New Criminal Justice Degree Bridge Program At Williston State College

Williston State College and Dickinson State University are expanding their Degree Bridge partnership to include a bachelor’s degree in criminal justice, a move aimed at increasing access to four-year degree opportunities for students in northwest North Dakota.

The criminal justice program becomes the latest option available through Degree Bridge, WSC’s co-matriculation initiative that allows students to earn a DSU bachelor’s degree while remaining on the Williston State College campus. Under the program, students complete their associate degree coursework at WSC before transitioning into upper-division courses offered by Dickinson State University. Those junior- and senior-level classes are taught in person on the Williston campus.

College officials say the expansion reflects continued collaboration between the two institutions to address both educational access and workforce demand in the region.

“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 is designed to prepare students for careers in law enforcement, corrections, courts, probation and parole, homeland security and related public service fields. Students enrolled through Degree Bridge will retain access to WSC housing, dining options, student services and campus life throughout their junior and senior years, allowing them to remain integrated into the Williston campus community while completing a four-year degree.

“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.”

Degree Bridge was first announced in late 2024 as a collaborative effort between Williston State College and several North Dakota universities. Dickinson State University is the first partner institution to offer bachelor’s-level coursework through the initiative.