The addition of criminal justice allowed the College to meet the needs and interests of a growing number of prospective students; however, the College has had connections with the criminal justice world even before there was an option to major.

IC alumni employed in the criminal justice field include the current Jacksonville chief of police, Morgan County chief deputy, Morgan County state’s attorney and Sangamon County state’s attorney, as well as alumni recently appointed to the Illinois Forensic Science Commission.

“The fact that all of these individuals are alumni demonstrates Illinois College’s success in developing leaders in the criminal justice field,” noted David Walter, assistant professor of criminal justice.

Highlighting the sociological and liberal arts roots of the program, Walter mentions that it includes sociology research and spans the sciences, literature, history, art and global studies. The coursework in the criminal justice program ensures that students are able to apply critical thinking skills, while internships and other hands-on learning experiences prepare them for real-world scenarios.

“Our students do more than read about criminal justice in a book; they apply what they have learned to current issues and seek to improve our current criminal justice system. They understand why laws exist, how the law might become more equitable and methods to effect such transformations within the justice system.”

Students in the program have worked with faculty on community-based research, performed a mock homicide investigation, attended a body farm workshop to study human decomposition, observed oral arguments at the Illinois Supreme Court, participated in use of deadly force computer simulation training at an FBI field office and more.

“The addition of criminal justice as a major allows these students to take courses specific to the field and taught by professionals with real-world experience while still obtaining the historical benefits of a well-rounded education at Illinois College,” Walter said. “You have the background — that foundation of a strong classroom experience — that you then take out into the field in an internship, and you are able to Graduate READY.”

Learn more at ic.edu/criminal-justice.

David Walter is an assistant professor of criminal justice. He holds a Juris Doctor from Southern Illinois University School of Law and has been licensed to practice law in Illinois since 1998. He has litigation experience in the federal and Illinois courts, including cases involving constitutional, environmental, tort, employment, and administrative law, as well as mandamus, post-conviction relief, and civil rights.