Misericordia University Introduces New Programs in Entrepreneurship and Criminology

Misericordia University recently introduced two new majors for full-time students that begin in fall 2024. The College of Arts and Sciences added a new Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminology, and a Bachelor of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship is now available within the College of Business.

“Our criminology degree was created to educate students in a wide range of issues and principles impacting crime in modern society,” says John Woznicki, Ph.D., dean of the College of Arts and Sciences. “It will prepare students for a career in law enforcement and various other fields related to the study and reduction of crime. We use an interdisciplinary approach, apply broad-based thinking skills in the Mercy tradition, and draw on the talents of our faculty in government, law, and national security as well as new faculty we’ve added to support this major.”

Building on recent success in launching new majors, such as supply chain management and business economics, the College of Business is introducing entrepreneurship as a major for full-time students, as well as a certificate program for adult learners.

Jim Pierson, J.D., CPA, dean of the College of Business says, “Entrepreneurship is an excellent major for students who desire to start their own businesses or who wish to apply their knowledge in an existing company as someone who promotes innovative product development and marketing. Students will apply appropriate thinking skills and technology to entrepreneurial activities to solve business problems and formulate sound business decisions.” Pierson adds that students can opt for a specialization in social entrepreneurship that will help them analyze the importance of ethical and social responsibilities and to foster innovation in applying entrepreneurial skills to address social issues impacting our communities through social ventures and responsive business operations. 

Misericordia University is a highly personal community of over 2,000 students in Northeastern Pennsylvania. As a private Catholic institution founded by the Sisters of Mercy, Misericordia emphasizes collaborative, hands-on learning and supports co-curricular activities by engaged faculty and staff. The university challenges students to excel academically, professionally, and socially and has notably superior graduation and retention rates. The university’s core values of Mercy, Service, Justice, and Hospitality underpin the more than 50 academic programs. Misericordia offers 31 Division III NCAA intercollegiate athletic programs, which include the new additions of STUNT, men’s and women’s wrestling, and men’s ice hockey. Misericordia University is celebrating its 100th anniversary in 2024 and is planning to welcome its second largest first-year class.

For more information on any new or existing program, please visit www.misericordia.edu/academics.