Department of Political Science and Criminal Justice

Department Information

Department Chair: David Admire
General Classroom 406 ~ (435) 586-5429
admire@suu.edu

Administrative Assistant: Sandi Levy
General Classroom 406 ~ (435) 586-5429
levy@suu.edu

Academic Advisor: Aaron Templin
Student Success Center ~ (435) 865- 8371

Faculty: Professors: Michael T. Benson, G. Michael Stathis;
Associate Professors: Carl Franklin; Patricia Keehley
Assistant Professors: Randy Allen, David Admire, Terrie Bechdel, John Howell, Ryan Yonk
Lecturer: Tom Dempsey, Ron Flud; Instructor: Terry Lamoreaux.

Undergraduate Legal Studies: Christine Taylor, Director
(435) 865-8563

Website: http://www.suu.edu/hss/polscj/

Degrees Offered

Master of Public Administration  (see “Graduate Professional Studies ”)
Master of Science in Forensic Science (M.S.F.S.)  (see “Graduate Professional Studies ”)

Bachelor of Arts/ Bachelor of Science

Political Science, B.A. 
Political Science, B.S. 
Criminal Justice, B.A. 
Criminal Justice, B.S. 
Criminal Justice - Forensic Science Emphasis, B.A. 
Criminal Justice - Forensic Science Emphasis, B.S. 

Associate of Applied Science (AAS)

Criminal Justice, A.A.S. 
Paralegal/Legal Assistant, A.A.S. 

Minors

Political Science 
Criminal Justice 
Legal Studies 

Overview of Programs

The disciplines within this department have faculty which have both academic and practitioner experience. This allows our programs to provide a theory based curriculum with a strong emphasis on practical application and interpretation by providing special, unique learning opportunities. After successfully completing a degree through this department, a student will be well prepared to enter the job force and/or to continue into graduate school. 

Mission

Political Science

Political Science is devoted to the study of the theory and practice of government and politics. The Political Science program complements a student’s liberal arts education with an emphasis on understanding the theoretical and practical aspects of political philosophy, public administration, law, international relations, comparative politics, American government and politics, and public policy.

Criminal Justice

The mission of the Criminal Justice program is to provide students with a comprehensive practical and professional knowledge of the Criminal Justice System, consisting of law enforcement, courts and corrections and the environment in which they operate. Students will develop a knowledge of the application of the law, social sciences and natural sciences to the problems of crime and delinquency.

Public Administration

Our mission is to prepare pre-service and in-service students to meet the challenges of public and nonprofit service. We develop student knowledge and competencies through scholarly activity, experiential learning, and applied research. Our coursework presents a framework of understanding based on academic materials and skill development through activities, projects, and assignments. Our faculty members promote public service values, leadership and managements skills, and ethical decision-making in all aspects of public and nonprofit sector organizations. Our on-campus and online students have comparable academic experiences that develop knowledge and skills for public service.

Department/Program Learning Outcomes

1. Intellectual and Practical skills including:
   
   1. Inquiry and analysis
   2. Critical and creative thinking
   3. Written and oral communication
   4. Quantitative literacy
   5. Information literacy
   6. Teamwork and problem solving
2. Personal and social responsibilities including
   
   1. Civic knowledge and engagement
   2. Intercultural knowledge and competence
   3. Ethical reasoning and action
   4. Foundations and skills for lifelong learning
3. Knowledge
   
   1. Understand the components, processes and programs of the American government, legal, justice systems and the environment in which they operate.
   2. Understand the theories of society, human behavior and criminology.
   3. Understand the theory underlying the components, processes and programs of the American government, legal, justice systems and the environment in which they operate as well as understanding the practical application and interpretation

Other Information

Transfer Credits Accepted Toward Degree

The Department will accept no more than one third of the total credits required for the major to be transfer credits from other institutions. The maximum transfer credits which may be applied to a Criminal Justice major is 15; to a Political Science major, 12. Transfer credits not covered by articulation, or those which we do not currently teach, must be approved by the Department Chair.

Internships

Students are encouraged to take advantage of the many internship opportunities that arise in Political Science and Criminal Justice. In the past, internships have included an opportunity to work in the White House, US Senate, House of Representatives, Utah Supreme Court, and numerous national, state and local agencies. Internships are student driven opportunities where the student takes an active role in development of the opportunity to meet career and educational goals. Internship opportunities are regularly posted on the department bulletin board. For more information about student internships contact the department.