Miami University’s regional campuses will begin offering a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree.

The university received approval last week from the Ohio Board of Regents for the program, which will be offered exclusively on the Hamilton and Middletown campuses, according to Dr. G. Michael Pratt, Miami associate provost and dean of the regional campuses. Classes will begin in January at both campuses.

The new degree becomes the fifth baccalaureate program at Miami’s regional campuses, said spokesperson Perry Richardson. Others are Nursing, Engineering Technology, Integrative Studies, and Health Information Technology.

Pratt said the curriculum is focused and flexible and designed to prepare students for careers in the U.S. criminal justice system, including police, courts and corrections.

“Students can get a job after earning their associate degree in Criminal Justice and continue their studies seamlessly toward a bachelor’s degree as their schedules permit,” he said. “The curriculum also provides a pathway for those who want to go on to graduate school or law school after earning their four-year degree in Criminal Justice.

“This is a traditional Miami liberal arts and sciences foundation program. Faculty of the program believe strongly that BSCJ graduates must have a deep understanding of criminal justice systems and possess strong communication and analytical skills,” he said. “They also need to be aware of globalization and sensitive to diversity.”

Jim Petro, chancellor of the Ohio Board of Regents, said opportunities for students to complete baccalaureate degrees on Ohio’s regional campuses is a high priority.

“Regional campuses allow students to complete their degree in a cost-effective, timely manner,” Petro said. “And this new program is one more step toward increasing our completion rates here in Ohio.”

Financial aid, grants, loans, work study opportunities and scholarships are available to students at Miami’s regional locations as well as scholarships designed specifically for students pursuing Criminal Justice degrees.