• FBI Agent
• State Trooper
• Municipal or Local Law Enforcement
• Corrections Officer or Correctional Counselor
• Secret Service Agent
• Deputy Coroner
• Crime Scene Technician
• ATF Agent (Alcohol, Tobacco, and Firearms)
• Victim’s Advocate
• Border Patrol Agent
• Substance Abuse Counselor
• Game Warden
• Air Marshal
• Customs Agent
• Probation/Parole officer
• Sheriff
• US Marshal
• Addictions Counselor
• Law School
• Graduate School

The core courses of the Criminology program are designed to provide a solid foundation and essential body of knowledge across the principal components of the Criminal Justice System. It is from that core knowledge that students are able to progress into select specializations, certificates, concentrations, and minors that will further prepare them for their future career.

Some of the exceptional locations our students have participated in Internships are:

• Federal Bureau of Investigation
• Pennsylvania Office of the Attorney General
• State Police/Local Law Enforcement
• Federal, State, and County Prisons
• Coroner’s Office
• Prosecutor’s Office
• Public Defender’s Office
• Sheriff’s Department
• Victim’s Services
• Addictions Counseling
• Juvenile and Adult Probation and Parole
• Court of Common Pleas

At Mount Aloysius College, our Criminology program is designed to cultivate not only knowledgeable and skilled professionals but also thoughtful, ethical leaders in the field of criminal justice. Grounded in rigorous academic study and enriched by practical experience, the program challenges students to engage critically with the social, historical, and theoretical dimensions of crime and justice. Students emerge with the ability to analyze complex societal issues, apply research-driven insights, and communicate effectively across diverse professional contexts. With a curriculum rooted in social justice, the program instills a commitment to ethical practice, respect for human dignity, and the belief in rehabilitation and positive societal change—preparing graduates to make meaningful contributions in a variety of careers, from law enforcement and investigative work to policy, research, and advocacy. Our students are learning with the tools of today’s and tomorrow’s criminal justice system – not yesterday’s – they are prepared to make an immediate impact in complex professional environments upon entering the field.

• Knowledge Base in Criminology – Students will demonstrate depth of fundamental knowledge and comprehension of the major concepts, theoretical perspectives, historical trends, and empirical findings to discuss how criminological principles apply to social phenomena;
• Scientific Inquiry and Critical Thinking – Students will demonstrate skills and concepts in interpreting behavior and evaluating research to draw conclusions about criminological phenomena;
• Ethical and Social Responsibility in a Diverse World – Students will demonstrate proficiency with the formal regulations that govern professional ethics in criminology and demonstrate that they have adopted the values that will contribute to positive outcomes in personal and professional settings and in building a society responsive to multicultural and global concerns;
• Communication – Students will demonstrate the ability to construct a cogent argument, present information orally and/or in written form, engage in discussion of criminological concepts, explain the ideas of others, and express their own ideas with clarity, as well as produce a research study or other criminological project; and
• Professional Development – Students will be able to apply criminology-specific content and skills to succeed in postbaccalaureate employment, graduate school, professional school, and/or professional organizations.

The curriculum has a social justice focus that advances the following core values:

1. a recognition of the innate worth of all human beings, including criminal offenders;
2. a belief in the potential for criminal offenders to be reintegrated into society;
3. a recognition of the responsibility of the criminal offender to make good faith efforts to change; and
4. a belief in society’s responsibility to assist the offender change process by providing reasonable assistance.

