LEXINGTON, Ky. — For best friends Riya and Richa Patel, pursuing a graduate degree wasn’t part of a long-planned path. It was a casual conversation between work shifts—one that transformed into a life-changing decision. Now, as members of the first graduating cohort of the University of Kentucky’s Master of Science in Criminal Justice (MSCJ) program, they’re walking across the finish line—together.
The sisters-in-spirit, who met as kids and grew closer through school and shared life experiences, found themselves drawn to UK’s newly launched MSCJ program for different reasons. For Richa, it was a stepping stone to law school. For Riya, it was a way to expand her career in criminal justice with a focus on issues like human trafficking and child exploitation.
“We didn’t originally plan to do this together,” Riya said. “But once we started talking about it, everything fell into place. It just made sense.”
While the MSCJ program is fully online, the pair made a point to keep the experience personal—and communal. From late-night calls to discussion post reminders and peer-editing papers, their shared journey was marked by accountability, encouragement, and more than a few text exchanges.
“I’d forget to post something, and Riya would message me, ‘Where’s your post?’” Richa laughed. “It’s those little things that made this program feel less isolating and more like a shared mission.”
The academic rigor was real, with weekly papers, demanding work schedules, and heavy course loads, yet both students emphasized the program’s deeper impact on how they see justice, leadership, and their roles in creating change.
Classes like Administrative and Leadership Practices in Criminal Justice Organizations opened unexpected doors. Richa’s interview with a veteran homicide detective reshaped how she viewed law enforcement from a practitioner’s perspective. Riya’s conversation with a leader at the National Center for Missing and Exploited Children solidified her aspirations for victim advocacy work.
“These weren’t just classes—they were catalysts,” Richa said. “They challenged us to think differently, to think bigger.”
As members of the inaugural MSCJ class, Riya and Richa have done more than earn a degree—they’ve helped shape the program and the next generation of justice-driven professionals.
“Being part of the first cohort feels really special,” Richa said. “We get to help shape what this experience can look like for others.”
With graduation in sight, their futures are just beginning. Richa is preparing for the LSAT and law school, hoping to specialize in immigration or criminal defense. Riya is looking to deepen her work in child advocacy and anti-trafficking efforts. Both remain united by a shared vision of service, justice, and impact.
“We’re proud,” Richa said, “but in our family, this is just the beginning.”
As they reflect on this milestone—one forged through resilience, sisterhood, and a few long walks from the library parking lot—they hope their story encourages others to find strength in community.
“To future MSCJ students,” Riya said, “stay connected, stay curious, and don’t do it alone.”
To learn more about the MSCJ program at the University of Kentucky College of Social Work, visit http://online.uky.edu/masters/criminal-justice/mscj.
