Biography:

Dr. Patricia Murphy has been a parttime professor at American International College since 1999, teaching across the disciplines of criminal justice, forensic psychology, and graduate psychology. As a practitioner, she worked for 48 years in the Massachusetts criminal justice system with juveniles and adults in roles related to education, treatment, and administration.

Dr. Murphy coordinated the Annual Women in Criminal Justice Conference for 24 years, providing leadership development and networking opportunities for women throughout New England. After retiring in 2021 from the Hampden County Sheriff’s Department, she continued to serve as the representative for Sheriff Cocchi and the Massachusetts Sheriffs’ Association on the Governor’s Criminal Justice Reform Justice Involved Women’s Panel through 2023.

Previously, Dr. Murphy taught women’s studies courses at the University of Massachusetts. Since 1999, she has been a member of the American Correctional Association audit team, conducting evaluations and making accreditation recommendations for medium and minimum-security facilities. She has also provided staff training and consulted independently with colleges, public schools, agencies, and programs in education, behavior management, and criminal justice.

Education:

• Ed.D., University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Psychology Advanced Study, American International College
• M.S., Criminal Justice, American International College
• M.Ed., Special Education, American International College
• B.S., Education, University of Massachusetts, Amherst
• Women’s Studies Certificate Program, University of Massachusetts, Amherst

Research/Interests:

• Criminal justice education
• Correctional system behavior and management
• Leadership development in justice involved women

Teaching Areas:

Dr. Murphy teaches graduate-level courses in criminal justice, forensic psychology, and psychology, drawing on her extensive experience in the justice system.

Professional Service:

• Auditor, American Correctional Association