SPEARFISH, S.D. – Black Hills State University will launch a new Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice beginning Fall 2026, expanding opportunities for students interested in law enforcement, corrections, courts, public service, investigations, victim advocacy, and other high-demand fields.
The new degree program, housed in the College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences, combines a strong foundation in criminal justice with interdisciplinary coursework in areas such as human services, psychology, and sociology, giving students a broader understanding of the social, behavioral, and legal factors that shape the field. The program will be offered on the BHSU main campus in Spearfish, at BHSU-Rapid City, and online.
“This program is designed for students who want to serve their communities, understand the justice system, and prepare for meaningful careers in a field that continues to evolve,” said Dr. Michael Hollingsworth, assistant professor of Criminology. “Students will gain the knowledge, practical experience, and interdisciplinary perspective needed to pursue careers in criminal justice or continue on to graduate or professional study.”
Graduates will be prepared for careers in law enforcement, corrections, probation and parole, court services, private security, investigations, victim advocacy, community corrections, digital forensics, crime analysis, and related areas. The program is also designed to provide strong preparation for students interested in law school or graduate study in criminology, criminal justice, social work, or related disciplines.
Hollingsworth said BHSU’s location in the Black Hills offers students unique opportunities to connect classroom learning with real-world experience. The university is located near local, county, state, and federal agencies, as well as correctional facilities, court services, social service organizations, and community partners throughout western South Dakota. Students will benefit from hands-on learning opportunities such as internships, agency placements, mock crime scenes, forensic lab experiences, and coursework connected to issues facing communities today.
The program’s curriculum will include courses such as criminal investigation, terrorism and homeland security, human trafficking, domestic and intimate partner violence, policing in a free society, and introduction to forensics. As the program grows, additional hands-on experiences and partnerships with regional agencies are expected to develop.
“At BHSU, we are committed to providing students with opportunities that lead directly to meaningful careers and community impact,” said Dr. Pam Carriveau, provost and vice president for Academic Affairs. “The new Criminal Justice program reflects that commitment by preparing graduates with the knowledge, adaptability, and leadership skills needed in a rapidly changing profession.”
For more information about the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice at Black Hills State University, contact Dr. Michael Hollingsworth at Michael.Hollingsworth@BHSU.edu.