M.S. Criminal Justice

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by MitchSF, Dec 15, 2005.

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  1. MitchSF

    MitchSF New Member

    Hi All,
    I'm happy to have found this site. I'll be brief -

    After many years out of college (U of Miami, 1977, BS Computer Science, kind of like a medieval medical diploma would be, in today's world), I decided to go back to school.

    With poor grades but good references and life experience, I was accepted to Nova Southestern's Conflict Analysis and Resolution program, and I took one course on campus, and one online.

    I ended the semester with a 99% average in my Human Factors class (online), and probably a B in my on campus class. The reason I'm not sure about the grade in the on campus class is because I did not do well on the mid-term. It was a conventional closed book test, and I just could not remember anything, although I knew the material cold, and studied hard. I did well on both papers and class participation so I'm not worried, but at 50, the memory just doen't work like it used to.

    Although I enjoyed the program, I developed an interest in criminal justice from my work as a guardian ad litem, especially Nova's program because they offer several choices in specialization, including information systems.

    I was accepted into Nova's program and I'm waiting to hear from Boston Univeristy, but I'm leaning toward Nova. From what I've read here, both seem to be respected, with maybe the edge going to BU because of name recognition. They don't offer specialization, and the cost is about one-third higher than Nova.

    Also, Nova will be offering their Ph.D. program in 2006, but that is a minor factor in my decision process.

    From what I've read here, it seems that I won't go wrong with either choice. Am I correct?

    Also, for those around my age, do you find that memory retention is not what it used to be? My reasoning abilities are as good as ever if not better, and that accounts for my grade in the Human Factors class. I only wish I had taken the other class online too because the mid-term was open book.

    Thanks in advance,

    Mitch
     
  2. JH50

    JH50 Member

    In regards to Boston University, I really like their course offerings when compared to other schools. I was told, however (on this board by Bruce), that although BU is a nationally ranked university, their criminal justice program is offered through their continuing education department off the main campus. The University of Cincinnati, Michigan State University, and Florida State University all offer online Masters in Criminal Justice degrees and their Phd programs are ranked in the top 15 in the nation. The Boston University program seems to attract law enforcement officers and others working in the CJ system, which is probably why I like it. I guess it depends on what road you want to take. If you want to teach in the criminal justice community and want name recognition, the other 3 programs mentioned are probably a better bet (again credit to Bruce).

    Here is Bruce's link for RA CJ schools:

    http://www.angelfire.com/ma4/cjdegrees/degrees.html
     
    Last edited by a moderator: Dec 15, 2005
  3. fortiterinre

    fortiterinre New Member

    Mitch, I am probably 15 years younger than you, and I conceded long ago that my memory retention wasn't what it used to be! But I think we sometimes dismiss memorization as the opposite of learning, and it can still be helpful. At my advanced age I still use mnemonic devices and acronyms for short-term memorization of lists.

    For example, I am currently doing a lot of work in John Henry Newman, who said fun things like that there are five types of "notional assents:" "profession," "credence," "opinions," "presumption," and "speculation." People who see me writing out something like NAPCOPS over and over might be forgiven for thinking I had a screw loose or really had contempt for the police, but I would know I had the perfect acronym to memorize the five types of notional assents. I might not remember this forever, but I'll do well on a test on this subject.
     
  4. MitchSF

    MitchSF New Member

    JH50, thanks for the link. I don't see any other programs that offer an information systems specialty, and I like the idea because there's some comfort level and familiarity in that area of study. I'm doing this only for self-improvement and to further my volunteer work as a guardian ad litem. I'm a software developer by trade, and I don't see myself changing careers at this point in my life.

    It appears that state schools want GRE scores. I can't imagine studying math again, so that's out of the question. At this point, Nova is looking best for me.

    Steve, I did use acronyms to help with the midterm, but I forgot several of the acronyms. Next time I'll have to come up with an acronym for the acronyms!

    Thanks again,

    Mitch
     

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