1. Winter/Spring 2011 7
For a relatively young institution, Hilbert College has had
a remarkable, transformative history. Now, the college is
poised for its next formative step as the institution prepares
for its first graduate programs designed to improve and,
ultimately, to take the careers of many working professionals
to a whole new level.
By Nicole Peradotto
I
n its rich history, Hilbert College
has reached a number of significant
educational milestones. From its
1957 founding as a teaching train-
ing college for the Franciscan Sisters
of St. Joseph, it opened its doors to lay
women in 1964 and lay men in 1969. In
1992, Hilbert launched its first bachelor
degree programs.
Now, the college is poised to embark
on the next stage of its evolution. Come
this fall, for the first time Hilbert will offer
graduate degree programs.
“The new graduate-level programs will
broaden Hilbert’s identity while adhering
to our core values,” says Hilbert President
Cynthia Zane, Ed.D. “Students being at
the center of what we do at Hilbert guid-
ed this important decision. The college’s
graduate programs are built on the very
same Franciscan principles Hilbert was
founded on and are being applied to a
new constituency of students.”
Hilbert is launching two master’s degree
programs: one leading to a master of sci-
ence in criminal justice administration
(MSCJA) and the other culminating in a
master of public administration (MPA),
making it, at present, the only master-
level program of its kind in Western New
York. Within each 18-month program,
it’s expected the first class will number
between 12-15 students and grow to a
maximum of 25 in five years.
Faculty and administrators expect both
36-credit hour degree tracks, which will
be taught by doctorally-prepared faculty,
will attract professionals seeking advance-
ment within their field, as well as tradi-
tional students, especially Hilbert alum-
ni. Graduates will be equipped for mid-
and upper-level administrative positions
in a myriad of criminal justice agencies,
including law enforcement, courts and
corrections, and government and non-
profit agencies.
With the New York State Education
Department having approved both pro-
grams this month, college stakeholders
eagerly anticipate taking their part in an
initiative that capitalizes on Hilbert’s exist-
ing strengths as it prepares graduates for
promising careers in WNY and beyond.
“This move reinforces Hilbert’s presence
in the community as a provider of a qual-
ity education and demonstrates that we
have well-credentialed faculty prepared to
teach at the undergraduate and graduate
level,” says Christopher Holoman, Ph.D.,
provost and vice president for academic
affairs, who headed the Graduate Program
Task Force.
Together, graduate students in both
programs will complete 15 credit hours
of core courses before they branch off
into advanced courses in their respective
disciplines.
“The core curriculum that’s been devel-
oped,” says Holoman, “will provide com-
mon academic experiences for students in
each program, creating a shared knowl-
edge base that will provide a richer inter-
disciplinary educational experience and
allow students to build skills that will be
readily applicable in their professional
field. Using this integrated approach, the
five core courses are designed to ensure a
foundational understanding of organiza-
tional management, finance and budget-
ing, statistics, program planning, and poli-
tics and policy analysis.”
All students also will complete a cap-
stone course in their program of study
that will integrate classroom learning and
concepts learned throughout the curricu-
lum that will culminate with a research
project.
Michael Degnan, Ph.D., chairperson of
the Arts and Sciences Division and pro-
fessor of English, who served on the task
force, says: “While there were several com-
pelling reasons for launching these pro-
grams, through the years, we heard from
a number of graduating students who
expressed strong interest in continuing
their graduate-level studies at Hilbert.”
As the programs get underway, task
force member Martin Floss, Ph.D., has
been named chair of the MSCJA program.
The college’s graduate programming will
“take Hilbert to a new level,” Floss asserts.
“This involves higher expectations and
a rigorous academic program,” says Floss,
professor of criminal justice and most
recently director of the Hilbert Institute
for Law and Justice. “The program will
pay off several-fold for our students as
it will position them to be exceptionally
well prepared for more opportunities in
the workplace.”
A Strategic Move
S
everal years of intense prepa-
ration brought Hilbert to this
point. The college’s graduate
degree programs emerged out of
Destination 2012, Hilbert’s five-
year strategic plan. The plan’s academic
programming goals called for a feasibility
study for graduate education to be com-
pleted in 2009 followed by a decision on
implementation.
