CLARKSVILLE, Tenn.—Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies was recognized as the top university in Tennessee for its support of careers in criminal justice and corrections, according to rankings recently published by CorrectionalOfficer.org.
The rankings were based on student data, published surveys, and career data collected from the National Center for Education Statistics (NCES) and the Integrated Postsecondary Education Data System (IPEDS). Bethel University’s online bachelor’s degree program was first in the rankings, with 213 students graduating during the 2012-2013 school year.
The study cited a Bureau of Labor Statistics’ prediction of a 5% increase in correctional officers in the state of Tennessee by 2022. This steady upward trend in the state of Tennessee “creates a need for accredited candidates who possess integrity and professionalism,” according to the website.
“We are justly proud of our position in the rankings, and proud of the rigor and relevance of our Criminal Justice program,” said College of Professional Studies Vice President Kelly Sanders-Kelley. “Our graduates leave Bethel prepared to better protect our communities, our state, and our nation.”
One of the oldest private institutions in Tennessee, Bethel University is also one of the fastest-growing universities in the South. In addition to being designated a “Military Friendly” school for 2016, Bethel was recently ranked 2nd in the nation in the BestCollege.com list of Best Online Christian Liberal Arts Colleges, based on academic merit, acceptance and graduation rates, enrollment and retention.
To learn more about Bethel University’s College of Professional Studies programs, go to BethelSuccess.net, or call 877-4BETHEL.