Why Ohio’s No. 1 criminal justice program is the choice for working professionals

Lorain Police Department Capt. Jacob Morris '17 shares how Bowling Green's flexible master's program led to three promotions and a new perspective on law enforcement

As a police officer in his hometown of Lorain, Ohio, Jacob Morris '17 knew that professional excellence required more than just time on the beat. A firm believer in lifelong learning, Morris turned to Bowling Green State University to sharpen his skills, earning his master's degree in criminal justice while working full-time. Since earning his degree, Morris has continued to rise through the ranks at the Lorain Police Department, most recently being promoted to captain.

"I always wanted to be the best officer I could be," Morris said. "Because so much of this career is based on opportunities, there is no guarantee you will become a detective or sergeant. I knew that if I stood out from my peers, opportunities would find me. My BGSU education allowed me to do exactly that, and it has already resulted in three promotions."

A top-ranked pathway for professionals

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice program – recently ranked No. 1 in Ohio and among the top 15 programs in the nation – is designed specifically for working professionals. Its flexible format allows students to learn online, in-person or through a hybrid model. Morris took full advantage of this, completing his master's degree in just one year.

The program did more than check a box for a promotion; it changed his approach to the job.

"The Lorain Police Department promotes strictly from within, meaning you don't necessarily need an advanced degree to progress," Morris explained. "The challenge is that without outside education, officers only know what experience has taught them, which doesn't always foster organizational or cultural change."

A continuous journey of learning

Morris credits BGSU with pushing him outside of his comfort zone and encouraging him to challenge the status quo.

"I am now more critical of current practices and find myself asking, 'Is there a better way?'" Morris said. "This shift in perspective has encouraged me to combine academic research with departmental data to bolster my decision-making."

Today, Morris leads by example, hoping to inspire his fellow officers to view education as a continuous journey rather than a destination.

"I believe critical thinking is a perishable skill," Morris said. "It is necessary to provide a venue for complex discussions and find ways to blur the line between the police and the communities we serve.

"Everything I learned at BGSU and while on the job gets deposited right back into the policies and culture at the Lorain Police Department."

When Morris isn't serving his community and leading his fellow officers, he spends his time educating BGSU criminal justice students as an adjunct professor. Teaching in-person classes once per week, Morris also arranges three different on-site visits to Lorain for students to experience real-world policing that informs the topics they discuss in class.

To show his gratitude to BGSU and help future students in the criminal justice program, Morris donates his BGSU salary back to the criminal justice program through the establishment of the Criminal Justice Legacy Scholarship.