Meet Olivia Raber
INDS Spring 2026 Graduate Highlight Series
B.A.: Criminal Justice
Degree Mentors:
- Dr. Michael Casiano| Assistant Professor UMBC Department of American Studies
- Eric Brown| Assistant Teaching Professor, UMBC Individualized Study Program
Why did you choose to major in INDS?
I chose to major in Individualized Study because no single traditional major fully captured my interest in criminal justice. My passion spans law, psychology, sociology, and political science, and INDS gave me the freedom to combine them into one focused degree that aligns with my career goals.
What are your plans for after graduation, and how do you see using your INDS degree?
After graduation, I plan to pursue a career in criminal investigation. My INDS degree gives me the flexibility to explore multiple paths, whether that's earning a Crime Scene Investigation certificate, entering a forensic-adjacent role, or continuing my education through graduate school. The interdisciplinary nature of my degree means I'm not limited to one track, which I see as a strength in a field as broad as criminal justice.
Awards, Certifications, Scholarships, etc. that you have received in your time at UMBC:
- Bolton Family Scholarship Recipient| Fall 2025
- Currently Working on Two Forensic Science Certificates:
- Introduction to Forensic Science| Nanyang Technological University
- Forensic Science: DNA Analysis| University of Cambridge
Any thing you would like to share about your time at UMBC or in the INDS program:
The INDS program taught me how to be intentional about my education and connect knowledge across different fields. Winning the Bolton Family Scholarship was a highlight of my time at UMBC, and it allows me to graduate with a passion for criminal justice.
For More information on Olivia's INDS journey please click here!
Posted: March 30, 2026, 10:31 AM
