Grads earn CJ masters

First class has 100 percent retention

The first class of criminal justice majors have earned master of science degrees at Trine University Fort Wayne.

The first master of science with criminal justice major graduates earned degrees at Trine University North in December. At left are School of Professional Studies Dean Brad Grubb and program director Dr. Thomas Beckner.

The one-year course, approved by the Higher Learning Commission in fall 2007, ran from January-December, 2008. Trine delivered the course at the Public Safety Academy in Fort Wayne. One hundred percent of students completed studies. A second group began criminal justice master’s degrees in September 2008.

Program director Dr. Thomas Beckner praised the quality of graduates in his program. “This was a diverse group of young professionals who performed well academically and demonstrated great collegiate ability,” he said. “They reflect the qualities we want to foster through a Trine University education. I look for them to make outstanding contributions to our communities in the field of public safety in the coming years.”

Students celebrated at a luncheon on Dec. 20. They praised the program for introducing them to people of different backgrounds, for the experience which empowered them to succeed, and for information to help them advance in their careers.

Dr. David Finley, Vice President for Academic Affairs at Trine, expressed excitement at the success of the degree and its impact on adult students. “This unique one-year program enables students to complete rigorous graduate-level study in a timely fashion while positioning themselves for career success. It has been a remarkable opportunity to learn from some of the best educators and practitioners in the field in a state-of-the-art training and classroom facility,” he said. “The program should be of great interest to adult students in any metropolitan setting.”

Trine plans to launch the degree program at other School of Professional Studies campuses, including South Bend/Mishawaka and Merrillville.