MS in Criminal Justice

Tara Smith, 2024

When are you graduating?

Spring 2024

Describe your dissertation, thesis, or capstone:

My research project for Crim 517 was "A pandemic within a pandemic: An analytical look at the prevalence of domestic violence during the COVID-19 pandemic nationwide."

How did you choose your specific area of study?

I have worked in the legal field for the last 10 years of my federal service. Criminology is very interesting to me, and I love feeling part of the solution opposed to the problem.

How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?

CHSS has a great administrative staff (Brielle DeMateo) as well as a well-rounded staff of professors who bring a wealth of knowledge to the curricula and to the classroom.

Of which accomplishment(s) during your time at Mason are you most proud?

Remaining on the Dean's List throughout my master's program, while working full time and traveling significantly for my job with the United States Air Force. Again, the staff was stellar in being flexible with my robust traveling schedule, but I put in the work as if I was in person, and I'm proud of that work.

Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your Mason career?

Brielle is awesome! She has a heart of gold and goes above and beyond to help students when they need her assistance. If I name one staff member, I will have to name them all during this program because they each hold a special place in my heart and pushed me to my limit in each class. Whether that push came in the form of challenging my way of thinking, encouraging me to think outside of the box, or providing critical feedback and criticism to make me a better student.

What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?

Meet people, develop friendships, and never be afraid to ask for help. The first piece will ensure you find work-school balance and if they happen to be in your same cohort, you will have people who understand your struggles and challenges with the school work, and hopefully lend you a hand. Age doesn't mean maturity. I am a non-traditional student who worked full time and went to school at night. Information continuously flows through in this program, so if you miss something, don't understand something, or need clarity, ask. It will save you time and energy down the road.

What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?

I currently work for the Joint Task Force Office of Military Commissions. The mission we have is very voluminous but it's rewarding. I am currently applying to different positions within the federal government that will allow me to stay home more (less travel) so I can study for the LSAT this summer, and apply to law school this fall.