Cody Stoddard

Department Chair | Professor

Professional Overview


Dr. Stoddard obtained a Ph.D. in Criminal Justice from the University of Cincinnati. His primary area of research and teaching focuses on the intersection between law and social science. Specifically, he conducts research that primarily focuses on law, courts, and policing in the United States. 

Prior to coming to Central Washington University, Dr. Stoddard taught at a variety of places including Boise State University, University of Cincinnati, and Mt. Saint Joseph.

Current and Upcoming Research Projects

  • Evaluation of training for new public defense attorneys on outcomes and attitudes.
  • Surveys examining perceptions of crime and disorder, fear of crime, attitudes towards police.
  • Survey of police departments examining perceptions and aptitudes of commissioned officers and civilian staff.
  • Historical evolution and implications for alternative interpretations of the exclusionary rule

Degrees Earned

2005 – 2011 | Ph.D., Criminal Justice, University of Cincinnati. Cincinnati, Ohio. 

2004 – 2005 | Master of Arts, Criminal Justice Administration, Boise State University. Boise, Idaho.

2000 – 2004 | Bachelor of Art (Cum Laude), Criminal Justice Administration, Boise State University. Boise, Idaho.

Emphasis: Courts and Law

2000 – 2004 | Bachelor of Science (Cum Laude), Political Science, Boise State University. Boise, Idaho.

Emphasis: Public Law and Political Philosophy

Select Awards

College of the Sciences – Faculty of the Year (2023)

Presidential Faculty Award (2018)

Research Highlights

Areas of specialization include, courts & law, policing, decision making, quantitative analysis techniques, research methods.

Professional Experience

Chair of Department of Law and Justice (2020 – current)

Director of the Center for Teaching and Learning (2020)

Faculty Senate Chair (2017 – 2018)

Graduate Director of Law and Justice (2015 – 2020)

Recent Courses Taught

Law and Justice 102: Introduction to Law and Justice

Law and Justice 300: Administration of Justice

Law and Justice 546: Theory and Evidence of Courts

Law and Justice 548: Decision Making

Law and Justice 544: Theory and Evidence in Policing

Professional Memberships

2006 – present                American Society of Criminology

2005 – present                The Academy of Criminal Justice Sciences

Diversity and Inclusivity

Certificate of College Teaching and Learning in Hispanic Serving Institutions – ESCALA (2018)

Faculty Institute for Online Teaching – Multimodal Learning (Central Washington University, 2015)