51ÂÜÀò

Customize Your Studies 

A Social Justice Approach 

In a Social Justice seminar taught by Professor of Criminal Justice Robert Engvall, students examine types of social injustices: racism, sexism, classism, homophobia, and ableism. They critically explore such social issues as immigration, family and reproductive issues, work and welfare issues (including income inequality), affirmative action, and housing and homelessness. Students lead the discussions themselves as they explore their own perceptions and compare those perceptions with how our society addresses real and perceived social justice issues.

4+1 in Criminal Justice (M.S.) 

This program allows undergraduate Criminal Justice majors the opportunity to earn six graduate credits during their senior year and the remainder of the course requirements for the Master’s of Science in Criminal Justice in a single, post-graduate year. 

Juris Doctor/Bachelor's 3+3 Accelerated Program (J.D.)

Earn your bachelor’s and juris doctor degrees in six years through RWU’s Three-Plus-Three Law program. You’ll get a jump-start on your J.D. by integrating law courses into your undergraduate studies and completing undergraduate requirements in your first year of law school. Accepted students will take first-year courses in the School of Law to fulfill undergraduate fourth-year requirements. Interested students must indicate their intent to pursue a 3+3 pathway early in their undergraduate studies for curriculum planning and advising.

Learn More About the 3+3 Program

Professional Networking and Resources

51ÂÜÀòis home to the Justice System Training & Research Institute (JSTRI), which provides professional development training to justice system practitioners across the country and fosters government and community partnerships. 51ÂÜÀòstudents network with professionals in the field, learning best practices from all justice disciplines.

Intern With a Prestigious Organization

Our strong industry connections guarantee opportunities for internships or co-op experiences at a variety of agencies and companies including:

• U.S. Marshals Service
• R.I. Office of the Attorney General
• R.I. State Police
• Naval Investigative Service
• M.A. State Crime Lab
• Family Services RI
• U.S. Department of Homeland Security, Homeland Security Investigations (HSI)
• Portsmouth, RI Police Department
• Dept. of Children Youth and their Families (DCYF)
• Brockton Juvenile Court
• R.I. Department of Corrections
• Massachusetts State Police Unresolved Case Unit
   

Learn from Faculty Experts

Beck Strah, Ph.D.  
Assistant Professor of Criminal Justice

Beck Strah’s interests include correctional subcultures, punishment, and program evaluations. He brings his expertise in corrections to RWU, drawn from over a decade of experiences working as a corrections deputy, programs instructor, and researcher in prison and jail environments. He regularly collaborates with students on research projects examining subjects such as police training, reentry, and criminal justice policy.

"The School of Justice Studies offers a strong diversity of course options, tailored to the expertise of faculty who have a range of experiences working in the field. Our small class sizes facilitate the ability to work more closely with students and prioritize their learning needs," he said. "I love to see students engage with the materials and often try to connect them with others in the community to further their research and career interests."