Headshot of Joseph Bobak

Dr. Joseph Bobak

Dept. Chair - Justice, Law & Society; Professor of Criminology

Biography

Dr. Joseph Bobak is a distinguished forensic criminologist and educator whose career spans more than two decades of academic leadership, professional practice, and interdisciplinary program develop Expand for more

Dr. Joseph Bobak is a distinguished forensic criminologist and educator whose career spans more than two decades of academic leadership, professional practice, and interdisciplinary program development. He serves as Professor of Criminology and Chair of the Department of Justice, Law, and Society at Mount Aloysius College, where his leadership has helped the department grow into one of the nation’s most respected centers for criminology and forensic education. As the founder of the College’s Forensic Investigation program, Dr. Bobak developed a pioneering curriculum that integrates scientific rigor, investigative methodology, and hands-on experience. His vision has positioned Mount Aloysius as a leader in applied forensic education, providing students with direct engagement in industry techniques, investigative technologies, and real-world case analysis. He also played a major role in creating the College’s Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy (FIGG) certificate, expanding student access to cutting-edge investigative tools. Dr. Bobak is an active member of several major professional organizations, including the American Academy of Forensic Sciences, the International Homicide Investigators Association, and the International Association of Crime Analysts. These affiliations help ensure that programs remain aligned with current investigative standards and evolving criminological and forensic practices. A specialist in violent crime analysis, forensic investigation, and applied criminology, he collaborates with law enforcement on contemporary investigative challenges, including criminal behavioral analysis, death investigations, crime scene analysis, cold cases, and evidence-based strategies. He frequently integrates real-world cases into coursework and invites practitioners to join him in providing students with experiential learning opportunities that mirror professional investigative environments. A dedicated mentor, Dr. Bobak supports students in developing professional readiness and pursuing successful careers in criminal justice and forensic fields. Many alumni credit his guidance as central to their career development. He is also frequently consulted on criminal behavior, violent crime, cold cases, and investigative trends, contributing to public conversations on crime and forensic science.

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Education

B.A, Mount Aloysius College
M.A., Indiana University of Pennsylvania
Grad. Cert., Cyril H. Wecht Institute of Forensic Science and Law from Duquesne Law School
Ph.D., Capella University

Areas of Interest

  • Violent, Serial, and Sexually Motivated Crime
  • Criminal Behavioral Analysis
  • Serial Offenders
  • Medicolegal Death Investigation
  • Equivocal Death Analysis
  • Cold Case Investigation
  • Crime Scene Analysis
  • Witness Memory
  • Autoerotic Fatalities