SEMO CRIMINAL-JUSTICE MAJORS GET LOOK AT LIFE AFTER COLLEGE

Criminal justice is one of the fastest growing majors at Southeast Missouri State University and at other schools around the nation.

Dr. Johnny McGaha, chairman of the criminal-justice department at Southeast, said the need for criminal-justice majors mirrors society. "Unfortunately, as crime grows, so do the job opportunities for criminal-justice majors," he said.

"There is a demand for more prisons and officers with degrees," he said. "But most students become criminal-justice majors because they are interested in an exciting career."

Criminal Justice Day was held Tuesday in Southeast's University Center. The day is a career fair specifically for criminal-justice majors, McGaha said.

"The purpose of the day," McGaha said, "is to expose criminal-justice majors to the variety of jobs out there. It is also a good chance for students and different agencies to get together."

The day is sponsored by the Criminal Justice Association, a student organization open to students interested in the field of criminal justice.

Jason Ruyle is president of the association, which has about 90 student members. Ruyle said the career day is a good public-relations event for the department and it gives students an opportunity to make job contacts. Ruyle said, "A lot of students also visit the event to find internships and job opportunities."

Approximately 20 agencies attended the event, including the Missouri Division of Liquor Control, the Mizzou Law Enforcement Training Institute, Missouri state park rangers, the Missouri Highway Patrol, and the Cape Girardeau, Columbia, Springfield and Memphis police departments.

Senior law enforcement major Chris Venable said he found a lot of helpful information. "Hopefully," he said, "the day will help me find a job or internship when I graduate."

Ruyle said federal agencies are usually at the event but couldn't come because of federal budget restraints.

The criminal-justice program at Southeast has three options: law enforcement, corrections and private security. There are approximately 350 criminal-justice majors at Southeast.