Justice Is Serving: ORU Now Offers Criminal Justice Major
by Deborah Laker
Criminal justice is a career that some consider an unparalleled way to serve others;
as a service to its students, ORU’s Department of Behavioral Sciences now offers Criminal
Justice as a major. Following its approval by the Higher Learning Commission, the
program enrolled its first students in the fall semester of the 2019 - 2020 academic
year.
One of the students pursuing this degree is Haliyma Clay, a New York City native. The 24-year-old initially came to ORU with plans of being a dance major but soon discovered a greater passion for criminal justice.
Criminology, Juvenile Justice System, and Criminal Law are a few of the ten required classes included in the new degree program. Dr. Cal Easterling, Professor of Sociology, explains that students will learn how to investigate a crime scene, analyze ethical dilemmas, contribute to research projects as well as participate in social work.
“The criminal justice program has helped me become a better critical thinker,” Clay said. “The thought-provoking classes offer a well-rounded education by helping you get a blueprint on how to make things better.”
Outside of classes, Clay is a member of the Debate and Forensics Club, having recently represented ORU in the Southern Forensics Championship. She is also involved in Oklahoma Intercollegiate Legislature, a mock government involving students from across the state who write, discuss, and vote on legislation. Clay is excited to participate in a five-day competition taking place in the State Capitol this April.
The Department of Behavioral Sciences offers a range of majors such as psychology, social work, social justice, and sociology. Dr. Randall Feller, the Chair of Behavioral Sciences, says the addition of Criminal Justice completes the department, allowing students not only to study human behavior but explore the effects it can have on legal proceedings.
The introduction of this degree has also led to the birth of a new student-led organization, the Criminal Justice League.
“It is comprised of sociology, social justice, and criminal justice students,” said Easterling. “At our last meeting we had a theology and a political science professor speak, but in the future, we expect to get police officers to speak at our meetings.”
Feller explains there are abundant job opportunities for criminal justice majors. A graduate from this program can expect to facilitate rehabilitation, recovery, compensation, or restoration throughout the criminal justice process. Some of the prospective jobs for a graduate are criminal investigators, legal assistants, parole officers, or forensic psychologists.
Clay, who plans to study law after completing her undergraduate studies, hopes her career path involves defending clients in court.
“In the future, I want to be a Christian lawyer who is a formidable force against corruption in the criminal justice system."
Students interested in enrolling as a Criminal Justice major are advised to contact Easterling or Feller for more information.
Photo by Bill Oxford on Unsplash