Union brings Criminal Justice Management degree program to Colerain, Ohio

In 1964, Union Institute & University, a national university headquartered in the Walnut Hills neighborhood of Cincinnati, opened its doors with a mission to transform lives and communities by serving adults where they live and work. Now 50 years later, that hallmark quality guided the opening of a satellite classroom in the Northgate Mall to better serve local law enforcement officers pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Criminal Justice Management. 

 “The partnership between Union Institute & University and the Colerain Police Department is an opportunity to better serve our local community. Opening a satellite classroom in the substation of the Northgate Mall allows the university to adapt our programs to meet the needs of our local community, rather than the local residents having to adapt to our programs,” said Jon Mays, Vice President of Enrollment Management at Union Institute & University. “Bringing Union’s Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Management program to the local law enforcement personnel allows officers an opportunity to complete their degree in an environment that is not only comfortable for them, but is also the perfect atmosphere to teach criminal justice management.”

Daniel P. Meloy, Colerain Public Safety Director, appreciates that Union’s Criminal Justice Management program was designed by criminal justice experts who grasp the complexities involved with law enforcement careers and the needs of today’s officers.

“Union has an understanding and respect for the training and education many of our officers received during their career. Additionally, Union’s decision to create a satellite classroom in Colerain helped our officers commit to the class without the usual issues associated with scheduling, class location, parking, and anxieties associated with the traditional campus education. This convenient arrangement helps each of the officers accomplish their individual goal of attaining a college degree,” said Meloy.

Union’s Criminal Justice program is a management degree that focuses on organizational management responses to policies, programs, personnel, and technology.

Vice President Mays explains: “Students learn contemporary techniques for supervision, leadership and administration. They also study how current issues in the field of criminal justice impact organizations, personnel, and other stakeholders. Students interpret applied ethical theories in a contemporary environment; and analyze and critique criminal justice policy and service delivery from a management perspective.”

The Colerain Police Department is an internationally accredited law enforcement agency and works in partnership with the DEA Task Force, FBI Southern Ohio Joint Terrorism Force, and United States Marshal Service Fugitive Apprehension Team.

“We are proud of the fact that 30 officers are in college or have earned a degree. To be recognized as a professional in many organizations, employees are required to have a college education. While it is not a requirement of our department to hold a college degree, it is a requirement for promotion. Only officers and supervisors with college degrees may participate in promotional examinations,” said Meloy.

Union Institute & University is proud to be part of the Colerain community serving local law enforcement officers pursuing a Criminal Justice Management degree.