NEW ORLEANS – Loyola University New Orleans and Nunez Community College signed a memorandum of understanding today establishing an articulation agreement that expands opportunities for students in the greater New Orleans area. The transfer agreement launched today will allow students to attain both an Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies from Nunez and a Bachelor of Arts in Criminology and Justice from Loyola, all within four years of academic study.
“Together, Loyola New Orleans and Nunez Community College will provide ever wider pipelines of opportunity for Louisiana students. Loyola provides the excellence of Jesuit education to students from 48 states, who join the 40 percent of our students raised here in Louisiana,” said Loyola University President Tania Tetlow. “This partnership with Nunez will help students prepare for careers in the critical field of criminal justice.”
The program is open to all students who meet the admissions qualifications of both institutions upon applying and who are pursuing the Associate Degree in Paralegal Studies at Nunez. After successfully completing the first two years of the prescribed undergraduate curriculum at Nunez, interested students will apply for admission to the Criminology and Justice program at Loyola, with a recommendation from Nunez. Upon admission, students will enjoy a seamless transfer experience. Typically, students in the program will spend two years at each institution. Academic advising will be provided to students at the respective institutions to ensure that accepted students meet academic requirements for both degrees.
“Students studying criminology and justice at Loyola gain research, critical thinking and ethical decision-making skills – hallmarks of a Jesuit education −alongside a comprehensive and critical understanding of the criminal justice system,” said Maria Calzada, Ph.D., Interim Provost at Loyola. “They also have the opportunity to study forensics on cutting-edge technology and to explore professional opportunities through internships and service-learning programs. This is a wonderful opportunity for students hoping to launch careers working in the criminal justice system.”
“I could not be happier to engage on this journey of creating a partnership. We’re coming together today to really celebrate the hard work of commitment of our teams like building a bridge and a pathway to access our students,” said Tina Tinney, chancellor of Nunez Community College. “Although we call this an articulation agreement, it’s so much more than an agreement. It’s a partnership. And it’s the beginning. We are just absolutely delighted because this adds health and mobility for our students.”
Currently ranked by College Choice as one of the Top 15 criminology programs in the country, Loyola’s criminology degree program includes both undergraduate and master’s degree offerings, including a new online bachelor and master’s degree programs in criminology and justice aimed at working professionals seeking careers as professionally-trained criminal justice leaders, administrators, planners, researchers, and private security professionals. More than 1,000 undergraduates have matriculated from the programs since 1960; many have gone on to careers as lawyers, advocates, and high-ranking leaders in law enforcement.
