Criminal Justice Department
In the Criminal Justice Department, we believe education is about more than earning a degree. It’s about discovering your potential, developing your character and preparing to make a meaningful difference in our communities. Through a collaborative, innovative learning environment, you’ll gain the knowledge, skills and experiences to become an ethical leader in criminal justice and public service.
Preparing You for Today’s Careers & Tomorrow’s Challenges
Dear Students,
Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice at SUNY Plattsburgh!
Whether you are beginning your academic journey or continuing your studies, we are delighted to have you as part of our community. On behalf of our faculty and staff, I extend my warmest welcome and wish you every success as you pursue your academic and professional goals.
Here, you will be well prepared for meaningful careers in criminal justice, public safety, law enforcement, corrections, victim advocacy, forensic sciences, intelligence, homeland security, cybersecurity, and many other related fields. Through an innovative curriculum, dedicated faculty, strong partnerships with criminal justice agencies, and hands-on learning opportunities, we strive to provide an educational experience that is intellectually challenging, professionally rewarding and responsive to the rapidly changing criminal justice profession.
As the field evolves, so does our curriculum. In addition to providing a strong foundation in criminal justice, we offer timely and forward-looking courses in areas such as cybercrime, digital forensics, intelligence studies, terrorism and counterterrorism, homeland security, white-collar crime, transnational organized crime, forensic science, Mental Health and the Criminal Justice System, and Substance Abuse and the Criminal Justice System. These courses address many of today’s most pressing public safety challenges, from cyber threats and violent extremism to the opioid crisis and the growing intersection of mental health and the justice system, preparing students for both today’s careers and tomorrow’s challenges.
Innovation and interdisciplinary collaboration are hallmarks of our department. We offer the forensics, digital forensics, and forensic psychology minors, providing students with opportunities to develop specialized expertise alongside their criminal justice major. Students interested in financial crime and fraud investigation may also pursue the interdisciplinary forensic accounting minor offered in collaboration with the accounting department.
Beyond the Classroom
You will have opportunities to build experience and make professional connections through:
- Internships with local, state and federal agencies, including law enforcement, courts, corrections and public service organizations
- Hands-on learning through undergraduate research, teaching practicums (TA opportunities) and study abroad
- Professional networking with guest speakers from experts in digital forensics, computer crime, counterterrorism and other specialized fields
- Real-world experiences such as court visits, agency tours and other educational trips that connect your classroom learning with professional practice
- Student organizations including the Criminal Justice Club and Alpha Phi Sigma, the National Criminal Justice Honor Society.
Our greatest strength, however, is our people. We believe every student has the potential to succeed, and our faculty are committed not only to teaching but also to mentoring, advising and supporting students throughout their academic journey.
I encourage you to take full advantage of every opportunity our department offers. Ask questions, seek new experiences, engage with your professors and classmates, and challenge yourself both inside and outside the classroom. We look forward to supporting your journey and celebrating your achievements.
Welcome to the Department of Criminal Justice — we are excited to have you join our community.
Best wishes,
Dr. Zakir Gul, Professor and Chair