Doral College officially launched its new Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice (BSCJ) program during the “Partners in Public Safety: Criminal Justice Program Launch” event held on May 4, bringing together law enforcement leaders, elected officials, community partners, and supporters from across South Florida. The event marked an important milestone for the College as it continues expanding opportunities for students in additional disciplines.

The launch highlighted the institution’s commitment to innovation, accessibility, and workforce development through student-centered higher education. During the event, Senator Bryan Avila, Dean of the School of Criminal Justice, and Cristina Guerra Romero, Vice President for Enrollment Management and Development at Doral College, spoke about the development of the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program and the growing need for affordable, career-focused education in the field of public safety. They emphasized the importance of creating opportunities for working professionals and future law enforcement leaders to advance their education while balancing career and personal responsibilities.

The presentation highlighted how the program was intentionally designed to meet the needs of today’s criminal justice professionals through a fully online and asynchronous format that offers flexibility without compromising academic quality. They also discussed the program’s focus on practical, real-world application, including coursework in criminal law, leadership, investigations, human behavior, and decision-making in high-pressure situations.

Avila and Guerra Romero also showcased the many benefits available to students enrolling in the program, including affordable tuition, personalized student support, and opportunities to receive academic credit for prior law enforcement training, military experience, and previously earned college coursework. These features help reduce both the cost and time required for degree completion, making higher education more accessible for working adults.

Guests learned about Doral College’s continued institutional growth and recent achievements, including expanded academic offerings, federal financial aid approval, and reaccreditation through 2031 by the Distance Education Accrediting Commission (DEAC). The BSCJ program is now the College’s third bachelor’s degree program, symbolizing another step forward in its mission to provide quality, accessible education. Specifically, the BSCJ also illustrates the College’s support workforce and community needs throughout Florida and beyond.

Attendees were encouraged to continue building partnerships that strengthen public safety education and create pathways for future leaders in criminal justice. The event concluded with networking opportunities among community leaders, law enforcement agencies, and College representatives, reinforcing the collaborative spirit behind the program’s launch.

“We were honored to officially launch our Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program alongside law enforcement leaders, community partners, elected officials, and guests from across South Florida,” Guerra Romero shared following the event. “Thank you to everyone who joined us to celebrate this exciting new chapter as we continue creating pathways for future leaders in public safety and criminal justice.”

As Doral College builds on the momentum of this successful launch, the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program is now welcoming applications for the Fall semester. The College is particularly encouraging prospective students who have already earned an Associate of Arts (AA) degree or have accumulated college credits to explore how those credits may transfer toward degree completion. 

Designed with working professionals and career changers in mind, the fully online program offers a flexible and affordable pathway to advance in the criminal justice field. Individuals interested in learning more are invited to attend one of the upcoming informational Zoom sessions, listed here, where program representatives will provide an overview of curriculum, admissions requirements, and transfer credit opportunities. Additional program details can also be found in the informational flyer linked here. Applications for the Fall semester are now being accepted, and prospective students are encouraged to apply early and take the next step toward achieving their educational and professional goals.