HAMLET – To meet the growing demand for law enforcement professionals, Richmond Community College and Columbia College in South Carolina have signed a new articulation agreement to create clear pathways to advanced degrees in criminal justice.
The new articulation agreement will allow students to obtain an Associate in Applied Science from RichmondCC and then go on to complete online a bachelor of arts in criminal justice through Columbia College, which is located in Columbia, S.C.
Columbia College also offers students a “4+1” program, which allows students to obtain a bachelor’s and master’s degree in criminal justice in just five years.
“Opportunities in public safety and law enforcement are growing rapidly, and higher education is the key to achieving greater earning potential and command level positions,” said Patsy Stanley, director of Career and College Transfer at RichmondCC. “A bachelor’s degree in criminal justice is the standard for advancement in law enforcement, corrections, homeland security, emergency management and related areas.”
Renowned for its criminal justice program, Columbia College is one of only 16 schools in the United States that partner with the FBI Academy Alliance.
“This articulation agreement with Columbia College is designed to create convenient and affordable options for our students to continue their education and pursue a career in law enforcement and public service,” said Dale McInnis, president of RichmondCC. “We are grateful to Columbia College for this partnership and for opening its doors to our North Carolina students.”
RichmondCC students who finish an associate in applied science in criminal justice will be able to immediately continue in Columbia College’s online bachelor of arts criminal justice program with a choice to concentrate in forensics or leadership and risk management. The new agreement guarantees up to 90 credit hours can be transferred to Columbia College, which leaves only 30 credit hours required to earn a bachelor’s degree.
To achieve the bachelor of arts in criminal justice, students must maintain a 2.0 grade point average. Advantages of the new articulation agreement include:
— Students can apply for free.
— As an all-inclusive program, eBooks are provided for all classes.
— Six start dates each year so multiple opportunities to enroll.
— Full-time students who are South Carolina residents may qualify for the South Carolina Tuition Grant.
For information about transfer opportunities available through RichmondCC, contact Director of Career and Transfer Services Patsy Stanley at 910-410-1830 or email [email protected].