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Blue Ridge CTC Announces Criminal Justice Degree Reforms to Reflect Changing Criminal Justice System Demands
PRESS RELEASE
*****FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE*****
Media Contact
Jennifer Barrett-Smith
304.260.4380 ext. 2111
jbarrett@blueridgectc.edu
Martinsburg, WV. The Criminal Justice Associate of Applied Science program at Blue Ridge Community and Technical College (BRCTC) has experienced several curriculum changes. In Fall 2019, the College recognized that criminal justice reform occurring across the country must be reflected in students’ learning outcomes. As a result, the program has incorporated a more holistic skillset, selecting courses including Social Problems, Social Psychology of Substance Use, Crisis Intervention, Management and Leadership, and Community Corrections. These additions to the program curriculum are essential to helping students analyze and respond to the problems addressed by agencies in the criminal justice system.
Ensuring students receive the highest quality education requires continued evaluation of the community’s ongoing needs. For the Criminal Justice program, this required a compassion-focused approach to education. In addition to national trends, College leadership evaluates what is occurring in the local community. In Berkeley County, the implementation of the Day Report Center, the creation of drug courts, and the expansion of alternatives to incarceration contributed to the changes made to the program curriculum. As part of the institution’s mission, BRCTC strives to provide students with quality, life-changing education, leading to gainful employment opportunities.
The new academic approach adopted in the Criminal Justice degree widens opportunities for students seeking employment in the field. Students may find employment in positions such as Victim Liaison, Benefit Program Specialist, Criminal Research Analyst, Fraud Investigator, Verification Specialist Investigative Analyst, Victim Advocate, Truancy Officer, or working as a pretrial or probation officer. Students may also prepare for entry into the National Park Service or U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service.
In addition to many employment opportunities, many students enter the program to transfer to a four-year program after graduation. The College carefully coordinates transfer agreements with a variety of local and online colleges and universities, guaranteeing students are able to transfer credits and continue pursuing their academic goals.
To learn more about the Criminal Justice program, transfer pathways, or to enroll, visit www.BlueRidgeCTC.edu.
Blue Ridge Community and Technical College offers more than 60 associate degree and certificate programs, as well as workforce development training. Blue Ridge Community and Technical College is conveniently located on Route 45 West past the Commons Center, at 13650 Apple Harvest Drive. For more information on Blue Ridge Community and Technical College, please call 304-260-4380 or visit our website at www.BlueRidgeCTC.edu.
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