Criminology students outside of the Jackson County Courthouse for a group photo

Criminology and Criminal Justice Department

Our  Criminal Justice Program is one of WCU's largest, with residential or online options. The online Emergency and Disaster Management Program is rated as one of the best online emergency management programs by BestColleges.com. The Emergency and Disaster Management Program is also offered as a residential major and minor. Each program of study brings together theory and hands-on practice through the curriculum, internships, independent studies, and student-faculty interaction, a hallmark of our department.

The goal of the Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice is to provide students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Graduates are prepared to respond appropriately and ethically in challenging 鈥渞eal world鈥� situations as they move on to careers in criminal justice,  emergency and disaster management or for further education.

Available Programs

In conjunction with the goals of the University, the College, and the Department, our programs are based on the philosophy of a liberal arts education, grounded in social science methodologies. Our curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of theory and practice in addressing "real world problems." Emphasis on application guided by scholarship provides a strong, interdisciplinary foundation for future criminal justice and emergency and disaster management professionals.

Bomb squad showcasing their equipment and suit to an audience on campus

Criminal Justice

The Criminal Justice Program provides students with a strong interdisciplinary foundation. Graduates are prepared to respond appropriately and ethically in challenging 鈥渞eal world鈥� situations as they move on to careers in criminal justice or further education. Graduates lead careers in law, law enforcement, public service, crime scene investigations, victim services, institutional corrections, research, higher education and much more.

Our curriculum emphasizes the interdependence of theory and practice in addressing "real world problems." Our emphasis on application guided by scholarship provides a strong, interdisciplinary foundation for future criminal justice professionals. The focus for undergraduate students is to achieve mastery of fundamental academic competencies and a basic level of expertise in the fields of criminal justice.

Fireman and K9 worker walking through a burned down building

Emergency and Disaster Management

The Emergency and Disaster Management Program is specifically designed to prepare students to assume leadership and professional career positions in government, non-profit agencies, and the private sector after graduation. More than ever before, communities and businesses today must prepare effectively for natural disasters and large-scale emergencies that threaten public safety. That need is fueling growth in emergency and disaster management professions in government, non-profit agencies and the private sector.

蘑菇短视频 is one of fewer than 12 four-year institutions nationwide to offer an emergency and disaster management degree program. In 2014, the program was ranked second in the United States by the Emergency Management Degree Program Guide in its list of top 10 best online emergency management degree programs.

Criminal Justice Program Ranked Among Top 40 in U.S.

蘑菇短视频's Criminology and Criminal Justice Program is ranked among the 40 top criminal justice programs in the country.  According to the website, , WCU's Criminology and Criminal Justice Program is ranked at #25.  The program's many course offerings in residential and online formats and its association with the top-ranked Emergency and Disaster Management Program as a dual major or minor propelled the program to this auspicious ranking.

Featured Alumni

Photo of Criminal Justice and Communications Public Relations Major Mateius Brown

Federal Officer M. Brown graduated from 蘑菇短视频in December 2018 with a double major in Criminal Justice and Communications Public Relations. I came into the Federal Bureau of Prisons as a Correction Officer, receiving rookie of the year for 5 institutions, then quickly moved into my current position as a Material Handler Supervisor. While at WCU, I was a 7-time SoCon Conference Champion on the track and field team. I currently hold the indoor and outdoor shotput school record, while also competing in the shot put and discus at the NCAA Regional Championship in 2018.

鈥淭he biggest piece advice I could give a CJ student would be, network and make real connections with people in professions that interest you, gain as much knowledge from people older and more experienced than you.鈥� - Mateius Brown
Photo of Criminal Justice and minor in Business Law Simon Gugerli

Since graduating from 蘑菇短视频in Spring 2024 with a Major in Criminal Justice and a minor in Business Law, Simon Gugerli has crossed international boundaries and utilized his experience to continue his academic & professional journey in Switzerland. Currently in a role as an Electronic Communications Analyst within a Compliance Team for a multi-national Financial Firm, he uses the knowledge he gained from 蘑菇短视频in order to investigate potential misconduct in the financial sector. In addition to his profession, he is continuing his education in the field of Anti-Money Laundering. 

Whilst at WCU,  Simon contributed to multiple legal publications and several presentations regarding Criminology & Criminal Justice Systems at both the local and national levels. He participated in the Student Government Association & the Pride of the Mountains Marching Band as well as several other organizations. These experiences provided vital soft skills for the future and when combined with the strength & knowledge of the Criminal Justice Faculty, this allowed him to seek more opportunities after obtaining his degree. 

Something that Simon would like potential and current students to consider:
"Life is a spiderweb of decisions, we will not always make the right ones, however, if we choose to open every door we see, we may end up somewhere wonderful. I really appreciated my time at WCU, not just because of the memories I made with my friends but also because I learned to ask as many questions as possible and open myself up to new opportunities. From my countless conversations with faculty, to the internships and research projects I undertook, going to 蘑菇短视频to study Criminal Justice & Business Law was one of the best decisions of my life. Take a chance and believe in yourself, and no matter what, always try to learn something new"

Student Feature

蘑菇短视频student Quinn Manning recognized for assistance with Hurricane Helene recovery efforts.

Faculty and Staff

Our faculty have a wide range of expertise, experience, and interests. Recognized nationally for their research, these faculty members鈥� practical knowledge has been developed on the front lines of the criminal justice system in courtrooms, prisons, juvenile centers, and on the streets.

         
Dr. Karen Mason Department Head Criminology and Criminal Justice kmason@wcu.edu 828.227.2814
Dr. Tasha Youstin Assistant Department Head Criminology and Criminal Justice, Director of the Administration of Justice Program tjyoustin@wcu.edu 828.227.2858
Dr. Lisa Briggs Professor Director, Emergency & Disaster Management Program lbriggs@wcu.edu 828.227.2180
Dr. Stephen Brown Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice browns@wcu.edu 828.227.2174
Dr. Cyndy Caravelis Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice caravelis@wcu.edu 828.227.2328
Reggie Cline Assistant Instructor Criminology and Criminal Justice rcline@wcu.edu 828.227.2165
Dr. Clayton Drummond Assistant Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice cdrummond@wcu.edu  

Dr. Erin Eldridge

 Assistant Professor

Emergency and Disaster Management,

eldridgee@email.wcu.edu

  
Dr. John 鈥淎ndy鈥� Hansen Associate Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice jahansen@wcu.edu 828.224.2145
Dr. Sarah Jackson Assistant Professor Emergency and Disaster Management jacksons@wcu.edu 828.227.2563
Michael Mazarky Assistant Instructor Emergency and Disaster Management mmazarky@wcu.edu 828.227.2172
Dr. Molly McDowell Assistant Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice mcdowellm@wcu.edu 828.227.2172
J. Tom Morgan Associate  Instructor Criminology and Criminal Justice jtmorgan@wcu.edu 404.687.1002
Dr. Kyler Nielson Assistant Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice knielson@wcu.edu 828.227.2172
Dr. Ophir Sefiha Associate Professor Criminology and Criminal Justice opsefiha@wcu.edu  828.227.2176
Maggie Skiscim Assistant Instructor Criminology and Criminal Justice mskiscim@wcu.edu 828.227.7120

Administrative Assistant Kimberly Donaldson

Phone: 828.227.2172

Kimberly Donaldson

Administrative Assistant

Distance Learning Coordinator Aaron Vassey

Phone: 828.227.2172

Aaron Vassey

Distance Learning Coordinator

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Contact Us

Dr. Karen Mason, Department Head 
Criminology & Criminal Justice Department
Phone: 828.227.7464
Email: kmason@wcu.edu