Criminal justice is so much more than street policing.
That's what Tala Tobeh wanted to prove when she enrolled at the University of Louisiana at Lafayette, choosing the program over her family’s pick of health care.
“I switched my major to something I absolutely loved; I had an interest in it,” she says. “Many people told me I’d only be able to get one type of job, but I knew what I wanted. Criminal justice was the best decision I’ve made.”
Upon completing her criminal justice degree online in 2022, Tobeh assumed a new role as investigative specialist with the Louisiana State Analytical and Fusion Exchange.
Tobeh describes the role as a “hidden gem” she was able to secure by preparing in undergrad and networking on LinkedIn.
What is Criminal Justice?
The criminal justice program at UL Lafayette prepares students for all avenues of the field, from law and crime to advocacy and social justice.
Tobeh says this breadth allows students to focus on areas that are meaningful to them and the careers they want to pursue.
“It gave a lot of options to choose from, depending on what we were interested in. It all helps in a different way,” she says. “Like courts process, for instance. Now that I'm in the field, I need to know things about the court process. UL Lafayette helped me to have that information to apply to my career.”
Likewise, instructors in the degree program — offered on campus and 100% online — bring both research and field experiences to their content. This combination of expertise delivers rich insights into criminal justice in Louisiana and across the U.S.
“They're taking what they know and teaching it to us so we're able to apply that to our careers,” says Tobeh.
Finding the Right Role
Long before graduating, Tobeh set out to find a role that would also fit the lifestyle she wanted.
Tobeh frequented job fairs to network and took advantage of the University’s Office of Career Services. She was able to meet one-on-one in the office, getting help with her resume and LinkedIn.
"I started adding law enforcement professionals in Louisiana and Texas. I actually came across some people I work with now,” says Tobeh.
In making those connections, Tobeh learned about the state fusion center and its work.
“I was like, ‘That’s perfect,’” she says.
As an investigative specialist, Tobeh assists with case support for local, state, tribal and federal agencies. The work involves collecting, analyzing, and releasing information regarding criminal and terrorist activities.
“I would say it's very rewarding,” says Tobeh. “The cases we work are sometimes very complex, disturbing, and sad. So coming up with that information for the officers feels like we're helping in a way.”
Plus, Tobeh has been able to move up in her position, specializing in domestic terrorism, in the span of a year. She’s also a trainer for incoming employees.
“There’s definitely a lot of room for growth,” she says.
For those interested in criminal justice, Tobeh says there are many paths.
"Keep an open mind and know there's more to it than out-in-the-field law enforcement," says Tobeh. “The job I have now is a hidden gem, and there's tons of jobs like this. You just have to put yourself out there. Attend career fairs, go on LinkedIn and Handshake. Just put yourself out there, and you'll find it.”
Develop the skills to design better approaches to addressing crime and related issues. Learn more about the B.S. in Criminal Justice online degree program at UL Lafayette.