Turning passion into practice

Kendra Stepnowski discovered her passion for criminal justice data analytics in high school. Then, she found the perfect fit to help her achieve her goals in Marquette University's accelerated program.

Today, Stepnowski is a crime analyst for the Milwaukee Police Department, applying the skills she gained through Marquette's interdisciplinary approach to data and criminology.

Stepnowski's journey began in her freshman year of high school, when a college exploration project introduced her to Marquette's five-year accelerated degree program in criminal justice data analytics. A campus tour during her junior year, when she noted the benefit of smaller class sizes within an urban setting, helped her decide to apply exclusively to Marquette.

Once enrolled, she carefully mapped out her course load to take advantage of the accelerated program and include graduate-level classes by her senior year. The program's structure, combining computer science and criminology, equipped her with practical data management skills and a deeper understanding of how data-driven decisions impact criminal justice systems.

"Marquette's program stood out to me because it not only teaches you how to analyze large datasets but also focuses on the bigger picture - the ethical and social implications of your work," Stepnowski says. "My professors emphasized how the data we use impacts real people, and that perspective has been invaluable in my role as a crime analyst. I've been able to take what I learned in the classroom and apply it to decisions that affect my community directly."

Her hands-on experiences included working as a research assistant for Dr. Aleksandra Snowden, associate professor of criminology and law studies in the Klingler College of Arts and Sciences, which led to an internship with the Department of Community Corrections in probation and parole. Later, she gained additional experience with the Wisconsin Department of Workforce Development's Unemployment Insurance division, a role she maintained while completing her master's degree.

As the capstone to the program, Stepnowski completed her practicum at the Medical College of Wisconsin, where she had the opportunity to put her skills into practice to solve organizational problems in a community-focused learning experience.

In her final year, Stepnowski applied for a crime analyst position with the Milwaukee Police Department - a role she secured shortly after graduating. She now uses her skills to help improve public safety and evidence-based decision-making in her community.

"Through dedication and pursuance of my dream job to be a crime analyst since my freshman year of high school," she says, "I stand here today living that dream and being a difference in the community."

Marquette's Master of Science in criminal justice data analytics program is designed to prepare students like Stepnowski to navigate the complexities of data in the criminal legal system. By combining technical expertise with ethical considerations, graduates are equipped to tackle real-world challenges in roles across law enforcement, government agencies and non-profits.

Learn more about the program and how it can prepare you for a meaningful career in criminal justice data analytics.

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