{"id":88793,"date":"2024-08-28T11:52:59","date_gmt":"2024-08-28T15:52:59","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/met\/?page_id=88793"},"modified":"2025-06-16T14:31:37","modified_gmt":"2025-06-16T18:31:37","slug":"stories","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/www.bu.edu\/met\/programs\/criminal-justice\/stories\/","title":{"rendered":"Criminal Justice Student Stories"},"content":{"rendered":"
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Back to Programs<\/a>Criminal Justice<\/a><\/div>\n

Our graduates are united by the major goal they have achieved\u2014attaining a graduate education from one of the most respected research universities in the world. Read on to experience their stories.<\/p>\n

\"Headshot\r\n

“MET\u2019s MS in Criminal Justice was the perfect one-year opportunity to expand my knowledge about a field that interested me. These professors kept me engaged in learning and showed me firsthand how to have an impact. The drive their dedication inspired was one of the most important ingredients to my success. My coursework throughout this program has shown me there are so many opportunities to make a mark on policy and practice in the criminal justice system and beyond.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nBridget Bishop (MET'22)<\/strong>
\r\nLaw Student, University of Wisconsin-Madison Law School<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Strategic Management<\/em>
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\"Headshot\r\n

“While in this graduate program, I have picked up knowledge about ethics, research, policy creation, etc., which are specific to criminal justice but can also be applied outside of it. I also have new perspectives on fixing our system...in the classes I\u2019ve taken, with people expressing a multitude of viewpoints, I have learned the problems are not insurmountable, there are solutions. I love that this program brings together people from different places, professions, and points in their lives and provides us with a blueprint for mending our flawed system.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nVanessa Burns (MET'22, MET'18)<\/strong>
\r\nParole Officer, Massachusetts Parole Board<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Strategic Management; BS, Criminal Justice<\/em>
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\"Headshot\r\n

“I chose MET\u2019s MS in Criminal Justice, Strategic Management Concentration for my graduate studies because of its flexibility for adult learners. I was working full time and needed a program that allowed me to take classes in the evening, from professors accustomed to working with adult learners and who understood that we had other commitments. BU MET ended up being a great fit and I was able to have the best of both worlds where I could continue working while earning my degree.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nEmily Su Ni Thoman (MET\u201920)<\/strong>
\r\nProgram Manager<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Strategic Management<\/em>
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\"Michael\r\n

\"I believe the education I received at BU will make me more marketable within my agency and provide me with additional external opportunities. There is certainly a need in law enforcement for a greater number of investigators who know how to conduct cybercrime investigations and can understand the different sources of potential digital evidence.\" Read\u00a0more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Michael Sullivan (MET'20, MET'08)
\r\nSergeant Detective, Boston Police Department\r\nInternet Crimes Against Children (ICAC) Unit<\/strong>
\r\nGraduate Certificate, Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity; Master of Criminal Justice<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

\"A\r\n

\"I believe my degree will make me more competitive for advancement within my agency...what I learned has made me sharper and more familiar with progressive policing strategies. Most importantly, my degree has provided me with additional cyber and investigative skills that I can use to contribute to my work as a member of the Rhode Island State Police.\" Read\u00a0more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

Matthew C. Moynihan (MET'19)
\r\nCaptain, Rhode Island State Police\r\n<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Cybercrime Investigation & Cybersecurity<\/em><\/p><\/div>\n

“I know my studies have made me a better analyst because I have become more strategic and critical when assessing intelligence and policies. And while a graduate degree is not a requirement, I feel confident that my degree\u2014coupled with my experience\u2014has made me more competitive for advancement and promotion.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nDaisy Lui (MET'17)
\r\nCriminal Intelligence Analyst, Calgary Police Service<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice<\/em>\r\n<\/p><\/div>\n

“The program at Boston University is a great blend of theoretical and practical knowledge. As such, I have been able to implement certain lessons almost immediately as a Boston Police detective after learning them in class. I plan on growing within my organization and putting myself in a position to help shape the future of policing in Boston.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nClifford Davis IV (MET'20)
\r\nDetective, Human Trafficking Unit, Boston Police Department<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Strategic Management<\/em>\r\n<\/p><\/div>\n

“As someone who had no experience in the criminal justice field going into this program, I left it feeling very prepared and it definitely paid off. I have been told in several job interviews that my resume is impressive, and that is largely thanks to having Boston University on there. The name carries weight and gives you an edge over other candidates. On top of that, the skills and knowledge you gain really do prepare you for a job in the field.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nBella Zak (MET'22)
\r\nContractor, Crime Gun Intelligence Center of Chicago, Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives<\/strong>
\r\nMS, Criminal Justice, concentration in Crime Analysis<\/em>\r\n<\/p><\/div>\n

“Completing this program allowed me to move forward in my crime analysis career by expanding the range of positions that I could apply for in the field. While I did undertake this program with the intention of advancing my career, I also had the opportunity to learn skills that were applicable in my current position. After completing this program, I could perform more varied and elaborate analyses of the kind expected of traditional crime analysts.” Read more.<\/a><\/p>\r\n

\r\nCaitlin Kloess (MET'22)
\r\nCrime Analyst, Denver Police Department<\/strong>
\r\nGraduate Certificate, Crime Analysis; Undergraduate Certificate, Criminal Justice<\/em>\r\n<\/p><\/div>\n

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What to Read Next: MET Criminal Justice Knowledge Center<\/h2>\r\n