UNH offers new Justice Studies programs

By Erika L. Mantz, Media Relations

USNH trustees recently approved a new graduate program in Justice Studies at UNH, the first of its kind in northern New England. Earlier in the academic year, USNH trustees also approved a new undergraduate major at UNH in Justice Studies.

“These two new degree programs at the university help to meet a long felt regional need in the field of crime and justice,” said Ellen Cohn, coordinator of the Justice Studies Program.

“Particularly after 9/11, the public mandate to prepare students better for the many challenges in law and justice was made clear to us by professionals in law enforcement, the courts, corrections and juvenile justice. These programs are designed to provide the justice system with a workforce well equipped for the twenty-first century,” Cohn said.

The dual undergraduate major includes an option to spend a semester in Budapest, a mock trial course and a required field experience. The graduate program is distinctive because its curriculum is multidisciplinary, covering both criminology and legal studies. It is closely tied to centers on campus, including JusticeWorks, the Family Research Laboratory and the Crimes against Children Research Center, and allows students to learn not only practical applications, but the theory behind it.

The master’s can be done part-time and includes an internship option.

University faculty and administrators expect a strong student demand in both programs. “We’ve hired some extremely talented faculty in recent years to handle the number of prospective students,” said Marilyn Hoskin, dean of the College of Liberal Arts. “We are strong in both teaching and research in justice studies at UNH. These new degree offerings play well to these strengths.”
Mark Thompson, a UNH alumnus and now director of administration in the New Hampshire Department of Justice, sees great promise in the programs. “Throughout the state, justice professionals are delighted to see UNH extend its land grant mission to the justice system.”

Thompson added that there are many justice professionals who now have an opportunity to pursue a graduate degree part-time, within the state. “It’s a great asset to promote professional development among those who labor in public safety and the administration of justice.”

For more program information, contact Ellen Cohn at ellen.cohn@unh.edu.