Our program has been in place since 1976 and we have an outstanding reputation for producing well educated and well trained criminal justice practitioners. All of our courses are taught by former and active police officers, corrections officers and lawyers. The program combines academic and hands-on training. Courses in arson investigation, crime scene investigation, criminal investigation, cybersecurity/cyberterrorism, firearms training, hate crimes, narcotics and human trafficking, and agency internships will help you acquire the necessary skills to excel in your future careers.
The Criminal Justice program has been providing students with an opportunity to achieve self-actualization in a number of broad areas. These include, but are not limited to:
see program catalogA strong focus on critical thinking – The emphasis on abstract thinking using concepts and a focus on critical thinking. Critical thinking carries forward to advanced courses. This regiment introduces and acclimates students into a more advanced mindset and begin their understanding of application of concepts to help attain academic excellence throughout their four years at LSSU.
A multi-faceted approach – The Department exposes students to varied approaches within tracks in Criminal Justice. This involves understanding the different disciplines and examining how they inter-relate on particular issues. The program also focuses providing practical application helping students to gain a more comprehensive understanding and ability to apply the concepts of study.
A strong emphasis on Practical Application – The program prides itself in emphasizing and implementing practical application as a central component in many of its courses. Students are expected to refine and build on their skills, which lend itself to the ability to think critically, develop actions plans and apply prior knowledge to solve complex situations. Students will complete internships with agencies to provide additional actual experiential learning.
A strong emphasis on lifelong learning and their future – The program takes pride in being part of an elite academic community that offers undergraduate students the opportunity to undertake actual research. The program believes that all courses taught in the curriculum, and in particular the emphasis of core courses will help form the necessary foundation for the CJUS 401 Senior Seminar capstone course that involves a research process which included options of Emergency Management Planning, Project Based Learning, and Experiential Learning. It is contended that our students will be better prepared for Leadership within agencies and graduate school if they so choose, or other areas of life where these skills can be applied.
Examples of Application of Skills:
The Criminal Justice – Generalist degree provides an ideal, tangible academic achievement that improves student opportunities for employment and advancement within the field. While many of the program’s graduates are working in law enforcement, corrections and related fields, some accept positions within the federal government (FBI, DEA, US Customs, etc). Graduates are also finding careers with private security firms, criminal laboratories, private practice attorneys, and education.
Steve Nusbaum
Immigration and Customs Enforcement Headquarters, Office of International Affairs in Washington, DC
Clayton Graham
Probate Judge for Mackinac County
Scott Strait
Sheriff of Mackinac County, MI
Joel Postma
FBI agent, Detroit, MI
Michael Bitnar
Sheriff of Chippewa County, MI
Robery Marchand
Sault Tribal Police Chief
Joe Micolo
Kinross District Police Chief
Tony Fazarri
US Customs Deputy Chief
After graduating from Sault College in Sault Ste. Marie, Ontario from the Police Foundations program, I came to LSSU. I chose LSSU because of the effective partnership between the two schools. The credit transfer program allowed me to take my credits I had earned over a two year period at Sault College to Lake State as university credits and finish my Bachelor’s Degree in Criminal Justice in only one year. I also received a scholarship from LSSU for my GPA while...
LSSU is close to where I live: just under an hour away. Classes are small and the professors are approachable and willing to help with whatever questions I may have. They seem to genuinely want students to achieve their goals and potential. Smaller classes allow more opportunity for students and professors to get to know one another. Professors are enthusiastic about their respective courses that they teach. Professors treat students with the dignity and respect...