There’s a new (deputy) sheriff in town
Hannah is a criminal justice major minoring in psychology. She was involved in softball for two years. Hannah chose Northwestern because of the emphasis on community, the welcoming campus environment, and the Christ-centered focus in the classrooms.
Keeping vigil
I have always had an interest in justice and law. After meeting with a professor and hearing what I would be learning about, I knew a criminal justice major was for me. I plan to work in Iowa as a county jailer and an EMT, with the goal of becoming a sheriff’s deputy.
Critical thinking skills
In the criminal justice program, you get a well-rounded education, with regards to writing and critical thinking, that extends far beyond just learning concepts. You learn how to analyze situations and look for things that you would not normally look for. It makes you check assumptions you had about situations and think about them in a different light, in order to come at problems from all angles possible. You also get a range of class topics, from research to corrections.
Engaged in education
The criminal justice faculty are welcoming, approachable and extremely knowledgeable. They encourage conversation outside of class and promote taking advantage of office hours. I appreciate how many discussions we have in class. Instructors don’t just stand at the front of the room and lecture; they encourage discussions about theories or hypotheses on a topic. I feel like I am engaged in my education process.
Career-ready
I feel extremely prepared for my career, like I could go into any career in the criminal justice system and be ready. We learn all the roles—from law enforcement on the streets to the judges in the courtrooms. This allows us to see how those roles work together in the criminal justice system.
Community emphasis
I have gained some of my closest friends during my time at Northwestern. I have great friends who are in my major—but also others because of Northwestern’s emphasis on community in the dorms and in the classrooms.
