Jason Callahan

Tell us something that your students might find interesting about you.

Though I can barely skate, I am a devout hockey enthusiast.

What is one book you think everyone should read?

Blue Blood (2004) by Edward Conlon. This is a memoir of a Harvard graduate who also became a 4th generation member of the NYPD. This book chronicles his earliest days on patrol and illustrates how officers learn to do the job on the job.

Why did you start teaching?

I have always enjoyed the student/instructor dynamic experience in higher education, though I didn’t have many interactions with instructors who possessed working experience in the criminal justice system. I wanted to bridge the two worlds and use my own experiences to the benefit of students.

In your own words, what is the value of this degree to a student?

Many students in this program are either employed in or aspire to work in the criminal justice system. The experience gained in this program is designed to prepare students for challenges experienced in the criminal justice system. This awareness can lead to positive change. This can benefit both working criminal justice professionals and the communities they serve.

What advice would you give to those considering this online program?

In all my classes, I try to promote the skills needed to be successful in a career in the criminal justice system. This includes reading comprehension, critical writing skills and effective personal communication. Each of these are necessary to be effective as a criminal justice professional and thus necessary to be successful in this program.

What would you like students to take away from your classes?

A primary goal in all of my classes is to give students real-life connections to course materials. I incorporate current events and challenging circumstances in the criminal justice system to promote critical evaluations of the police, the courts and corrections. By illustrating the pros and cons of the criminal justice system, I hope to create awareness of these issues for students who aspire to have a career in the criminal justice system.

What types of projects can your students expect in these courses?

I have found students become more engaged in writing and research projects when they have ownership of the topics. I often allow students to pick their own research topics within the constraints of the course materials. This commonly results in more engagement and critical evaluation of the course materials.

In which online courses/classes do you teach?

At the graduate level, I have taught Media & Crime, Policing Strategies, Criminal Justice Administration and Crime Analysis & Prevention. At the undergraduate level, I have taught Police & Society, Crime Control Strategies and Intro to Criminal Justice Administration.

In which online program(s) do you teach?

Master of Arts in Criminal Justice