Central Baptist College has added a Bachelor of Science degree in Criminology and Criminal Justice Management to its list of Professional Adult College Education (PACE) degree programs. Starting in the fall of 2015, the Criminology and Criminal Justice Management degree will help to prepare a student for a variety of career paths including law enforcement, corrections, forensic science, private security, and the courts/judiciary system.

The degree is designed around an upper course level emphasis on organizational management and a lower course level emphasis on business. Additionally, the student will complete twenty-four hours of coursework specific to criminology and criminal justice. The flexibility of the degree plan allows the student, via choice of elective coursework, to prepare for an entry level position in criminal justice, promotion in the field, entry into a graduate program, or even law school.

According to Chad Linn, Director of the PACE and Online Studies Program at CBC, “The demand for this degree came to us from local law enforcement officers, prospective students, current students and those in the education industry. It is a degree that several students have been eagerly anticipating.”

Conway Police Chief AJ Gary said, “I am excited to learn that Central Baptist College has started a Criminology/Criminal Justice degree program. This program gives individuals, seeking a career in criminal justice, an opportunity to learn about the profession right here in Conway. This program will increase the number of local qualified applicants for jobs in the criminal justice field.”

Courses will be offered online and in the classroom and are completed in five week blocks similar to other non-traditional classes.