Exploring TU's DCJ program

Tiffin University recently welcomed their second doctoral program to campus, a Doctorate of Criminal Justice (DCJ), that features three specialized tracks: Leadership and Administration, Forensic Psychology and Teaching Criminal Justice. Pete Piraino, associate professor of Criminal Justice & National Security Studies, serves as the primary instructor for the program. In addition to being an educator, Piraino is a recent retiree of the United States Secret Service, where he served as Resident Agent in Charge of its Toledo Resident Office, overseeing Secret Service operations for the 21 counties of Northwest Ohio. Why DCJ? According to Piraino, the university is always looking to meet the needs of students and the industries they serve. "The DCJ program was born from a recognition that criminal justice professionals are facing increasingly complex challenges that require advanced education and leadership skills," said Piraino. He continued, explaining that by offering this program, the university can prepare these professionals to tackle those challenges head-on while also supporting the university's desire to offer innovative, practical education. "This program is a natural extension of Tiffin's growth as a leader in criminal justice education and our commitment to shaping the future of the field," said Piriano. According to Piriano, one of those complex challenges is the need for advanced leadership in the field. By working closely with alumni, industry experts, and faculty who have decades of practical experience, these gaps are able to be identified– the program is then able to address these challenges by placing focus on leadership, policy development, and practical application. "The criminal justice system is evolving rapidly, with new technologies, shifting policies, and growing societal expectations. Professionals need not only technical expertise but also the ability to lead in dynamic, complex environments," said Piriano. Specialized Tracks As previously mentioned, the course will feature three specialized tracks: Leadership and Administration, Forensic Psychology, and Teaching Criminal Justice. When asked to break each of these tracks down further, Piriano shared the following details: Leadership and Administration prepare students to take on executive roles, focusing on managing organizations, developing policies, and leading teams. Forensic Psychology addresses the growing importance of psychological expertise in criminal justice, particularly in areas like offender profiling, mental health assessments, and trauma-informed care. Teaching Criminal Justice equips students to educate the next generation of professionals, ensuring the field remains dynamic and forward-looking. "These areas reflect TU's strategic focus on addressing the real-world demands of the criminal justice profession," said Piriano. Blended Learning Format The program will be taught in a blended learning format– with both online coursework and required on-campus residencies and is designed to be completed in just two years, assuming two courses are taken per term. "This decision allows us to meet students where they are—professionals with demanding careers," said Piriano. He explained that the online component offers flexibility, enabling them to balance their education with their work and personal lives. Piriano added, saying "The on-campus residencies, however, are a critical piece– They foster a sense of community, provide opportunities for face-to-face mentorship, and allow students to collaborate with peers and faculty in a way that's hard to replicate online." This balance, according to Piriano, ensures students get the best of both worlds: flexibility and connection. Applied Research Project Another requirement for the doctoral program is an applied research project, as opposed to a traditional dissertation. Piriano explained that this allows students to focus on solving real-world problems, rather than conducting purely academic research. For the project, students must identify a challenge in their workplace or community and develop actionable solutions. Piriano shared an example where a student might analyze the effectiveness of a new community policing initiative in reducing crime or design a program to improve officer wellness and mental health. The project's goal is to ensure their work has immediate, tangible benefits. "Problem-solving is the essence of an applied doctoral degree, as opposed to a traditional PhD degree in which new knowledge must be discovered through research," said Piriano. He continued, explaining that the applied research project emphasizes practical impact – something that he feels sets TU's program apart from similar programs. "While many doctoral programs emphasize theory and research, we've designed the DCJ to solve real-world problems and prepare leaders for action," said Piriano. "The specialized tracks, the applied research focus, and the blended learning format all reflect our commitment to innovation and relevance." Career and Community Advancement Piriano shared that he feels this is a "a game-changer" in regard to career advancement, explaining graduates will be well-positioned for senior leadership roles, such as police chief, corrections director, or federal agency executives. "Others might transition into academia, sharing their expertise by teaching the next generation of criminal justice professionals," said Piriano. "Some might even leverage their applied research projects to drive innovation in their current organizations or start new initiatives." According to Piriano, the program's impact is aimed to be felt in two ways: First, it will elevate the quality of leadership in the field– allowing graduates to make meaningful changes in their organizations. Secondly, these changes will ripple out to the communities they serve– whether through improved public safety, more effective policies, or better engagement with diverse populations. In closing, Piriano shared the following: "This program is about more than earning a degree—it's about shaping the future of criminal justice in a way that aligns with Tiffin University's goal to create leaders who make a difference." Instructor Background Piraino has been a sworn law enforcement officer for 33 years, and earned his PhD in Public Policy from Walden University after completing a Masters in Counseling Psychology at Governors State University. Per his biography on the university's website, Dr. Piraino has an extensive career in law enforcement– beginning his career as an officer in suburban Chicago where he served the department for 8 years. He then would go on to become a Special Agent for the (then named) Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco and Firearms where he would investigate arson for profit and federal firearms violations, and eventually again as a Special Agent in the Chicago Field Office of the Secret Service. Some of his most notable assignments, per the university's website, were Vice Presidential Protective Division in Washington, D.C. under then Vice President Cheney, as Protective Detail Leader for Mary Cheney, the daughter of the Vice President, and in the Intelligence Division.