“Since its inception, Flagler College’s Criminology program has integrated a rigorous, interdisciplinary liberal education with practical, hands-on experience,” said Associate Professor of Criminology Josh Behl.
Established in 2015, Flagler College’s Criminology Program offers a comprehensive, multi-faceted approach to studying criminal behavior and the criminal justice system. It combines theoretical instruction from expert faculty with practical experience through internships and research opportunities.
A multidisciplinary field bridging theory and practice
Modern criminology spans various fields, including political science, international relations, psychology, economics, philosophy, and law. This broad scope addresses the nature and frequency of crime, the origins of criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of crime control measures.
“This approach offers students unique opportunities to engage in meaningful research with faculty and internships in the community while also allowing them to take courses from our distinguished pre-law program,” noted Professor Behl.
Since its introduction nearly a decade ago, criminology has become one of Flagler’s largest and most popular majors. Despite its growth, the program remains agile, continuously refining its curriculum based on best practices and student feedback. The curriculum focuses on understanding the nature, causes, control, and prevention of criminal behavior in individuals and society. Students explore topics like evidence examination, the origins of criminal behavior, and the effectiveness of various punishment and rehabilitation methods.
Expert faculty as the backbone
The success of Flagler’s Criminology program is driven by a dedicated faculty committed to quality teaching and creating a transformative learning environment. The team includes three full-time faculty members: Associate Professor Joshua Behl and Assistant Professors Kelly Vannan and Jordan Bos.
Professor Behl with students
With diverse academic backgrounds and extensive field experience, Flagler’s Criminology professors take a hands-on approach to instruction. They offer varied perspectives and training, ensuring students receive a challenging and comprehensive education.
Their dedication extends beyond the classroom. Criminology professors foster a supportive academic community by collaborating with students on research projects, attending conferences together, and offering mentorship through internship and graduate school applications.
From classroom to career: Alumni find successful outcomes
Graduates of Flagler’s Criminology program are well-prepared for various careers in both the public and private sectors, ranging from FBI agents to social workers. The program emphasizes critical thinking, effective communication, and problem-solving skills, which are highly valued by employers and graduate schools alike.
“The success of this model is reflected in the impressive outcomes of our graduates, who have secured positions with local and state law enforcement agencies, juvenile and adult probation departments, and have been accepted into prestigious graduate and law schools nationwide,” Behl said.
Kyle Hewit – Class of 2017
Kyle Hewit said his journey from Flagler College to his current PhD candidacy in Criminology at the University of Florida has been marked by significant personal and professional growth. His double major in psychology and criminology prepared him for the challenges of his first role in prison work, where he applied his academic knowledge to real-world situations, using abstract concepts to understand violent behaviors.
“My education prepared me to understand and categorize these behaviors, but nothing could have prepared me for the emotional toll,” he said.
Support from his academic advisor, Professor Behl, gave him the confidence to pursue graduate school in light of the emotional turmoil he faced.
“I decided to apply for graduate school, but it wasn’t until I reached out to my former advisor, Dr. Joshua Behl, that I gained the confidence needed to take the first steps into true academic scholarship,” Hewit said. “Fast forward eight years, and I am now a fifth-year PhD... on the verge of graduating and officially being deemed an expert in my field.”
Omega Adams – Class of 2022
"Flagler College was a pivotal steppingstone that equipped me for the rigors of law school and advocating for others,” Omega Adams said. “None of these achievements would have been possible without the nurturing guidance and immersive education Flagler College provided me."
Adams noted that Flagler’s Criminology and Pre-Law departments equipped her with practical insights and a robust curriculum that honed her critical thinking, research, and writing skills. These skills propelled her to become the Student Materials Editor of the Cumberland Law Review and a Judge Abraham Caruthers Fellow for Legal Writing.
Her achievements are a testament to the nurturing guidance and immersive education she received at Flagler.
Brett Hardwick – Class of 2017
After attending the law enforcement academy, Brett Hardwick became a deputy with the St. Johns County Sheriff’s Office and later transitioned to a rotorcraft pilot with the local Sheriff’s Office and the Florida Army National Guard. He said his experiences at Flagler, including interactions with guest speakers and supportive professors, were instrumental in his professional development.
“Many of these individuals influenced me into entering a career within law enforcement and encouraged me to continue with further education,” he said. “I am thankful for the people and my experiences at Flagler College in helping develop my personal and occupational success.”
Shane Nelson – Class of 2024
Shane Nelson attributes his readiness for the rigorous demands of his PhD journey at the University of Florida to his time at Flagler College, where he engaged in undergraduate research and presented at national conferences. Collaborating with Professors Jordan Bos and Joshua Behl, Nelson served as a research assistant, working on coding data, analyzing transcripts, and preparing research manuscripts.
He said that the core values he cultivated during his military service and at Flagler have significantly influenced his academic path.
"The only thing that can take you to your goals in life is your mind, its effective use, and following through on the good ideas it supplies you,” Nelson said.
Flagler’s emphasis on critical thinking and hands-on experience in criminal justice prepared Nelson for the deep academic exploration and advanced research methodologies he now engages with in his PhD program.
“My PhD journey at the University of Florida has been challenging but fruitful, thanks to the solid foundation I received at Flagler College,” he said.
Gabby Kelly – Class of 2022
“My time as a Criminology student at Flagler College equipped me with the academic and life skills needed to gracefully embrace each new chapter since my graduation in May of 2022," Gabby Kelly said.
Kelly said Flagler’s campus environment encouraged her to engage in leadership and community-building activities, such as founding the Black Female Development Circle Flagler Chapter. She said that meaningful connections with professors and staff helped her navigate professional relationships and achieve milestones like presenting research at the U.S. Attorney’s Office and completing her Criminal Justice Master’s program with a 4.0 GPA.
“As I look to the future, I feel inspired and prepared by my experiences as a Flagler Saint to continue building my legacy,” Kelly said.