To that end, the task force undertook
an exhaustive internal audit to deter-
mine whether the college was fully
equipped to offer graduate degree pro-
grams. Examining all aspects of Hilbert—
its infrastructure, facilities, technological
Graduate Program
Task Force:(left to right)
Dr. Martin Floss. Dr. Carol Nowak
Dr. Ron Eskew Dr. Christopher Holoman Dr. Michael Degnan
Edward Qualey (task force advisor) Dr. Yvonne Downes (shown on page 6)
Graduate
Programs
Mark a
6 Hilbert Connections
PHOTOSBYNANCYJ.PARISI
“We have been successful over
the past few decades attracting
and retaining very dedicated
undergraduates. Part of the
reason we can do that is because
of the wonderful environment we
have here. We build strong bonds.
With the graduate programs,
we will retain that sense of
connection.”
~ Dr. Yvonne Downes
NewEra

2. 8 Hilbert Connections
capabilities, faculty and staff—they deter-
mined that the college was, indeed, ready
to move forward.
“The timing was right,” says Carol
Nowak, Ph.D., associate professor of psy-
chology and a task force member. “This
is a natural progression for us. With our
strong undergraduate programs and from
an organizational point of view, it was
in the stars for graduate degrees to be
added.”
Determining which programs the col-
lege would offer was the next step for
task force members. While they consid-
ered several different options, ultimately,
they concluded that the MSCJA and the
MPA programs aligned with the college’s
strengths and its mission.
“These two programs rose to the top
because of our existing expertise in these
areas,” says Zane. “We have tremen-
dous expertise in criminal justice”—the
college’s largest division—“and related
strengths in areas in public administra-
tion. We felt strongly that we have the
infrastructure to launch these graduate
programs. In addition, the faculty have
wonderful networks in Western New York
to support our students in these fields.”
Throughout the process, Holoman says,
a key mandate for the task force was to
consider only those programs that trans-
lated to solid, stable careers.
“In this case, the statistics are rather clear
that there will not only be a demand for
jobs in these areas, but the demand will
grow in years to come,” says Holoman,
adding that an advanced degree is high-
ly desirable for career advancement in the
fields targeted by the graduate programs.
According to independent research con-
ducted for Hilbert by Hanover Research
Council, 505 criminal justice administra-
tion-related degrees were conferred at the
master’s level statewide in 2009, while an
average of 6,950 job openings are project-
ed to be available annually in New York
through growth and replacement.
Within the criminal justice field, a grow-
ing number of employers expect job can-
didates to hold advanced degrees, says
long-time Hilbert faculty member Edward
Qualey.
“Roughly 50 years ago, a college degree
wasn’t required, except in the FBI,” says
Qualey, chairperson of the Criminal
Justice/Forensic Science Division and
associate professor of criminal justice.
“But over the years, that’s changed. Many
fields in criminal justice require a degree
just for you to sit down and take a (quali-
fying) test. Many positions at the federal
level look for master’s degrees. And the
reality is when you get into the police acad-
emy, almost everyone has a college degree.
Hilbert’s criminal justice administration
program is a good fit for those in the
workforce who need more credentialing
and experience.”
In the MSCJA program, criminal law
and courts, penology and causes of crime
are among the focus areas for the 21 cred-
it hours of degree specific courses, all of
which cover essential advanced concepts
in criminal justice.
As for Hilbert’s MPA, “it’s a very popular
degree in other parts of the country,”
Holoman says, “and it’s increasingly seen
as a valuable alternative to other types of
degrees, whether an MBA or a law degree.
This is a multidisciplinary degree that
combines the best of those degrees for
mid- and upper-level managers in a wide
range of institutions.”
Employment prospects are bright for MPA
graduates. Hanover’s research revealed
that in 2009, 1,758 public administration-
related degrees were conferred at the bach-
elor’s and master’s levels, while an annual
average of 5,206 job openings are projected
for individuals with those degrees statewide.
Locally, WNY is home to an abundance
of governmental agencies and not-for-
profit organizations, and many face chal-
lenges staffing positions created by the
retirement of baby boomers. MPA degree
recipients will be poised to fill these
vacancies or, in the case of mid-career
professionals, advance within their own
organizations. And in both circumstanc-
es, graduates will have the skills to han-
dle the increasingly complex budget-
ing, strategic planning and governmen-
tal oversight that are often part of the job
description.
“The core curriculum
that’s been developed
will provide common
academic experiences
for students in each
program, creating a
shared knowledge base
that will provide a richer
interdisciplinary educa-
tional experience and
allow students to build
skills that will be readily
applicable in their
professional field.”
