Today@Sam Article

SHSU-COCJ to Offer Courses at South Texas College in Rio Grande Valley

Aug, 28, 2025
SHSU Media Contact: Campbell Atkins

SHSU-COCJ announced a new partnership with South Texas College in the Rio Grande Valley geared toward their mission of meeting prospective students where they are. Personnel from both sides of the innovative collaboration gathered in McAllen, Texas on Aug. 26 to officially cement the alliance. (Photos courtesy of South Texas College)

By Kim Foster

The Sam Houston State University College of Criminal Justice (SHSU-COCJ) and South Texas College (STC) announced the launch of a new program that provides students in the Rio Grande Valley area of Texas an opportunity to earn their college degree while remaining close to home.

SHSU-COCJ Senior Dir. of Strategy and Innovation David Stender

The partnership was announced during a grand opening ceremony Aug. 26 at the STC campus in McAllen, Texas. As part of the program, select SHSU-CJ courses will be taught in a dedicated classroom on the STC campus.

“We’re meeting students in the Rio Grande Valley where they are by offering face-to-face courses on the STC campus,” said David Stender, senior director of strategy and innovation for SHSU-COCJ. “We also offer online courses in a five-week or 15-week format and provide opportunities for local or virtual internships.”

The program launch comes after STC and SHSU signed a memorandum of understanding for a credit transfer agreement in November. The MOU provides a more streamlined pathway for students who complete the first two years of classes at STC to transfer and enroll in SHSU’s criminal justice program upon graduation as part of an already-in-place transfer agreement.

With this new classroom space available, students accepted into the program will now have the option to take their SHSU Criminal Justice classes at the STC campus, meaning they can earn a bachelor’s degree from SHSU while remaining in McAllen.

“If students want to relocate to Huntsville, that is an option. However, a student can earn a criminal justice, homeland security or victim studies degree without ever leaving the region,” Stender said. “Ultimately, this arrangement makes for a model that is beneficial for students who are determined to continue their educational pursuits while encountering minimal hurdles along the way.”

Explore more information about SHSU-COCJ courses available at STC.

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