Williston State College and Dickinson Sate University Add Criminal Justice to Degree Bridge Offerings

FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE

Williston State College and Dickinson State University Add Criminal Justice to Degree Bridge Offerings

Williston, ND - Williston State College (WSC) and Dickinson State University (DSU) are expanding their Degree Bridge partnership to include a Bachelor's Degree in Criminal Justice, further strengthening access to four-year degree opportunities for students in northwest North Dakota.

The Criminal Justice program joins the growing list of bachelor's degrees available through Degree Bridge, WSC's co-matriculation initiative that allows students to earn a DSU bachelor's degree while staying on the WSC campus. Students complete their associate degree coursework at WSC before transitioning into DSU upper-division courses taught in person on the Williston campus.

"This expansion reflects Dickinson State University's commitment to meeting students where they are and delivering high-quality academic programs through strong institutional partnerships," said Scott Molander, President of Dickinson State University. "The addition of Criminal Justice responds directly to regional workforce needs while maintaining the academic rigor and student support DSU is known for."

The Criminal Justice degree prepares students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation and parole, homeland security, and related public service fields. Students enrolled in Degree Bridge will continue to have access to WSC housing, dining, student services, and campus life throughout their junior and senior years.

"This partnership continues to do exactly what it was designed to do-expand opportunity without requiring students to uproot their lives," said Dr. Bernell Hirning, President of Williston State College. "Adding Criminal Justice to Degree Bridge strengthens our ability to serve students who want to stay in Williston while pursuing meaningful, in-demand careers."

The Criminal Justice program is the latest addition to Degree Bridge, which was first announced in late 2024 as a collaborative effort between WSC and several North Dakota universities. Dickinson State University is the first partner institution to begin offering bachelor's-level coursework through the initiative, with additional programs expected to follow.

For more information about Degree Bridge and available bachelor's degree pathways, visit willistonstate.edu/degreebridge.