~ Dr. Christopher Holoman
Length of Programs
18 months
Academic Schedule
• Each course lasts five weeks
• One course at a time
• Classes meet Wednesdays
and Saturdays
• One week break between classes
• Accelerated cohort format
Projected Enrollment
12-15 students in each program
in 2011-12
Credit Hours
36 credit hours, including 15 credit
hours of core courses
Minimum Required GPA
3.0
GRE Requirement
None
The major components of the MPA cur-
riculum cover state and local government
functions, court administration, values
and ethics and a concentration of study in
management as it relates to nonprofit, gov-
ernmental and law-related organizations.
“The MPA is suitable for Hilbert in
so many ways,” says task force member
Yvonne Downes, Ph.D., professor of crim-
inal justice. “Hilbert is a service-oriented
institution, so we strongly support the idea
of being of service to people. The MPA is
designed to help people move up in a vari-
ety of agencies. It allows them to be better
prepared to serve in many fields.”
A Cohort Model
W
ithin their respective dis-
ciplines, Hilbert’s gradu-
ate programs feature sev-
eral unique and enriching
characteristics.
Unlike a traditional learning model, the
MSCJA and the MPA programs are orga-
nized in an accelerated cohort format.
Over 18 months, each class of students
advances through the program together,
taking a specified set of courses as a group
through to degree conferral. Research has
found this type of structure encourages in-
class participation, cohesion among class-
mates and student retention.
“The cohort model allows students to
build relationships with classmates, to
work together as a team and to have a
good understanding of the material in a
team environment,” says Holoman.
To that end, course schedules have
been tailored with the working profes-
sional in mind. Each term lasts five weeks
and consists of one course that meets
on Wednesday evenings and Saturdays.
Between each five-week cycle, students
have one week off.
“This academic schedule allows adult
students to plan their lives,” Zane says.
“Rather than going into a program where
one semester you have class on Monday
and the next you have class on Tuesday,
you know the days you’ll have class for the
next 18 months, so you can organize your
work and home life accordingly.”
Both programs have been designed to
qualify for accreditation from the rele-
vant accrediting bodies – the National
Association of Schools of Public Affairs
and Administration (NASPAA) in the case
of the MPA, and the Academy of Criminal
Justice Sciences for the MSCJA.
“What we’re hoping is that after a cou-
ple of classes complete the programs, we
can apply for national accreditation,”
Degnan says. “Right from the start of the
programs, we are aiming high.”
The curriculum also aims, from the
start, to hone students’ research skills.
Milestones in Hilbert’s History
2005
Immaculata College
is founded. Paczesny Hall,
new academic
building, and
William E. Swan
Auditorium
open.
Hilbert begins
offering
bachelor-
level degrees.
Hilbert’s first graduate
programs launched.
$2 million Title III
grant received
aimed at bolstering
student success.
Enrollment
tops 1,000 for
the first time.
Lay women
admitted.
Institution officially becomes
known as Hilbert College.
First admittance of lay men.
Bogel Hall, college’s
original academic
building, and McGrath
Library open.
1957 2006
1992 2011
2008
2003
1964
1969
1969
“What we’re hoping is
that after a couple of
classes complete the
programs, we can apply
for national accreditation
right from the start of
the programs, we are
aiming high.”
~ Dr. Michael Degnan
Winter/Spring 2011 9
Graduate Programs
AtaGlance
1955 1960 1965 1970 1975 1980 1985 1990 1995 2000 2010 2015

3. Graduate Programs Snapshot
MSCJA
Master of Science in
Criminal Justice
Administration
Hilbert College’s MSCJA program is designed
to examine the nature and causes of crime in
society. A multidisciplinary approach is used
to examine how society and criminal justice
agencies should best respond to issues of
crime, delinquency and social control. This
academic program is practically based by pro-
viding students with skills in research, plan-
ning, management, as well as budgeting and
finance that can be applied within the context
of the criminal justice system.
Student Population
The MSCJA is targeted to mid-career adult
learners, and also will appeal to Hilbert stu-
dents who are currently enrolled in, or recent-
ly completed, a bachelor’s degree program.
Career Objectives
Graduates will be prepared for leadership
positions in criminal justice and related agen-
cies, teaching at the community college level,
and continuing their education at the doctoral
level.
Curriculum
The program consists of 36 credit hours of
graduate study which comply with the stan-
dards of the American Criminal Justice
Science for graduate program. The initial 15
credit hours constitute a common core curric-
ulum that is shared with the MPA program.
