Magdalena Miletic is a graduating senior at Michigan State University who is part of the Honors College with majors in Criminal Justice and Psychology and a minor in Human Behavior and Social Service. Magdalena is also the 2026 Criminal Justice Outstanding Senior.
What interested you in studying Criminal Justice?
I took a forensics class senior year of high school, not really knowing what I was getting myself into, and I loved it. I decided to apply as a criminal justice major and told myself I could switch if I wanted to after I started at MSU. I never ended up switching because I loved all the classes I took, and the topics were very interesting.
Do you have any additional majors, minors, or specializations?
I have an additional major in Psychology and a minor in Human Behavior and Social Service. I am also in the Honors College!
What extracurricular activities have you been involved in as an undergrad?
I have been a School of Criminal Justice Student Ambassador and a member of multiple student groups, including the MSU Cold Case Unit, the American Society of Criminal Justice, and Alpha Phi Sigma. I have also held multiple internships, including with the Michigan Attorney General, Lansing Police Department, Ingham County Circuit Court – Juvenile Division, and the Lansing Police Department-Michigan State Police Cold Case Unit.
How does it feel to receive the Outstanding Senior Award?
I am very honored and super excited to receive this award. I didn’t do any of the things I did to get any sort of recognition. I did them for myself and to better my future and opportunities. However, receiving this award is almost like a sign that I am headed in the right direction for success in my future. I am really grateful to everyone who helped me get here, and anyone who agreed on this award for me!
How has the School of Criminal Justice helped you as a student?
I have gotten a lot of support from my professors and advisors. I have received a lot of opportunities I have had through these people and networking. Opportunities that I did not think were possible for me. They have helped answer questions that may seem to have obvious answers.
What has been your favorite part of being at MSU?
I would say making all the new friends I have now. Whether that was through my major or just being in a social setting in general. I have met some of my favorite people here. I also love the atmosphere at sports games. I have always loved going to football and basketball games and seeing our teams succeed!
Do you have any recommendations/advice for current or prospective students?
I would say not to be afraid to step out of your comfort zone, whether that is socially or learning about topics you did not think would interest you. I did not have much interest in topics such as cybercrime or homeland security, but those classes ended up being some of my favorites because they were entirely new topics I had not known about before.
Through challenging myself with doing things I might not have wanted to do, I was able to come to a clear conclusion on where I wanted to take my career. The choices I made got me into a field I never thought I would be in, and I am grateful for the scared feelings I had going into it.
What is your favorite “fun fact” you have learned as a Criminal Justice student?
May not sound that fun, but just how uncommon serial killers actually are. We hear about them through the media so often that it seems to be a large issue. It is not nearly as common as it sounds, and the most common crimes are ones involving everyday people, not psychopathic maniacs.