Three Degrees Closer
Samirah Thompson is fast tracking her dream of working in federal law enforcement with Widener’s accelerated 4+1 criminal justice program.
- College of Arts & Sciences
Samirah Thompson knew the fastest path to a federal law enforcement career would be three Widener degrees – in just five years. That’s why she is fulfilling requirements for a master’s degree in criminal justice while completing her undergraduate double majors.
This 4+1 accelerated path is one of many ways Widener University is helping her reach her goal of working as an analyst or agent in the Federal Bureau of Investigation or Bureau of Alcohol, Tobacco, Firearms and Explosives.
At Widener, she’s found a supportive network of faculty and alumni who connected her with two internships and encouraged her to lead a campus club that supports the LGBTQ+ community.
To have people like that in your corner is amazing. They helped me gain the confidence to go into the field and to be on my ‘A’ game. - Samirah Thompson
Widener gives students the flexibility to pursue their interests. From the beginning, Samirah was able to pursue a double major in criminal justice and sociology, and then later enroll in the master’s program.
Samirah’s courses touched on every aspect of the field – from policing to courts to reentry. Every course prepared her for a case manager internship at the George W. Hill Correctional Facility and part-time job as a security guard.
Wanting a different type of experience, Samirah connected with a Widener alumnus who helped her secure an internship at United States Liability Insurance. She now supports the claims department.
Samirah also has stepped into leadership roles on campus. She’s president of the Sexuality and Gender Alliance, which strives to build a supportive environment for all people, and previously led a co-ed fraternity.
