Partnership Provides Seamless Career Path for Criminal Justice

#1342 | February 14, 2013

Savannah Tech and Armstrong sign articulation agreement for Criminal Justice program

SAVANNAH – Savannah Technical College President Dr. Kathy Love and Armstrong Atlantic State University President Dr. Linda Bleicken signed an agreement today, which ensures a seamless educational pathway for criminal justice students between the two institutions of higher education.

“We are pleased to announce the beginning of an important partnership between our institutions,” said Love. “This agreement ensures that students who receive an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice Technology at Savannah Technical College have the opportunity to apply all of their coursework toward Armstrong’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. With this partnership, I can honestly say that the higher education community in our region is leading the way in the Complete College Georgia initiative.”

The articulation agreement lays the foundation for students to complete a new 65-credit hour Associate of Science in Criminal Justice at Savannah Technical College. Students will then be able to transfer their coursework in its entirety to Armstrong toward the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice.

“This agreement with Savannah Tech advances Armstrong’s pursuit to partner with our higher education neighbors in Savannah,” said Bleicken. “Through the effort, our goal is to give more students of all ages seamless access to programs that will best prepare them for the workforce.”

The agreement next goes to the governing boards of the University System of Georgia (USG) Board of Regents and the Georgia Board of the Technical College System of Georgia (TCSG) for endorsement. Upon both boards approval, Savannah Technical College will be one of the first TCSG colleges to offer an Associate of Science in Criminal Justice. In addition to general core courses, the program will feature 18 semester hours in criminal justice-related coursework – including introduction to criminal justice, principals of law enforcement, ethics and cultural perspectives, corrections, criminal law and constitutional law.

The Department of Criminal Justice, Social and Political Science at Armstrong offers the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. This degree consists of core courses in the administration of justice, criminology, ethics and criminal procedure coupled with a concentration in juvenile justice, law enforcement, research methods, penology and law. Coupled with relevant work experience, the degree sharpens the candidate’s competitive edge for state and federal law enforcement openings, court administration positions, and state and federal probation and parole positions. In addition, the degree is invaluable for mid-career advancement.

Thanks to an agreement signed last year by the USG Board of Regents and Georgia Board of the TCSG, there are now 27 core curriculum courses transferable to USG institutions from TCSG institutions accredited by the Southern Association of Colleges and Schools Commission on Colleges. The increased number of courses enhances how TCSG students are able to pursue baccalaureate degree opportunities at USG institutions.

About Armstrong:

Armstrong Atlantic State University, part of the University System of Georgia, was founded in 1935. The university offers more than 100 undergraduate and graduate academic programs in the College of Liberal Arts, the College of Science and Technology, the College of Education and the College of Health Professions. Armstrong serves approximately 7,500 students at its main campus in Savannah and a regional center in Hinesville. Its diverse student population comes from nearly all 50 states, the District of Columbia and 69 countries. For more information, visit http://www.armstrong.edu.

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