Commencement Close-up: Patrick Ruettiger to try out new degree

(May 9, 2002)--Not long after Patrick Ruettiger's tour of duty with the U.S. Air Force brought him to San Antonio, he decided to pursue a master's degree in criminal justice. He chose UTSA's M.S. program in justice policy, which prepares graduates for policy planning and managerial positions in criminal justice agencies, and for doctoral study in criminal justice and other policy sciences.

"I soon found that the UTSA College of Public Policy offered much more than an advanced criminal justice degree," says Ruettiger. "The justice policy program has trained us to see crime and justice issues in a different light, guiding us through a comprehensive study of the nature of crime, crime control and justice-policy issues. Each class is designed to build upon the others, so that the student is systematically exposed to a wide array of aspects of our justice system," he says.

He is coming away from the program with a "concrete understanding" of how justice policy is formulated and implemented, as well as the theoretical frameworks and legal foundations of justice. He especially enjoyed the research-methods classes for their hands-on opportunities with data manipulation and analysis. He also had praise for the program's dedicated faculty, who shared of their years of expertise while allowing each student to formulate individual insights.

"Justice policy is 'where the rubber meets the road.' It is the application of abstract concepts and ideas to practical issues in America today." Ruettiger believes the program has also lived up to its promise. "I do feel prepared to pursue a professional career in a criminal justice agency or to further my education in the field."

Soon after commencement, Ruettiger will also complete his military service and return with wife Jennifer to his native Illinois, where he will pursue a career in academia: teaching, conducting research and pursuing a post-graduate degree.

Adds former instructor Associate Professor of Criminal Justice Mike Gilbert, "Patrick has been quite a remarkable student. We couldn't be more pleased with our first public policy graduate.

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Commencement Close-up: Patrick Ruettiger to try out new degree
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