Scott A. Bonn Ph.D.

Scott Bonn, Ph.D. is a criminology professor, TV news commentator, public speaker and author. He is an expert on the behavior and the motivations of criminals. He offers insights into various types of crime, including white-collar, state crime, bullying, domestic violence, sexual assault and serial homicide. His expert commentary frequently appears in the popular news media.

Dr. Bonn wrote a best-selling book about the public's fascination with serial killers which offers insights into the minds of infamous predators and explains how and why serial killers become ghoulish popular culture celebrities. Titled Why We Love Serial Killers: The Curious Appeal of the World's Most Savage Murderers, this powerful new book is available from Skyhorse Press.

Emmy-winning TV host and best-selling author, Rita Cosby, says this about Dr. Bonn's new book: "Considered one of the world's top experts on criminal behavior, Scott Bonn has delivered a book which is so powerful and provocative, you cannot put it down. Indeed, through his diligent work and unparalleled access to these infamous killers who've committed some of the most horrific crimes of our day, he provides chilling and critical insight into these deviant and pathological criminal minds…and reveals the truth behind the headlines."

Professor Bonn is not your average academic. He combines the knowledge and skills of an academic scholar with more than twenty years of senior-level corporate experience in advertising, and the news and entertainment media. As such, he has unique insights into the public’s attitudes and beliefs, how they are shaped, and the agenda-setting powers of political leaders and the news media.

Dr. Bonn has developed a unique, integrated, and interdisciplinary theory called “critical communication” to explain how state officials and the news media together shape public opinion on complex issues such as homicide, capital punishment, illicit drugs, abortion and terrorism.

Dr. Bonn received a Ph.D. in sociology (criminology) at the University of Miami, FL, and a masters degree in criminal justice administration at San Jose State University. He teaches courses in criminology, sociology of deviance, media and crime, and criminal justice. His primary research interests include white-collar crime, state crime, domestic violence, serial homicide and how the media influence society. Prior to his academic career, Bonn held high-ranking corporate positions such as Vice President at NBC Television Network, and Executive Vice President at SonicNet, a leading music website, now a part of MTV Networks. He resides in Las Vegas, NV.