Criminal Justice and Forensic Science Department

Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science

The Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science offers a major and minor in criminal justice, a certificate and minor in forensic science, and a post-baccalaureate forensic science certificate. Students pursuing a major in criminal justice and/or a certificate in forensic science complete an internship that enables them to connect theory and practice and gain valuable professional work experience. The location of Hamline in the Twin Cities offers students diverse opportunities for exceptional internships in crime labs and medical examiner offices, and local, state and federal criminal justice, law enforcement, legal, social service agencies.

The criminal justice major provides a student with a social science approach to the study of crime. The required courses create the foundation to a broad understanding about crime and justice. Graduates pursue careers related to local, state, or federal law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, social services, criminal justice research and policy. The criminal justice minor provides an overview of the criminal justice system to students pursuing other academic majors.

The forensic science certificate is paired with a natural science major for students interested in pursuing a career in the forensic sciences. This certificate is interdisciplinary and exposes students to the application of scientific principles and analytical methods to criminal and civil investigations. Students intending to pursue a career in medical examiner offices or crime labs should complete the certificate.

The forensic science minor complements majors in criminal justice, legal studies, psychology and other related disciplines by providing students with a concentration of forensic science coursework.

Courses are taught by professors with experience and expertise in juvenile corrections and juvenile justice policy, privacy and data security, criminal law and procedure, police practices, forensic anthropology, forensic toxicology, chemistry, and microscopy. Nationally recognized practitioners teach a variety of courses including crime scene investigation, DNA analysis, firearm and toolmarks, fingerprints, and questioned documents.

As part of the curriculum, students attend presentations from guest lecturers from criminal justice and forensic science professionals, and tour criminal justice and forensic science agencies such as the Bureau of Criminal Apprehension and correctional facilities. Students are required to observe a variety of legal and criminal justice proceedings throughout the completion of their coursework to emphasize the connection between theory and practice.

Peace Officer Standards and Training (POST) Certification

Hamline University’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science has been approved by the Minnesota Peace Officer Standards and Training Board as a provider of academic training for students seeking licensure as a Minnesota peace officer. Students interested in such licensure should contact the POST Coordinator, Glenn Hardin, for further information and are encouraged to do so as soon as possible after their enrollment at the university.

Post-baccalaureate Forensic Science Certificate

Students who have earned a natural science degree from a regionally accredited institution of higher learning and have a cumulative GPA of at least 3.0 from undergraduate coursework may apply. Contact the Office of Graduate Admission for application materials.

Internships

All students pursuing a major in criminal justice or a forensic science certificate are required to complete an internship in their chosen field as part of their major requirements. Students complete a minimum 120 hour internship concurrently when they enroll in their senior capstone course in criminal justice (CJFS 5660) or forensic science internship course (CJFS 3580). The internship provides a unique opportunity for students to gain hands on experience in their individual field(s) of interest. Past internship sites have included (but not limited to): Hennepin County Sherriff’s Office, Dakota County Sherriff’s Office, Hennepin County Community Corrections, Ramsey County Community Corrections, Minnetonka Police Department, Minneapolis and Saint Paul Crime Labs, U.S. Marshals, United States Department of Agriculture (investigations unit), Bureau of Criminal Apprehension, Hennepin County Medical Examiner Office, and Cold Case Units.

Postgraduate Opportunities

In addition to the various professional opportunities described above, students may also continue their education in graduate programs in criminology, criminal justice, social work, public administration, or law. Forensic science certificate students may pursue additional training in chemistry, biology, or forensic science graduate programs.

Honors and Student Activities

Students wishing to be considered for honors should request detailed information from department faculty no later than the beginning of spring of their junior year. Honors students must have a GPA of 3.5 or better in the criminal justice major, and honors projects must be approved by department faculty. Honors projects should exhibit distinctive scholarship, originality of thought, and a high degree of relevance to a major issue in the discipline. In addition, summer collaborative research projects with faculty are possible. Criminal justice majors and forensic science certificate students may apply for summer collaborative research funds with a department faculty member.

Hamline’s Department of Criminal Justice and Forensic Science has an active and award winning forensic sciences society. Students pursuing a forensic science certificate or a minor in forensic science can become an active member in this student orgranization to explore educational and career opportunities in the field of forensic science.

Faculty

Gina A. Erickson, assistant professor, criminal justice. BA 2002, Luther College; MA 2004, University of Iowa; PhD 2012, University of Minnesota. Professor Erickson’s areas of expertise include: criminology, statistics, methods, and life course and family demography.

Glenn G. Hardin, professor of practice, forensic science. BS 1984, University of California at Berkeley; MPH 1988, University of California at Berkeley. Professor Hardin’s areas of expertise include: forensic toxicology, chemistry, and microscopy.

Jerry Krause, professor, criminal justice. BS 1978, Mankato State University; JD 1984, University of Wisconsin Law School. Managing Editor, Wisconsin Law Review; American Bar Associations. Professor Krause’s areas of expertise include: criminal justice, criminal law and procedure, and law enforcement.

Susan M.T. Myster, professor, anthropology. BA 1984, Hamline University; MA 1989, PhD 2001, University of Tennessee. Professor Myster’s areas of expertise include: forensic anthropology, human osteology, bioarchaeology, and prehistoric population relationships and migration patterns.

Shelly S. Schaefer, chair, assistant professor, criminal justice. BA 2000, University of Minnesota; MA 2007, University of Minnesota; PhD 2011, University of Minnesota. Professor Schaefer’s areas of expertise include: criminology, sociology of punishment, juvenile delinquency and juvenile justice policy, and legal impact studies.