Criminal Justice Department banner for SUNY Oswego with a green-to-blue gradient background blending an American flag and waterfall. The left side features the department title and mission statement. Three connected circles highlight student opportunities: Teaching and Coursework, Internships, and Research, with examples of courses, career pathways, and hands-on experiences. Along the bottom, icons emphasize core values—Ethics, Justice, Integrity, and Community—followed by “Learn • Lead • Serve • Justice.”

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What Students Can Expect

Students in the Criminal Justice program engage in dynamic coursework led by expert faculty who bring real-world experience into the classroom. Courses explore key areas such as criminal investigation, law and policy, race and justice, and family violence, building strong analytical and ethical foundations. Beyond the classroom, students gain hands-on experience through internships with police, courts, corrections, and community agencies, while also collaborating with faculty on research, presenting at conferences, publishing work, and exploring study abroad opportunities.

Dr. Matthew McLesky sitting with three fellow panelists at an academic conference, participating in a research panel discussion.

Faculty Research in Action

Dr. Matthew McLesky recently participated in an academic conference panel where his research article was featured. Fellow scholars engaged with his work, offering thoughtful critiques and insights that contributed to a dynamic scholarly discussion.