Political Science, Criminal Justice Departments to Merge

Photo via University of Dayton Facebook page

Michael Oliss | News Editor

The University of Dayton announced that the Criminal Justice and Security Studies and Political Science departments will merge on July 1, 2026, pending Academic Senate procedures.

For now, both departments remain independent. Administrators say faculty from each unit will work through the shared governance process over the next year to finalize the structure of the combined department.

Dean of the College of Arts and Sciences Danielle Poe said the merger reflects mission alignment and administrative efficiency already seen at other universities, where the two disciplines are commonly housed together. CJSS Chair Scott Belshaw will step down and return to full-time faculty, but no faculty layoffs or relocations are expected.

Poe said the change will not affect students’ coursework this year. CJSS enrolls about 149 majors and 49 minors.

Flyer News will continue to monitor the merger and will publish a full report in the monthly edition.