MS in Criminal Justice
Joe Ponte, 2025
I am a retired Marine and served 32 years in law enforcement. My time at George Mason often challenged my well-established beliefs about law enforcement practices, and it was an honor to learn from the amazing faculty that make up the Criminal Justice program! The students in the MS Criminal Justice program are very impressive, and it was a privilege to learn alongside each and every one of them.
What was your specific area of study and how did you choose it? If you completed a dissertation, thesis, or capstone, please describe it.
My specific area of focus was criminal justice, and I chose it as an extension of my law enforcement career. My capstone project consisted of Gun Violence and evaluating the effectiveness of public policy across the United States. I chose this topic because of its complexity and because it is a contemporary and complex issue.
How did your academic experiences in the College of Humanities and Social Sciences impact you?
My academic experience was extremely positive. First, the cadre of professors are leading experts in the criminal justice field, they are perfectly augmented by practitioners who hold impressive subject-matter-expert credentials and extensive experience in the government and private sector. The program demanded critical thinking and research-based problem-solving to analyze complex issues and policy outcomes.
Which accomplishments during your time at George Mason are you most proud of?
The practical application of criminal justice theories to contemporary and complex social issues was a particularly valuable aspect of my experience. Equally rewarding was learning processes that facilitate the analysis and application of large datasets to support evidence-based conclusions. These new skills are directly applicable to my current role as a law enforcement subject matter expert within the Department of Defense.
Are there faculty or staff members who made a difference during your George Mason career?
Generally speaking, every faculty member significantly contributed to my academic success. If I had to pick a couple, I would highlight Professor Matt D'anna, Professor David Wilson, and Professor Catherine Gallagher. Of course, the CLS team that makes this machine run is also incredible, and I would highlight Brielle DeMatteo as an unsung hero of the program that is worthy of special recognition.
What advice would you give to an incoming cohort of graduate students?
Pursuing a life of service is truly admirable, and this program effectively prepares you for it. Take full advantage of the academic and professional opportunities offered by the university and the program. Feed your intellectual curiosity daily, challenge your assumptions, and actively seek mentorships. At the same time, be intentional about building your professional network and aggressively pursue career opportunities that align with your passion and purpose. Don't let anyone ever out-hustle you!
What are your current career plans following graduation? What are your long-term career goals?
I had the honor and privilege to serve our beloved nation as a United States Marine for 32 years. As a consequence, my long-term goals have turned into short-term goals. I was recently blessed with an employment opportunity to serve as a law enforcement subject-matter-expert in the Department of Defense. I plan to remain in this role while supporting our warriors who currently serve in a law enforcement capacity in the DoD.