Concordia Nebraska students study criminal justice in San Diego

Concordia University, Nebraska criminal justice students recently had the chance to study real world applications of what they are learning in the classroom. Co-led by Professor of Criminal Justice Edward Hoffman and Professor of Sociology Dr. Kathy Miller, the 8-day study tour to San Diego provided students with field experience in immigration, law enforcement and other fields.  

“The trip to San Diego provided students with an immersive, multidisciplinary field experience that gave students a bridge from classroom theory into real-world practice,” said Hoffman. “All of these experiences gave our students insight into federal law enforcement operations, homeland security and the military justice system.” 

Criminal justice majors on the trip were able to gain exposure and career insights to federal and local agencies through networking with DEA agents, local law enforcement and Border Patrol officers. The group also visited the Marine Corps Recruit Depot, USS Midway and the Navy SEAL Museum, all of which gave students a firsthand account of the large influence that the military has had in San Diego. It also gave the students who are interested in military careers the chance to gain further insights into the field. 

“Ultimately, the true value of the itinerary was in its cross-disciplinary synergy and shared experiences which allowed students from all three majors to analyze the exact same real-world environments through different analytical lenses.”

Psychology students had the opportunity to analyze institutional conditioning and human behavioral responses under stress at these military locations. They were also able to study cultural psychology and collective identity at the Museum of Us and the Chicano Park Museum.  

Sociology students were able to see complex dynamics at work in a city where local and federal agencies must work together to achieve their various goals. They saw real-world examples of social stratification, systemic structures and grassroots community workers.  

“Ultimately, the true value of the itinerary was in its cross-disciplinary synergy and shared experiences which allowed students from all three majors to analyze the exact same real-world environments through different analytical lenses,” said Hoffman. 

Students who participated in the trip include: 

Mia Golka, psychology, Grand Island, Nebraska 

Hannah Kile, criminal justice, Swanton, Nebraska 

Savannah Andrews, exercise science, Omaha, Nebraska 

Ben Ehrenberg, computer science, Omaha, Nebraska 

Westley Determan, psychology, Cedar Falls, Iowa 

Jenna Schafer, criminal justice/marketing/psychology, Columbus, Nebraska 

Yaire Ojeda, criminal justice, Lexington, Nebraska 

Gracie Flamig, criminal justice, Papillion, Nebraska 

Ella Cowan, criminal justice, Lincoln, Nebraska 

Concordia University, Nebraska’s Criminal Justice and Behavioral Science programs prepare students to serve and lead in fields such as law enforcement, forensic science, social work and public policy. With hands-on learning, faith-focused faculty and opportunities like study tours and internships, students are equipped to make a meaningful impact in their communities and beyond.