Sampling of Courses
• Criminal Law and Courts
• Nature and Causes of Crime
• Policing in Contemporary Society
MSCJA Information
masterscriminaljustice@hilbert.edu
MPA
Master of
Public Administration
Master of Public Administration (MPA)
The MPA program at Hilbert College is
intended to provide the credentials and skills
necessary for promotion into managerial
positions in nonprofit, governmental and
law-related organizations. Currently, this is
the only master-level program of its kind in
Western New York. It is designed for mid-
career professionals and will allow students
to attain the necessary skills in an integrated
curriculum that also draws on their current
work environment.
Student Population
The MPA program is targeted to individuals
who have professional working experience
and/or those who are currently employed pro-
fessionals or paraprofessionals intending to
move into managerial positions in their field.
Career Objectives
Graduates will be qualified and prepared for
middle and upper management positions in
a wide variety of public service fields and in
all levels of government (federal, state, local,
and regional), nonprofits organizations, inter-
national arena, and the private sector.
Curriculum
The program consists of 36 credit hours
of graduate study that comply with the
standards of the National Association of
Schools of Public Affairs and Administration
(NASPAA). Of the total 36 credit hours, the
initial 15 constitute a common core curricu-
lum that is shared with the MSCJA program.
Sampling of Courses
• Court Administration and Processes
• Financial Resource Development
• Marketing and Public Relations for Not for
Profits
MPA Information
masterspublicadministration@hilbert.edu
10 Hilbert Connections
Unlike many master’s programs in which
students devote their final semester to an
independent research project, Hilbert’s
master’s candidates will work on their
project throughout the program.
“This is a research-oriented curriculum,”
explains Nowak. “It starts from the moment
students walk through the door and finishes
with a capstone course. At the end they
will have put together a very comprehen-
sive research project.”
Research projects will likely explore
different aspects of program planning and
evaluation. They may be a student initiative
developed during an internship at a pub-
lic agency or in the workplace. A student
in the MSCJA program could, for example,
launch an after-school program for at-risk
youth or evaluate policy change within
an organization, such as how the shift
from two-officer police patrol units to one
impacts a police department.
“Throughout the curriculum they will
be advancing their research project,” Floss
says. “They’ll be reviewing the literature on
organizational change, exploring research
methods writing and working on their
research proposal. Our students—all of
them—will be working on changing and
improving agencies and people’s lives.”
Supporting Students at Every Step
F
or all of the programs’ demands,
graduate students can expect to
receive Hilbert’s trademark sup-
port and guidance every step of
the way.
An information literacy initiative has
been woven into each program to ensure
that students possess up-to-date research
skills. Hours at Hilbert’s McGrath Library
will be extended on Wednesdays to
accommodate graduate students, and the
library is expanding its holding of books,
journals and other resources essential to
academic success at the master’s-degree
level. Evening academic support will be
offered to students seeking to bolster their
math or writing skills.
“It’s always been the tradition at Hilbert
to support students, and that’s going to
extend to the graduate level,” says Nowak.
“Many graduate students will likely be
returning to college after years in the
workforce and may need additional sup-
port to meet the demands that come
with being a student again. At Hilbert,
we want to be sure that every student
receives that support in order to be suc-
cessful in their studies.”
It’s true that graduate students have to
stay on top of things and make sure they’re
doing their work, but we want to make
sure that every student receives the support
needed to be successful in their studies.”
Adds Downes: “We have been suc-
“The program will pay
off several-fold for our
students as it will position
them to be exceptionally
well prepared for more
opportunities in the
workplace.”
~ Dr. Martin Floss Winter/Spring 2011 11
Applications
and Information
Online applications
available at:
www.hilbert.edu
Applications
and Information
“Our students—all of them—will be working on
changing and improving agencies
and people’s lives.”
cessful over the past few decades attract-
ing and retaining very creative, very ded-
icated undergraduates. Part of the reason
we can do that is because of the wonder-
ful environment we have here. We build
strong bonds. With the graduate program,
we will retain that sense of connection.”
As the college prepares to receive its first
graduate degree applications, Hilbert’s fac-
ulty and staff stress that undergraduate edu-
cation will remain central to the college’s
mission.
“Our undergraduates are the heart and
soul of Hilbert. Having this additional
graduate student population on campus
will be exciting and enhance the over-
all student experience at the college,”
Holoman says.
“The engaging cohort curriculum and
integration of core and graduate course-
work tracks will all be vital to the devel-
opment of our students’ knowledge and
professional skills,” he adds. “With this
cohesive educational environment, we’re
preparing students to go on to the next
step in their careers and to bring a higher
level expertise to their organizations.” HC