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Dustin Luca
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SALEM, MASS. – A new major at Salem State University combines two popular programs to prepare students for diverse careers across the criminal justice field at large, including law enforcement, courts and victim services.
Salem State University now offers a combined bachelor of sciences degree in criminal justice and Spanish, following recent approval of the program by the state’s Board of Higher Education.
The new combined major is designed to fill a high demand for criminal justice professionals who have professionalized their Spanish and who have demonstrable intercultural competence. The BS in criminal justice and Spanish provides an avenue for students to combine professional preparation in criminal justice with Spanish language skills, making them stand-out candidates in a growing criminal justice field. It serves both heritage and non-heritage Spanish speakers alike.
“Proficiency in Spanish enables the various criminal justice professionals to engage with Spanish-speaking individuals, establishing trust, facilitating communication, and enhancing the overall effectiveness of the criminal justice system,” said Gina Curcio Centeno, chairperson of the criminal justice department. “While it is well-documented that many communities across Massachusetts – and elsewhere in the country – need more Spanish-speaking officers, the need for Spanish-speaking professionals goes beyond just law enforcement.
“This program intends to fill the very high demand for Spanish-speaking criminal justice professionals across the system,” she continued, “including law enforcement agencies, the courts, correctional facilities, victim services, and offender rehabilitation and reentry services, just to name a few.”
Kenneth Reeds, chairperson of the world languages and cultures department, said graduates with a combined BS in criminal justice and Spanish “will not only possess proficiency in both languages, but also develop a deep understanding of the intercultural dynamics that shape interactions within diverse communities.”
“Their education equips them to navigate effectively between Spanish-speaking and English-speaking populations, fostering collaboration, empathy, and trust across cultural lines,” he said. “In the criminal justice field, where professionals often serve as the link between the system and the community, these graduates are uniquely positioned to act as bridges between the many distinct communities they encounter. By understanding the nuances of language, culture, and communication, they can promote inclusivity and equity in their work, strengthening the justice system’s relationship with the full spectrum of society.”
Sophia Ramos graduated from Salem State University this past spring with a double-major in criminal justice and Spanish. She said the new major combining the two fields “is incredibly valuable, especially for students like myself and many others who come from immigrant families.”
“In today’s world, knowing the legal system and speaking another language brings many benefits and opens up more career opportunities, from careers in law enforcement, the courts, corrections, and victim services to international work,” Ramos said. “Being able to communicate across cultures not only helps in serving and protecting communities but also builds stronger trust, breaking communication barriers. This combination gives students the skills they need to make a real difference in the criminal justice system.”