Mansfield University of Pennsylvania
Developing Tomorrow's Leaders
Criminal Justice Administration

The Criminal Justice Administration Program

What Can I Study?

PA State Police

Are you interested in Criminal Justice? Do you want a

Bachelor of Science Degree

Associate of Science Degree

Minor in Criminal Justice Administration

Mansfield's Criminal Justice Administration Department offers a system based background with a core curriculum covering areas such as law enforcement, courts, corrections and juvenile delinquency. For more information, click here.

News

LAE Members Assist in Local Flood Recovery Efforts

LAE MembersOn September 24, 2011, brothers from Lambda Alpha Epsilon, a national professional fraternity for criminal justice students, traveled to Hughesville, Pennsylvania to aid in flood recovery efforts. 

Brendan Benis, Justin Morales, Tyler Morse, and Kyle Wagner helped remove damaged items from the residence of a family friend of one of the fraternity members. 

Once damaged items were removed from the basement to a dumpster, the brothers cleaned the basement with products to inhibit the growth of mold.  The home owner was very appreciative for the assistance and stated that the brothers were "such a great help and a pleasure to be around!"

Tyler R. MorseTyler R. Morse, a senior Criminal Justice Administration major, spent the 2011 spring semester in Harrisburg, PA, participating in The Harrisburg Internship Semester (T.H.I.S.) program.  Tyler was chosen as Mansfield University's representative and was one of fourteen college students selected for this prestigious internship sponsored by the Pennsylvania State System of Higher Education. 

"My internship with the Pennsylvania Department of State's, Bureau of Professional and Occupational Affairs legal office was fantastic.  I was given great opportunities and taught essential skills that will be invaluable to me in the future.  While working for the state agency, I was treated as another employee and not as an intern.  I was given my own workload which included analyzing and summarizing many legal cases for various prosecuting attorneys.  Also included in my duties was to attend monthly board meetings for the twenty-nine different licensure boards in Pennsylvania.  My favorite aspect of the internship was attending court cases.  During my internship, I viewed well over twenty court cases relating to professional misconduct.  I was even able to work with various prosecuting attorneys, helping them to prepare their cases.  By directly working with the attorneys, I was able to see firsthand the hard work and preparation that an attorney gives to a case. 

The program gave me the opportunity to intern with the Pennsylvania Department of State, Pennsylvania Board of Probation and Parole, or the Joint State Government Commission.  I chose the PA Department of State because the agency offered me varied opportunities in the field of criminal justice and opportunities to work with other agencies as well.  I believe my internship in Harrisburg was beneficial and tremendously worthwhile.  I am very grateful to have had this opportunity."  (Tyler R. Morse, senior CJA major)

The Criminal Justice Administration Program has undergone some recent changes in organizational structure.  It was decided by university administration to combine the Program with the Social Work and Sociology/Anthropology Programs.  This makes logical sense for several reasons.  First, the programs already shared secretarial support and office space on the second floor of Pinecrest Manor.  Next, all three programs reported organizationally to the same Dean of Education, Professional and Graduate Studies, Dr. J.P. Burke.  Additionally, both CJA and Social Work are considered professional programs, as opposed to programs that focus on arts and sciences.  Last, each of the three programs features an applied focus, in that each prepares students for real-world employment in a variety of settings involving working with people and understanding their behavior.

The newly-merged department has been named the Department of Applied Socio-Behavioral Studies, effective fall semester of 2011.  Mr. Joshua Battin is serving in the capacity of CJA Program Director, in addition to his teaching responsibilities.  Dr. John Mansfield is currently chairperson of the Department.  As the organizational structure suggests, there will be more opportunities for enhanced collaboration between the three programs.  One early example of such a connection is the successful procurement of a grant by Mr. Battin, CJA Program Director and Dr. Nancy Sidell, Social Work Program.  The grant's focus is on enhancing the use of emerging technology in the classroom. 

How this change affects CJA students is expected to be minimal.  Majors will continue to receive quality academic advising from CJA faculty members.  Mr. Battin will continue to sort out changes of major and scheduling problems.  If you have any questions or concerns about these changes, contact Mr. Battin for addition information.

 

 
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