SPEARFISH, S.D. – Northern State University has received the go-ahead to offer new degree programs in criminal justice and art, building on related academic programs already offered at the Aberdeen campus.

The new bachelor of arts degree in criminal justice at NSU replaces a specialization previously offered as part of the sociology major. Campus officials told the Board of Regents a full major in criminal justice better prepares students for careers in that field. Hiring agencies in law enforcement and criminal justice also are more likely to seek out applicants with a college degree in criminal justice.

While the university already offers an associate degree in criminal justice, it will be able to offer the full major with the addition of five new courses.

The new bachelor of fine arts degree in studio art at NSU will complete a transition to the B.F.A. degree for all art programs offered by South Dakota public universities. While Northern currently offers a bachelor of arts degree, the B.F.A. is recognized as the professional degree accredited by the National Association of Schools of Art and Design. The university’s existing degree in studio art will terminate upon national accreditation of the new program.

The regents also approved certificate programs at Northern State in jazz pedagogy and piano pedagogy. These certificates will be geared to music and music education majors seeking specialized preparation in teaching at school or private instruction settings. Certificate programs usually require fewer credit hours to complete than a minor. They are developed by packaging a small set of courses that allow students to develop expertise within a focused area of study, addressing identified market and workforce development needs.

About Northern State University

Northern State University is a regional university that offers outstanding academics and exceptional extracurricular activities at an affordable price on a safe, welcoming campus. Northern State recently announced its Educational Impact Campaign, with a goal of raising $45 million for a new South Dakota School for the Blind and Visually Impaired, new athletic and recreation fields, and an on-campus regional sports complex. Once the campaign is complete, NSU will be the recipient of more than $100 million in privately funded building projects and scholarships within a decade. To learn more, visit NSU Admissions.