Beginning this fall semester Indiana University East will offer a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program at the Danielson Center in New Castle. The program is for graduates of Ivy Tech Community College and other community colleges who have completed general education and basic prerequisite courses and want to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice.

Students can also take general education and introductory courses at the Danielson Center.

“This ‘local-option’ allows students to better position themselves in the job market by offering them a way to conveniently complete their bachelor’s degree, at a relatively low cost, in two years or less,” said Robert Ramsey, director of Criminal Justice at IU East.

“The program is specifically designed for students who live near to, or work in, Henry County, Indiana,” Ramsey said. “And the program is fully integrated with the associate degree programs of most Indiana community colleges.”

Graduates of the criminal justice program receive an Indiana University degree. The program is affordable and designed for students who have specific interests in the study of crime and criminology, law enforcement, crime scene investigation, the courts, correctional administration, probation, parole, or juvenile justice programs. The criminal justice program at IU East is distinctive in that it also teaches students management skills that prepare them to be more competitive in the job market and enhances their prospects for advancement.

Students who complete the program will be prepared for graduate school or for a career in public and private agencies concerned with crime and its prevention.

Students study with faculty members who are experts in different specialties, learning the principles and practices of the criminal justice field. The degree completion program includes 60 credit hours offered over two years, although additional coursework continues to be offered at the Danielson Center as it has for over 12 years.

“Careers in criminal justice continue to grow despite the current economic climate. Many analysts project job growth in fields such as law enforcement, community corrections, and other areas.  Criminal justice jobs frequently show up on ‘fastest growing’ career lists, many of which require at least a bachelor’s degree, and we will need an educated workforce to fill those positions,” said Stephanie Whitehead, assistant professor of Criminal Justice.

Classes meet from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Fridays and 10 a.m. to 3:35 p.m. on Saturdays with professors specifically chosen, in addition to academic preparation, for their skill in delivering instruction to working adults.

Registration for fall semester classes is going on now. For information about admission to IU East, call the Office of Admissions at (765) 973-8208. For more information about the criminal justice program, contact Robert Ramsey, director of Criminal Justice, by email at roramsey@iue.edu.

More information is also available online at iue.edu/hss/criminaljustice.