UNC Pembroke and Beaufort County Community College (BCCC) recently signed an articulation agreement that will streamline the transition for students interested in furthering their studies in criminal justice.

Under the agreement, criminal justice technology students at BCCC who complete their associate degree in applied science will experience a smooth transfer to UNCP to pursue a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice. The new pathway reflects the university’s commitment to offer students a high-quality education.

BCCC students residing in Beaufort, Hyde, Tyrrell or Washington counties can take advantage of the cost savings with the Beaufort Promise Scholarship and the N.C. Promise tuition plan at UNCP, which reduces undergraduate tuition each semester to $500 for in-state students.

“UNCP is firmly committed to affordable access to quality education,” said Dr. Richard Gay, dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “N.C. Promise and partnerships with institutions like Beaufort Community College help ensure deserving and qualified students can pursue their educational and professional goals without incurring formidable debt.  

“Many of our students work multiple jobs and care for growing families, which makes the time to degree completion and affordability essential to their success. These programs, along with scholarships and cost-effective measures, are initiatives to increase their access,” Gay said.

The Beaufort pathway builds on the university’s extensive academic partnerships with institutions all across the North Carolina Community College system, furthering its mission of expanding access to higher education.

“We are excited about this partnership with UNC Pembroke as it opens up new avenues for our students to advance their education in criminal justice,” said Crystal Watts, lead instructor for criminal justice technology at BCCC. “This articulation agreement reflects our commitment to matching our students with the education they need for a career that brings them purpose.”

Leaders from both institutions also recognize the increasing need for professionals in the criminal justice field. Criminal justice careers are in high demand, according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics, which predicts an average of 65,000 job openings annually through 2032. A criminal justice degree qualifies graduates for advanced careers in law enforcement, corrections, crime scene forensics, drug enforcement and the court system.

UNCP’s criminal justice is offered fully online and the articulation covers up to 76 hours of transferrable credit for students transferring with an associate degree, either on the career or transfer track.

Contact the Transfer Transition and Engagement Office at 910.775.4599 to learn more about the articulation agreement.