Spencer Hochstetler Directory Profile

Associate Professor

Criminal Justice | School of Arts & Sciences

267-341-3511

Spencer Hochstetler headshot

Education

  • Ph.D., Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati

  • M.S., Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati

  • B.A., Psychology, Michigan State University


Dr. Spencer Hochstetler earned his Ph.D. and M.S. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati and his B.A. in Psychology from Michigan State University. His graduate research focused on criminological theory and the use of correctional rehabilitation in community corrections. Dr. Hochstetler's current research focuses on the use of problem solving courts and the intersection of mental health and community corrections supervision.

Research Interests

  • Problem-Solving Courts

  • Community Corrections

  • Correctional Rehabilitation

Teaching Philosophy

Dr. Hochstetler's courses present students with a data-centered understanding of current issues in the criminal justice system. Students learn the historical context and theoretical foundations behind current practice. His students are challenged to think about the impact current practices have on all stakeholders and to identify areas for improvement.

His teaching philosophy focuses on three areas of academic development:

  1. Interpersonal skills
  2. Analytical reasoning
  3. Professionalism

Dr. Hochstetler's goal is for his students to graduate with a thorough understanding of the criminal justice system, the ability to evaluate data and make evidence-based decisions, and to demonstrate the professional ethics that underlie all criminal justice employment.