Faculty Spotlight: Dr. Leah Butler, Master of Science in Criminal Justice

For Dr. Leah Butler, both theory and research are crucial to the study of criminal justice.

Dr. Butler is a faculty member within the School of Criminal Justice (SCJ) at the University of Cincinnati. Her main research focuses have included corrections and correctional policy, public opinion of criminal justice policy, victimization, and intimate partner violence.

We had the pleasure of speaking to Dr. Butler about her journey in academia, her research, and her teaching philosophy at UC.

A Writer’s Approach to Criminal Justice

Given Dr. Butler’s impressive background as a criminal justice researcher and instructor, it may come as a surprise that she did not start college as a criminal justice student. She began her studies at Ohio University as an English major, providing her foundational skills as a writer that she’s utilized throughout her career. Then what prompted her interest in criminal justice?

“To be completely honest, I first became interested in criminology because I was watching a lot of the TV show Criminal Minds during my freshman year of college,” Dr. Butler recalls. “I was also taking an introduction to sociology class at the time, and I enjoyed the sociological perspective on crime.” This course led Dr. Butler to pursue a double major in sociology-criminology alongside her English degree.

Dr. Butler initially dreamed of becoming an FBI criminal profiler. However, following a formative undergraduate research experience with Dr. Tom Vander Ven of Ohio University, she shifted her focus to pursuing similar opportunities. Through this experience, Dr. Butler says, “I learned that my passion for understanding the world and my love of writing made me well-suited to a career as a researcher.”

A Bearcat Homecoming

Upon finishing her bachelor’s degree, she earned her MA in sociology from Ohio University and completed her thesis on social interactions surrounding marijuana use. It was at this point that Dr. Butler found herself at UC to complete her PhD in criminal justice. Her dissertation was on racial attitudes and public opinion of criminal justice policy, one of her main focuses as a researcher.

After three years as a faculty member at the University of Nebraska at Omaha, she returned to the UC School of Criminal Justice—this time as a tenure-track assistant professor. When asked what prompted her return to UC, Dr. Butler cites both her doctoral experience at UC and the criminal justice students themselves.

“As a faculty member, I was looking for a university where I could teach outstanding students and have support to conduct the research I’m passionate about,” she says. She’s found that the School of Criminal Justice, ranked fourth in the country, has been not only a fantastic teaching environment but also “an incredible place to be a researcher.”

A Lifelong Researcher

Dr. Butler’s passion for research has always been at the heart of her career. With the SCJ boasting “some of the top researchers in the world,” Dr. Butler has been right at home amongst the criminal justice faculty.

Alongside her teaching commitments, she actively conducts research in two areas: public opinion of criminal justice policy, as well as victimization. This research has involved surveying adults in the U.S. on their experiences with victimization and mass violence. In collaboration with her colleagues and students, Dr. Butler has combined her criminology expertise and her skill as a writer to publish more than 20 papers based on her research.

Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Butler’s research background has greatly informed her approach to teaching. She currently teaches classes on varied topics, ranging from community and environmental criminology to public opinion and policy. In each of her courses, she emphasizes the value of writing effectively, conducting and interpreting research, and being able to read research articles efficiently.

“I try to teach students that even if they do not want to become an academic researcher, understanding research methods and theory will make them better at any job,” she says. Another cornerstone of Dr. Butler’s teaching philosophy is allowing students to engage with her courses in varied and creative ways. This might include assigning written material as well as audio-visual content, such as videos or podcasts.

Bringing Theory to the Real World

Every course that Dr. Butler teaches has a key through line: the connection between theory, research, and actual practices in the criminal justice system. “Students might read a theoretical article about what crime prevention strategies should work,” she explains. After that, her class discusses what policies or practices might be effective “if that theory is correct.” By diving into research on how policies play out in real-world scenarios, Dr. Butler’s students learn where theory and practice align—and where other methods may prove more effective.

Most importantly, this research-based approach fosters critical thinking skills that are crucial to a career in criminal justice. “It ensures that they are always on the cutting edge of best approaches to crime, justice, or serving victims,” Dr. Butler says. “Thinking critically about the status quo can lead a person to eliminate a practice that is not working well and replace it with a new approach that does work.”

Advice for Students

Whether you’re pursuing a career in criminal justice or a different field, Dr. Butler’s advice is relevant: “The most applicable skills to just about any career are the ability to read efficiently and to write critically.” Your ability to communicate and understand others is essential to reading police reports, writing emails, and everything in between.

Dr. Butler’s courses serve as excellent preparation for this reason, setting criminal justice students up for success in a competitive job market. She also encourages students to leverage the power of their UC degree. “Don’t be afraid to brag a little,” she says. The SCJ’s high ranking, as well as the criminal justice program’s rigorous curriculum, ensure that UC graduates stand out amongst the crowd!

Want to Learn More About Criminal Justice at UC?

We’re so grateful to have Dr. Butler as a member of our esteemed faculty. Just as she makes a difference in the lives of her students, you can make a difference in the justice system, too. If you’re ready to pursue a career in criminal justice, you can earn your BS in criminal justice or MS in criminal justice through UC!

Best of all, you can learn from Dr. Butler and others through our 100% online programs. You’ll find that an online degree program offers the same quality of education while allowing you more flexibility to balance school, work, and life.

Want to learn more? Contact an Enrollment Advisor today! UC’s dedicated online staff is here to guide you.