and student oriented.”

The Master’s in Criminal Justice faculty is headed by Dr. Basil Wilson, the Assistant Dean of the school. Previously, Wilson served as a provost, Senior Vice President and teacher at the John Jay College of Criminal Justice and has over 35 years of experience in the criminal justice field.

Wilson explained that there is a need for graduate degrees in criminal justice because the field is becoming “increasingly professionalized, demanding graduate degrees.” In order to obtain competitive, higher level management positions in city and federal agencies, “knowledge of criminal justice literature, a critical perspective and problem solving skills” are all necessary, said Wilson.

At Monroe, students can expect to have an “agile professional faculty,” said Wilson. Courses offered will expound the “impact of globalization” on the criminal justice system and teach students about leadership, crime mapping, international terrorism and disaster preparedness. Wilson also hopes to “synchronize theory with practice” by integrating hands-on activities with logical thinking and writing in courses.

In one class titled “Perspectives on Drugs and Alcohol in the Criminal Justice System,” the professor, Jeffrey Gardiere, said he will combine theory and practice by “bringing in real life stories that allow students to apply their critical thinking skills.”

A student in Gardiere’s class, Debra Martinez, is already head over heels about the master’s program. “I’m in love with it [the master’s program] and I’m in love with learning,” she said.

Monroe is currently accepting applications for the winter semester of the criminal justice master’s program. For student convenience, all classes will be offered at night and online.