Charleston Southern University Department of Criminal Justice

08/25/2026

What a powerful way to open the first day of classes for the CSU Criminal Justice Department!

Professor Mark Wise hosted a very special panel featuring three of our recent CSU Criminal Justice graduates who are now beginning their careers in law enforcement:

Desmonie Harrington – North Charleston Police Department
Jordyn Draper – Isle of Palms Police Department
Keden Hufford – Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office

Each of them shared their experiences transitioning from being a college student to entering the law enforcement profession. They talked about what they have learned, how the transition has challenged and changed them, and what it is really like to begin a career in law enforcement. It was especially meaningful for our current students to hear from graduates who were sitting in the same classrooms not long ago.

We were also honored to have a very special guest, newly appointed Chief of Police Scott Perry, who took time out of his busy schedule to join us. Chief Perry spoke with our students about what it takes to become a police officer, answered their questions, and shared his own personal journey and life story that brought him to where he is today. His message was powerful and very moving.

A huge THANK YOU to Professor Wise, Desmonie, Jordyn, Keden, Chief Perry, and everyone who helped make this event possible.

We are truly blessed to have such outstanding graduates and law enforcement professionals willing to give their time and share their experiences with our students. What a way to start the new school year! Exciting times are ahead for CSU Criminal Justice!

08/21/2026

Congratulations to Dr. Matt Gilbert of the CSU Criminal Justice Department on his recent publication! His article, “The Need for More Qualified Liaison Officers in a Topsy-Turvy World,” has been published in the Journal of Emergency Management.

This is an outstanding professional accomplishment and another great example of the scholarship and expertise represented within the CSU Criminal Justice Department. Congratulations, Dr. Gilbert, on this well-deserved achievement!

https://wmpllc.org/ojs/index.php/jem/article/view/4031

07/28/2026

25% Tuition Discount for all First Responders/Public Safety to all active and retired officers, regardless of state.

Charleston Southern University would like to extend heartfelt gratitude to all First Responders and Public Safety officers for their dedicated service to cities, towns, and communities across the United States. In appreciation, we are pleased to offer a 25% tuition discount in our Criminal Justice Program to all active and retired officers, regardless of state.
Fall Classes start Aug. 24, 2026

We offer the following degrees 100% ONLINE or on campus TEXTBOOK INCLUDED

*Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice Online or on Campus
https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/.../criminal-justice/

*Master's Degree in Criminal Justice ONLINE
https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/.../ms-criminal-justice/

*Master's Degree in Public Safety Management ONLINE
https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/.../ms-public-safety.../

Follow the link below to apply or contact Dr. Gary Metts at [email protected] for Graduate Program or Dr. Matt Gilbert [email protected] for the Undergraduate Program
SACS Accreditation (Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission)

APPLY NOW:
https://www.charlestonsouthern.edu/admissions/apply/

07/04/2026

06/12/2026

What a fabulous week we have had at the CSU Criminal Justice Camp, proudly sponsored by the Charleston Southern University Criminal Justice Department!

Today marks the conclusion of an educational, exciting, and up-close learning experience for these outstanding young people. Throughout the week, campers had the opportunity to interact with professionals from a variety of law enforcement and public safety agencies, gaining valuable insight into careers dedicated to serving and protecting our communities.

This camp would not have been possible without the support of the many law enforcement and public safety agencies that generously volunteered their time, expertise, and resources. Thank you for investing in the next generation.

A special thank you goes to those who worked tirelessly behind the scenes to make this camp such a tremendous success: Professor Alan Fix, Ms. Jan Reed, Mackenzie Godfrey, Ella Harrison, Joelle Thorsell, Layla Brown, Daniel Kuykendall, Janet Smith, and Dr. Matt Gilbert.

Your dedication, hard work, and commitment to our students helped create an unforgettable experience. We are grateful for each of you and look forward to another great camp next year!

06/12/2026

Over the last few days at the CSU Criminal Justice Summer Camp, our campers had a great opportunity to see what law enforcement and public safety professionals do every day. Our dedicated staff and agency partners worked hard to provide an exciting and educational experience while giving campers a firsthand look at careers in criminal justice and public safety. These are just a few additional pictures from this week’s camp activities.

06/12/2026

Day 4 was just as fun and exciting as the previous days of the CSU Criminal Justice Summer Camp. Our campers had the opportunity to learn from the Mount Pleasant Drone Team, the North Charleston Police Department SWAT Unit, the Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA), and the Summerville Police Department Crime Scene Unit.

The campers were filled with questions, enthusiasm, and excitement as they interacted with these specialized units and gained firsthand knowledge about their unique roles in law enforcement. From drone operations and tactical response teams to drug enforcement investigations and crime scene processing, it was an incredible educational experience for everyone involved.

A special thank you to all of our presenters for taking the time to invest in the next generation and helping make this year’s camp such a success. What an amazing week of learning, discovery, and inspiration! Looking forward to Friday.

06/11/2026

Day #3 was another amazing experience for our CSU Criminal Justice Campers!

Today, campers had the opportunity to learn from several outstanding law enforcement professionals, including the Dorchester County Sheriff’s Office K-9 Team, the Charleston County Sheriff’s Office Bomb Squad, and the Goose Creek Police Department Traffic and Training Units.

Throughout the day, the campers gained valuable insight into how K-9 teams operate, the capabilities and techniques of bomb squad robots, the dangers and consequences of impaired driving, and many other aspects of modern law enforcement. These hands-on presentations provided a unique look into specialized units and the important work they perform every day to keep our communities safe.

What an educational and exciting day! A special thank you to all of the agencies and personnel who took time to invest in our future criminal justice professionals. We look forward to another great day tomorrow.