Meet the Faculty & Staff

Joseph Bobak

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

Elizabeth Mansley

Professor of Criminology

Criminology Advisory Committee

• Bill Hagmaier – one of the most respected figures in modern criminal profiling, served as a legendary FBI Supervisory Special Agent and a founding member of the Bureau’s elite Behavioral Analysis Unit. Over the course of his distinguished career, Hagmaier worked on some of the nation’s most complex and high-profile homicide and serial offender cases, earning a reputation for his methodical approach, exceptional insight, and unwavering dedication to victims and their families. His work helped shape the evolution of behavioral analysis, offender interviewing techniques, and interagency investigative strategies. Renowned for his deep professionalism and integrity, Hagmaier has trained thousands of investigators across the country, sharing his extensive experience in behavioral patterns, violent crime analysis, and investigative decision-making. His contributions to the field have had a lasting impact on how serious crimes are approached and understood. By lending his expertise to the Mount Aloysius College Criminology Advisory Committee, Hagmaier provides students and faculty with access to one of the most knowledgeable voices in behavioral criminology, enriching the program with unparalleled real-world insight.
• Lt. Commander Vernon Geberth (Ret.) – Widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in modern homicide investigation. As a longtime NYPD commander and nationally respected trainer, he developed investigative approaches that set the standard for professionalism and precision in death investigations. He is best known as the author of Practical Homicide Investigation, widely regarded as the “bible” of homicide investigation by detectives and forensic specialists across the world. His extensive field experience, commitment to rigorous investigative protocol, and decades of teaching have shaped how thousands of investigators approach crime scenes, evidence interpretation, and case analysis. His impact on the field continues to guide best practices and elevate the quality of homicide investigation nationwide.
• Joe Pistone – is a former Special Agent of the Federal Bureau of Investigation whose distinguished career includes one of the most significant undercover operations in federal law enforcement history. His six-year deep-cover infiltration of the Bonanno crime family—widely known through its later depiction in the movie Donnie Brasco—contributed to landmark prosecutions and set new professional standards for long-term covert investigations. Pistone’s work has been recognized for its profound impact on federal strategies to combat organized crime and for advancing the operational doctrine used by undercover personnel across agencies. Throughout his tenure with the FBI, Pistone developed and instructed advanced methodologies in covert operations, informant handling, enterprise investigations, and organized crime intelligence. In retirement, he has continued to serve the field as an author, subject-matter expert, and consultant, regularly providing guidance to domestic and international law enforcement organizations. As a member of the Criminology and Forensic Investigation Advisory Committee, Pistone brings authoritative expertise in organized crime, undercover operations, and investigative risk management. His experience offers valuable insight for program development, experiential training initiatives, and the preparation of students for complex investigative roles in modern law enforcement.
• Dr. Cyril Wecht (In Memoriam) – Internationally renowned forensic pathologist and one of the most influential figures in modern medicolegal death investigation. Dr. Wecht was a tremendous supporter of the Mount Aloysius College Criminology program, offering guidance, encouragement, and a strong belief in the College’s mission to prepare the next generation of justice professionals. Over a career spanning more than six decades, he conducted tens of thousands of autopsies, consulted on many of the world’s most high-profile cases, and set national standards for scientific rigor, independence, and ethical practice in forensic pathology. He was a prolific author, educator, and lecturer whose insights shaped how students, investigators, attorneys, and medical professionals understand cause and manner of death, evidence interpretation, and the intersection of medicine and the law. His legacy continues to inspire the Mount Aloysius community and remains a benchmark of excellence for the discipline.
• Dr. Ann Wolbert Burgess – is one of the most influential figures in the history of forensic nursing, victimology, and trauma research. A pioneering scholar and clinician, Dr. Burgess played a foundational role in shaping modern approaches to the investigation and understanding of sexual assault, child abuse, and interpersonal violence. Her groundbreaking work with the FBI’s Behavioral Science Unit helped develop early frameworks for understanding the psychology of violent offenders, contributing directly to the evolution of criminal profiling and forensic behavioral analysis. Over her decades of scholarship, Dr. Burgess has authored numerous landmark publications, advanced data-driven methods for assessing trauma, and trained generations of professionals across nursing, mental health, and criminology. Her research continues to influence national policy, investigative procedures, and clinical best practices. Dr. Burgess’s presence on the Mount Aloysius College Criminology Advisory Committee brings unparalleled expertise in victim-centered practice, offender behavior, and trauma-informed care. Her contributions help ensure that the program remains deeply grounded in evidence-based approaches and remains committed to both the scientific and human dimensions of justice.
