STC, Sam Houston State partner to offer new criminal justice program

MCALLEN, Texas (ValleyCentral) — A partnership between South Texas College and Sam Houston State University will now make education more accessible to students pursuing a degree in criminal justice.

The new partnership will allow students pursuing a criminal justice degree to transfer from STC's criminal justice associate degree program to SHSU's bachelor's degree program and beyond.

"We're very encouraged about this new partnership and looking forward to a very successful program, and most importantly, a unique opportunity for our students here in the RGV," said STC President Ricardo Solis.

SHSU will have its own designated classroom at the STC Pecan Campus to allow students within the criminal justice program to easily transfer credits and continue their studies in the Rio Grande Valley.

Philip Lyons, Dean of the College of Criminal Justice at SHSU, says the partnership will serve to improve social mobility opportunities in the region and across Texas.

"Sam Houston State College of Criminal Justice is the leading criminal justice program in the state," Lyons said. "I think what we have to offer at Sam Houston State is really unparalleled. So we're excited about the opportunity that we have to bring that opportunity here to the students in the region."