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School of Humanities and Social Sciences

Department of Criminal Justice
and Homeland Security

Do you have a passion for protecting your fellow citizens and community? With a degree in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from Indiana University Kokomo, you’ll learn the ins and outs of the criminal justice system and where you might fit in. You won’t just be reading textbooks here, though. As a criminal justice and homeland security major, you’ll be debating hot-button topics in class, learning everything from policy analysis to public affairs, and getting real-world experience with our variety of internship experiences. You’ll gain the knowledge you need to make a difference and the opportunity to work hands-on, whether it’s at the local judge or prosecutor’s office, in county probation departments, or even right here on campus with the IU Kokomo Police Department. 

My time as a cadet prepared me to be the best police officer I can be, and I appreciate the opportunity to learn the job while earning my degree. I always knew I wanted to help people in my career, but I wasn’t sure how. As a police officer, I get to do that on a daily basis. They say when you finally realize what you want to do, and what you are meant to do, you know. I have never been so sure of anything in my life.

Emily West, B.S. '14, Criminal Justice and Homeland Security

A Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice and Homeland Security from IU Kokomo will prepare you for wherever you want to go in the field – whether inside or outside the justice arena. This degree will prepare you for graduate study in criminal justice, public affairs, or law, or give you the tools you need to begin work in crime investigation, corrections, or management – just to name a few options.

You'll work right alongside us every day to study and improve the criminal justice and homeland security practices of our community through research and service.

You can get involved with your faculty and peers and participate in local, state, and national events by joining the Criminal Justice Association and Alpha Phi Sigma – IU Kokomo’s National Criminal Justice Honor Society. We’re dedicated to offering you the opportunity to learn in the way that works best for you; we offer independent studies, research projects, field trips, seminars, workshops, and conferences. You can also minor in criminal justice as an addition to a different course of study or work toward our certificate.

A Lifetime of Success

Superhero inspires future forensic scientist
Alysia Circle
A mysterious superhero — one who might even be described as a winged vigilante — inspired Alysia Circle’s interest in a law enforcement career. She doesn’t remember a time she wasn’t obsessed with Batman, amassing a collection of figurines, and requesting a birthday cake featuring the Caped Crusader each year. Now a full-time student and part-time police officer at Indiana University Kokomo, she sees herself not like Batman himself, but one of his strongest allies.
Community invited to tour campus crime lab
Faculty member and student work together in the new lab
Get an inside look at Indiana University Kokomo’s new crime lab, at an open house Thursday, February 22. Faculty, staff, and students in the criminal justice program will show the equipment and demonstrate what they teach and learn in the lab, in the East Building, Room 103. It will be open from 5 to 6:30 p.m.
Graduate lands job as campus officer
Criminal justice graduate, former cadet lands job as campus officer
Emily West lives her dream, serving Indiana University Kokomo as a full-time police officer. A criminal justice major, she earned a jump-start on her career when she was selected as the campus’ first female cadet in 2013. She graduated from the IU Police Academy in August 2014, while also earning International Police Mountain Bike Association certification. She completed her degree in December 2014, and was immediately hired by the IU Police Department.
Thomas Remender appointed police chief
Thomas Remender appointed police chief
Indiana University Kokomo Chancellor Susan Sciame-Giesecke and IU Superintendent of Public Safety Benjamin Hunter have announced the appointment of Thomas Remender as chief of the IU Police Department at Kokomo. He began serving in the position May 15. Remender has been interim chief since March, and previously was a sergeant with the IUPD Indianapolis.
Last updated: 10/22/2018