Our program has been in place for over thirty years and we have an outstanding reputation for producing well educated and well trained criminal justice practitioners. You will be taught by former and active police officers, corrections officers and lawyers. The program combines academic and hands-on training. Courses in criminal investigation, firearms training 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 begins with the CJUS 101 Introduction to Criminal Justice and carries forward to advanced courses. This regiment introduces and acclimates students into a more advanced mindset 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 on both macro and micro level of analyses in helping to gain a more comprehensive understanding of issues under study.
A strong emphasis on writing – The program prides itself in emphasizing and implementing writing as a central component in many of its courses. Students are expected to refine and build on their writing skills, which lend itself to the production of quality work in the CJUS 401 Senior Seminar capstone course, and further such as graduate work, law school or in criminal justice careers where writing skills are integral.
A strong emphasis on research – 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 the arch of core courses will help form the necessary foundation for the CJUS 401 Senior Seminar capstone course that involves the research process including statistical data analysis. It is contended that our students will be better prepared for graduate school, or other areas of life where these skills can be applied.
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...