91ÇÑ×Ó

Designed for career-focused students interested in justice studies, the 90-credit hour degree provides a path for students who have defined their career goals and want to complete their degree quickly and affordably without reducing academic rigor or experiential learning, according to 91ÇÑ×Ó Vice President for Academic Affairs Dr. Kimberly Paddock-O’Reilly.

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Justice Studies was created to meet student needs and regional workforce demands and does not replace 91ÇÑ×Ó’s traditional bachelor’s in Justice Studies. The applied program includes 33 credit hours of Essential Studies and 57 credit hours in the Justice Studies major. Its focused curriculum eliminates 30 credit hours of free electives found in traditional programs while preserving coursework and experiences aligned with career preparation, Paddock-O’Reilly said.

“91ÇÑ×Ó is a leader among public institutions of higher education in the country to offer a reduced-credit bachelor’s degree program under the Higher Learning Commission’s new approval pathway,” Paddock-O’Reilly said. “These options embody our mission and will have a positive impact across the High Plains region, the state of Nebraska and beyond.”

91ÇÑ×Ó State College has longstanding relationships with justice-system employers, including law enforcement agencies, corrections organizations, attorneys, and law firms. Justice Studies faculty used their professional and industry expertise to develop a program intended to provide students with skills and knowledge applicable to careers in Law Enforcement, Corrections, and Paralegal Studies. The face-to-face program also includes a required internship, providing students an opportunity to connect classroom learning with professional experience.

The Bachelor of Arts in Applied Justice Studies will be available beginning in fall 2027. For more information, contact Admissions at admissions@csc.edu or 308-432-6475.