Why choose a Criminal Justice degree with a Legal Studies specialization?

Learn law enforcement skills to manage complex global risks and disasters. The College of Arts, Sciences, and Allied Services offers several competitive, quality graduate degree programs, and the online MS in Criminal Justice with a legal studies specialization is no exception.

In light of recent disasters and world events, it is increasingly important for criminal justice administrators, first responders, government officials, and organizations to understand how to manage critical incidents, psychological aspects of disasters, hazard mitigation, and risk identification.

Saint Leo University's criminal justice program director, Dr. Phillip R. Neely, Jr., is a 22-year career law enforcement officer having served in progressively responsible leadership and field positions in local law enforcement agencies. His 22-year tenure as a Law Enforcement professional has afforded him an opportunity to lead, train, and direct all functions of local government. He has experience controlling and managing a budget of more than 27 million dollars.

Additionally, Dr. Neely was in management for more than 15 years and currently working in education over the last 15 years, instructing classes, advising, and mentoring adult learners. The last six years of his law enforcement career entailed numerous roles in administration, managing, and supervising employees.