• Kirk Bloodsworth – stands as one of the most significant figures in modern American justice reform. As the first individual in the United States to be exonerated from death row through DNA evidence, Bloodsworth’s story transformed the national conversation about wrongful convictions and the use of forensic science in capital cases. After his exoneration, he became a leading advocate for criminal justice reform, dedicating his life to preventing miscarriages of justice and promoting the responsible use of forensic technology. His work with organizations such as the Innocence Protection Act and his instrumental role in advancing post-conviction DNA testing laws have had a profound and lasting impact on the integrity of the justice system. Bloodsworth’s unwavering commitment to truth and fairness continues to inspire future generations of criminologists, forensic professionals, and legal advocates.
• Thomas Hargrove – is the Founder and Chairman of the Murder Accountability Project, a nonprofit organization that uses data science to identify patterns in unsolved homicides and bring attention to potential serial murder cases across the United States. A former national investigative journalist, Hargrove pioneered the use of algorithmic crime pattern detection, developing the Hargrove Algorithm, a data-driven system that has been credited with identifying clusters of related killings that traditional investigative methods often overlook. His groundbreaking work has been featured in numerous national outlets and has directly assisted law enforcement agencies in reexamining unsolved cases. Hargrove’s commitment to transparency, accountability, and innovation has redefined how murder data is analyzed and used in public policy, making him one of the most influential figures in the modern study of homicide investigation and crime data analytics.
• Stacey Porter – brings a wealth of leadership experience and strategic insight to the Mount Aloysius College Criminology Advisory Committee. A respected member of the Mount Aloysius College Board of Trustees and Founder of Porter Global Security, Porter has spent his career advancing organizational safety, risk management, and crisis preparedness in both public and private sectors. His firm provides cutting-edge security consulting and operational solutions to corporations and government agencies around the world. With a deep understanding of international security dynamics and the importance of ethical leadership, Porter’s perspective bridges the worlds of higher education, business strategy, and public safety. His guidance helps ensure that the Mount Aloysius Criminology program remains globally aware, professionally focused, and deeply attuned to the realities of today’s security landscape.
• The Honorable Richard Varner – Magisterial District Judge and Executive Director of the Center for Law Enforcement Education, brings decades of judicial and instructional experience to the committee. Judge Varner has dedicated his career to advancing professionalism and accountability within law enforcement through comprehensive training and continuing education. His dual perspective as both a sitting judge and an educator provides invaluable insight into the intersection of theory and practice within the justice system. Through his leadership, Judge Varner has helped shape generations of officers and legal professionals who uphold the highest standards of integrity and service. His expertise supports Mount Aloysius College’s mission to prepare criminology students for meaningful and ethical careers within the justice system.
• Erika Brosig – serves as the Chief Operating Officer of Victim Services, Inc. and is a certified Trauma Specialist with extensive experience in victim advocacy and trauma-informed care. Over her distinguished career, she has worked to ensure that victims of crime receive compassionate, evidence-based support while also guiding systemic improvements in the way justice institutions address trauma. Her leadership and research emphasize the importance of empathy, interdisciplinary collaboration, and restorative justice within modern criminology. Her voice on the advisory committee reinforces Mount Aloysius College’s commitment to victim-centered education, preparing students to understand the human impact of crime and the vital role of trauma awareness in achieving true justice.
• Michael Burgan – Retired Chief of the Richland Police Department – brings more than three decades of law enforcement experience marked by integrity, leadership, and community engagement. Throughout his distinguished career, Chief Burgan oversaw complex investigations, implemented community policing initiatives, and mentored countless officers dedicated to ethical service. His leadership was instrumental in fostering trust between law enforcement and the community while integrating advanced investigative and forensic techniques into daily police work. On the Mount Aloysius College Criminology Advisory Committee, Burgan’s practical insight into police operations and investigative management provides students and faculty with a real-world understanding of the challenges and responsibilities of modern policing.
• Gregory Neugebauer – District Attorney and incoming Judge of the Court of Common Pleas – offers a vital prosecutorial and judicial perspective to the advisory committee. As District Attorney, Neugebauer has overseen complex criminal cases and worked tirelessly to uphold justice, fairness, and the public trust. His forthcoming role as a judge reflects his long-standing dedication to balanced jurisprudence and ethical decision-making. Neugebauer’s extensive experience in both prosecution and judicial administration enables him to provide Mount Aloysius students with an informed understanding of courtroom dynamics, case strategy, and the ethical challenges inherent in the justice system. His commitment to public service exemplifies the values at the heart of the Mount Aloysius Criminology program.
• Joseph Hribar – Chief Deputy Coroner of Cambria County, is a proud alumnus of the Mount Aloysius College Criminology program and now teaches in the College’s Forensic Investigative Genetic Genealogy certificate program. With extensive experience in medicolegal death investigation, Hribar applies scientific precision and professionalism to determining causes and manners of death. His expertise in death scene analysis, autopsy coordination, and interagency collaboration bridges classroom learning with real-world forensic practice. As both an accomplished professional and dedicated educator, Hribar exemplifies the excellence and applied learning that define the Mount Aloysius Criminology program.