Welcome to the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice at Metro State University. Our program offers an exciting and dynamic curriculum for students interested in justice system careers and practitioners looking to enhance their potential for professional advancement.
With our experienced faculty and cutting-edge research, you will gain a deep understanding of crime and the justice system, from policing and corrections to the law and courts. Our courses are designed to challenge you intellectually and provide you with the skills and knowledge needed to succeed in a rapidly evolving field.
Our program offers a range of opportunities for students to get involved, including credit for prior learning, internships, research projects, and even a one-semester Evidence-Based Practices in Corrections Certificate that is taught in partnership with Hennepin County Community Corrections and Rehabilitation and treated by them as equivalent to one whole year of professional work experience. These experiences will provide you with hands-on learning and real-world experience, giving you a competitive edge in the job market. View SCJ Programs
At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, we are committed to promoting social justice and addressing our communities’ complex issues. Our graduates go on to work in a variety of fields and include more than 40 local-area chiefs of police.
We invite you to explore our website to learn more about our programs and the exciting opportunities that await you at the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Our programs are open to full-time and part-time students, with classes taught both on-campus and online. Join us and be part of a community of scholars dedicated to making a difference in the world of criminal justice.
A Bold Vision
The School of Criminology and Criminal Justice originated in the Minnesota Legislature, by statute, and has led the field for more than 30 years. We are housed in a state-of-the-art facility in Brooklyn Park, Minnesota, co-located with Hennepin Technical College.
At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, we recognize the impact of peace officers and other criminal justice professionals in protecting, serving, and transforming lives. We exist to build a better future for our students, their families, and the communities our graduates serve by eliminating systemic and structural inequities in educational access and outcomes and delivering programming that ensures our graduates are prepared to serve with a steadfast commitment to our core values, as follows:
- Cultural competency and responsiveness;
- Empathy and compassion;
- Accountability and integrity;
- Humanity and humility;
- Social and procedural justice;
- Trauma-informed decision-making;
- Service to and input from our communities;
- Advocacy at local, regional, state, and national levels;
- Quality through research and continuous improvement.
Excellence in Teaching and Research
Our distinguished faculty is dedicated to thinking comparatively about crime and punishment, studying pressing social issues like gun violence and mass incarceration, and working at the intersections of criminology and public policy. Our commitment to both global research and local action sets us apart from other comparable programs. We believe that our work is not only about discovering new knowledge but also about making a difference in the world. We work hand-in-hand with local communities to create meaningful change. Through partnerships with grassroots organizations and community leaders, we are able to bring our research and expertise to the front lines and make a lasting impact on people’s lives.
Our classes are taught directly by faculty (not teaching assistants) who are award-winning teachers and researchers, including:
- Lesli Blair, PhD (Cincinnati)
- Anne Cross, PhD (Yale)
- James Densley, DPhil (Oxford)
- Deborah Eckberg, PhD (Minnesota)
- Susan Hilal, PhD (South Dakota State)
- Andrew Johnson, PhD (Minnesota)
- Chuck MacLean, JD, PhD (Nova Southeastern)
- Raj Sethuraju, PhD (Texas Woman’s)
Strong Governance
We are proud to introduce our esteemed Advisory Board for the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice. Comprising experts in the field of criminal justice, our Advisory Board is a vital component of our program's success.
Hands-on Advising
At the School of Criminology and Criminal Justice, we are committed to providing our students with the support and guidance they need to succeed. Our team of professional advisors is here to help you navigate the challenges and opportunities of your academic and professional journey. Whether you’re exploring career paths, planning your coursework, or seeking mentorship and networking opportunities, we’re here to help you achieve your goals. We also offer leadership and networking for students through our Criminal Justice Club, the annual Law Enforcement Opportunities Career Fair hosted on-site, and other opportunities.
Current School of Criminology and Criminal Justice students, click here to access our Advising page.