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Ferris’ Criminal Justice Program Expands to Northwestern Michigan College

School of Criminal Justice-Ferris State UniversityFerris State University is making it easier for students to obtain a career in law-enforcement by expanding its Criminal Justice bachelor’s degree program to Northwestern Michigan College in Traverse City.

Ferris will offer its first course at NMC beginning with the Spring 2013 semester that starts in January. The bachelor’s degree 3+1 program offered as part of Ferris Statewide allows students to take three years of classes at a partnered community college and a fourth year of classes taught locally by Ferris professors.

“The expansion of our program will help our presence in the state while building our reputation as we provide the necessary skills to be successful in the criminal justice profession,” said Steve Reifert, director of Ferris’ School of Criminal Justice.

Ferris also offers the program at 10 other community colleges across Michigan. Of the 1,200 students enrolled in its Criminal Justice program, about half attend classes at the Big Rapids campus, Reifert said. It is Ferris' largest academic program.

“This is another way that Ferris is reaching out to communities to provide an education to those that cannot attend the main campus,” he said. “NMC has been truly outstanding, and we look forward to a very long relationship.”

Plans are under way to expand to Southwestern Michigan College in Dowagiac next fall, Reifert said.

The program prepares graduates for employment with a federal, state or local criminal justice agency or for admission to law school or graduate school.