The 2021 Department of Criminology and Criminal Justice Open House brought 145 prospective students from across the state of Missouri to the MSU campus–more than three times the number that attended our first live open house in 2019.  Given its success, we plan to hold a similar event during the spring 2022 semester.

Our open house offers high school and community college students interested in the criminal justice field the opportunity to meet with faculty and current students. In addition, attendees had a chance to visit with representatives from over a dozen criminal justice agencies while exploring the many different career options available in this field.

Attendees were treated to a crime scene demonstration organized by Professor Mike Kyle, a simulated classroom experience led by Professor Aida Hass (picture attached), and a mock trial session coordinated by Professor Jennifer LaPrade. A special thanks is in order to all the MSU Mock Trial Team members who gave their time to participate in the session. Each of these breakout sessions had standing-room only crowds!

We are extremely thankful to all the agency representatives who took the time to meet with students. The agencies included the FBI, US Marshal’s Service, State Park Rangers, Missouri Department of Conservation, Federal Bureau of Prisons, Greene County Sheriff’s Department, the Springfield Missouri Police Department, Greene County Juvenile Office, Drug Enforcement Administration, Family Violence Center, Harmony House, Missouri Probation and Parole, IRS – Criminal Investigation Division, Greene County Prosecutor’s Office, and Missouri State Highway Patrol.

Professor Maja Kotlaja, the department’s de facto event coordinator, worked with multiple organizations across the region to provide the attendees with lunch, snacks, and prizes. Professors Bill Sandel, Mike Suttmoeller, and Paula Rector also devoted considerable time and efforts to the preparation and execution of the event.

We look forward to seeing even more new faces this spring!