University introduces criminology, law enforcement and rehabilitation concentrations in criminal justice program

This year, Westfield State University introduced three new concentrations within its historic and renowned criminal justice program: Criminology, Law Enforcement and Homeland Security, and Rehabilitation and Restoration. Development of these concentrations began prior to the COVID-19 pandemic, but progress has been paused pending a return to normal campus operations. Now, these specialized degree programs offer students targeted options that fit their career goals while maintaining the program’s strong liberal arts foundation.

The new focus areas are intended to provide guidance for students, particularly third- and fourth-year students, as they begin to narrow down their career paths. Criminology focuses on understanding the cause of crime and current crime policy, particularly for students interested in crime analysis and policy development, while the Law Enforcement and Homeland Security concentration addresses public safety, law enforcement, and the balance between security and civil rights , which is ideal for those considering careers in these fields. The “Rehabilitation and Restoration” focus provides insight into correctional approaches to rehabilitating offenders, with particular relevance to students pursuing a double major in criminal justice and psychology.

Dr. Kim Tobin, professor of criminal justice, emphasized that the concentrations are optional, giving students flexibility while providing others with a more focused and efficient academic experience. “We never want to put people in a box when it comes to their degree because there is so much you can do,” she said. “Our program has been around for a long time. It’s one of the oldest in New England, so we’ve always resisted following trends and instead build a solid foundation.”

These concentrations also open up new internship opportunities and allow students to gain hands-on experience in areas they are passionate about. Because the Department of Criminal Justice works closely with other departments on campus, including psychology, sociology, political science, and ethnic and gender studies, students are assured a well-rounded education that prepares them to make a significant impact both within and outside of the criminal justice system take system

“We also want to enable students to find out for themselves,” added Dr. Tobin added. “We have truly successful students and the broad foundation built through humanities and basic criminal justice courses is important. I think it will work for some students, others may just want to take some cool courses that I encourage them to take. You never know when you will apply knowledge, and we need to give students the opportunity to take courses they enjoy. We want to motivate students, and sometimes that’s the best place to start, offering them these new areas of focus but also allowing them to pursue what interests them without these guidelines.”

Because the field of criminal justice is extremely diverse, Dr. Tobin emphasized the importance of the human element in the various areas of study and commented: “On this journey, students develop an understanding of humans and the different ways we come into the world. That’s why we’re not a training program. An undergraduate liberal arts education is as critical to a criminal justice student’s success as just the courses they take with us. We can’t be all things to all people, so we also have to rely on others at the university, and I want to emphasize that.”

Overall, these concentrations are flexible in nature and completely optional for those who may find them helpful. While they can serve as a guide for students, Dr. Tobin also expressed the freedom of the criminal justice major and encouraged students to seek opportunities that best fit their ambitions.

“The concentrations are intended to give them direction and focus,” said Dr. Tobin. “I also think it helps some students understand what aspect of the system they are actually interested in. Some come and want to take certain courses but don’t understand why they like those courses when it’s because they like the courses as a whole. The new concentrations are great, but they’re also not everything we do. Our goal has always been to offer students a well-founded and comprehensive education. We don’t want them to feel restrictive. Some students come to college already knowing what they want to do, and others change their mind or just say, “I really like criminal justice and want to get a four-year degree in it.” So we have the new concentrations that can help us. “