Flexibility and educational support allowed Jennifer Jeffra to take the next steps

As a mother and a full-time police officer wanting to continue her education, Jennifer Jeffra needed a program that allowed her the flexibility to manage her various responsibilities.

“After more than 20 years in the field, I wanted to expand my knowledge and gain insight into law enforcement academically,” she said. “I wanted to prepare for the next phase of my career that would involve my stepping into leadership roles and possibly teaching.”

Jennifer completed a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice last year and her master’s this year at Trine University.

She was honored for the Class of 2026 as the Outstanding Student for the Master of Science with a criminal justice major (MSCJ) program, in addition to being named the top Bachelor of Science in criminal justice (BSCJ) student for the Class of 2025 last year.

Reasonable pace, practical application

She enjoyed the MSCJ program’s pace.

“It helped me stay on schedule without being too stressed,” she said. “I also liked how the assignments I had to complete were relevant to real-world scenarios, as it helped me practice what I was learning for my job.”

In addition to the quality education she received, Jennifer appreciated the support given by her professors and advisors.

“I learned to be more confident in myself and that I could do much more than I originally thought,” she said. “I gained new academic abilities, but I also learned a lot about myself and how to defy my own limits.”

She plans to become an adjunct instructor and enroll in a doctoral program.

“This experience taught me that it is never too late to invest in yourself and achieve your goals,” she said.