Faculty in University of New Haven’s Online Graduate Degree in Criminal Justice Ranked Among Best in Country

In the latest U.S. News & World Report rankings of graduate online programs in criminal justice, the University was ranked number one in the category measuring the credentials and the training of its professors.

January 8, 2018

The faculty teaching in the University of New Haven’s online graduate program in criminal justice are among the best in the United States, according to a nationwide survey of online programs.

In U.S. News & World Report’s annual ranking of online offerings, the University’s faculty in its graduate degree program in criminal justice ranked number one and earned a perfect 100 score in the faculty credentials and training category. That category measures whether online programs employ instructors with academic credentials that mirror those of instructors for campus-based programs, and that the colleges and universities offering online degree programs have the resources in place to train instructors to teach distance learners.

"Our talented faculty members are very experienced law enforcement professionals, scholars, and researchers. Using their extensive expertise, they foster practical and thought-provoking discussions and create exceptional learning opportunities for our online students."Mario Gaboury, Dean of the Henry C. Lee College of Criminal Justice and Forensic Sciences

Overall, the University of New Haven’s online program in criminal justice is tied for 31st in the country with Bowling Green State University and Lamar University. The University is one of only four schools from New England to earn a spot on the list.

Nearly one-third of the overall ranking is a measure of student engagement – the opportunities afforded students to interact with their classmates and professors and complete their degree in a timely manner. Another 40 percent of the ranking is based on faculty credentials and training and student services and technology. The remaining quarter is determined through the reviews of peer institutions and admissions selectivity.

"This ranking is a testament to our hard-working students who join our program at all stages of their careers," continued Gaboury. "We take pride in offering a highly regarded and completely online degree that enables professionals from across the country and around the world to enhance their education and take their careers to the next level."

One student who knows firsthand of the transformational nature of the program is Heather Donovan ’18 M.S., who has spent the last nearly 20 years as an assistant public defender in Missouri. Nearly three years ago, she started her teaching career as a professor at the University of Missouri at St. Louis. Last fall, she joined the faculty at Lindenwood University.

"I was nervous about going back to school after so many years," she said. "I have found the program to be just what I was looking for. The professors are very knowledgeable and accessible, the support staff is always there to help, and the other students bring a wide variety of experience to the program. The best part is that I have found the program to be very workable, even with my busy schedule."