Law Encorcement Friend needs Help with Degree!

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by firstmode4c, Jun 30, 2007.

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  1. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    I have a friend who is in the city police and he is interested in finishing a bachelors degree so that he can apply for more advanced positions within law encorcement.

    I know that we have some experienced law enforcement officers here and wanted to ask a question for him.

    He is looking to get a degree that would help him advance when it comes to Detective or other higher up law enforcement degrees.

    What type of degree should he go after?

    Currenlty he has the following:

    -Associates Degree in Police Science (Criminal Justice) (RA)

    He has probably around 80 credit hours from this school.

    -Military Training that can be used as credits

    -MUCH MUCH MUCH Police classroom and other specialized forms of training that he would like to use as credits

    SOOOOO what would be his best bet for degree type and the school he would choose?

    He is willing to go for anything, even a ministry degree, but I wanted to ask what you guys thought would be best for law enforcement. They really just want a bachelors in anything for application processes.
     
  2. PhD2B

    PhD2B Dazed and Confused

  3. Jodokk

    Jodokk Member

  4. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    Western Carolina University:

    Curricula & Courses
    Criminal Justice, B.S. Degree

    Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program

    What is the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program?

    The Department of Applied Criminology offers a Bachelor of Science degree through the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program. Criminal Justice Distance Learning courses are accessed through the WebCT/WebCat learning management system. All instructional activities such as lectures, group interactions, reading assignments, class projects, presentations, submission of assignments, e-mail exchange, test administration, and other course functions occur within the WebCT/WebCat environment.

    To be a Distance Learning student, what type of computer should I have?

    All Distance Learning students should have, at a minimum, a personal computer running Windows XP or a Macintosh computer running system OS X or higher. The computer must be able to connect to the university's network through an appropriate DSL or Cable modem. A minimum of 512 MB RAM memory is essential, as is a 40 GB hard drive. All computers should have either a CD-R or CD-RW (preferred) drive. Systems must be capable of connecting to Western's network, utilize a WCU-supported OS, as well as have a supported version of Microsoft Office. Systems having less than this minimum specification will not perform satisfactorily or meet WCU's computer requirement. Due to limitations, Windows XP Home Edition is NOT supported.

    In addition, all Distance Learning students should be able to perform common computer functions such as e-mailing, chat, discussion boards, browsing the Internet, zipping and unzipping files, downloading and uploading files, keyword searching, and be able to use Microsoft Office products including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.

    Common distance learning pedagogies used in the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program include…

    Chat Rooms – synchronous (at the same time) communication with others in the class
    Discussion Boards – asynchronous (not at the same time) communication with others in the class
    Drop Boxes – electronic tool(s) for uploading and submitting written assignments and files
    Online Tests – self-administration of timed quizzes and exercises
    Email – communication between two or more members of the class

    What are the eligibility requirements?

    To be accepted into the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program, a prospective student must meet the application requirements of the University and…

    Have an Associate of Arts (A.A.) degree or and Associate of Science (A.S.) degree from an accredited community college;

    Have an Associates of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree from an accredited community college; or

    Have substantial progress toward the “44 General Core” courses that satisfy the General Education/Liberal Studies requirement for a North Carolina community college.
    What are the general requirements for the Criminal Justice degree?

    A minimum of 120 semester hours are required. This requirement is comprised of…

    Criminal Justice: 48 hours
    Liberal Studies: 42 hours
    General Electives: 30 hours

    In addition, all students are required to complete a minimum of 30 semester hours at the junior/senior level while at WCU to satisfy WCU graduation requirements.

    What Criminal Justice courses are required?

    Required Core Courses (24 Semester Hours)

    CJ 250 The Criminal Justice System
    CJ 300 Research Methods and Writing
    CJ 320 Police in Society
    CJ 330 Criminal Courts
    CJ 340 Institutional Corrections
    CJ 370 Criminal Justice Ethics
    CJ 455 Theories of Crime
    CJ 495 Senior Capstone

    What elective courses are offered in the Criminal Justice Program?

    Elective Courses (24 Semester Hours)

    CJ 260 Judicial Process
    CJ 270 Introduction to Security
    CJ 290 Introduction to Forensic Science
    CJ 304 Criminal Law
    CJ 310 Victimology
    CJ 311 Juvenile Justice and Delinquency
    CJ 315 Investigative Principles
    CJ 323 Crime Scene Investigation
    CJ 345 Organized Crime
    CJ 350 Violence in American Society
    CJ 354 Comparative Criminal Justice Systems
    CJ 360 Asset Protection
    CJ 365 Cybercrime
    CJ 406 Criminal Justice Administration
    CJ 424 Community Corrections
    CJ 425 Police Practices and Problems
    CJ 430 Evidence and Criminal Procedure
    CJ 435 Homeland Security
    CJ 457 Terrorism
    CJ 460 Drugs and Society
    CJ 470 Criminal Justice Policy
    CJ 480 Independent Study in Criminal Justice 1-3 hours, R6
    CJ 483 Internship in Criminal Justice 1-12 hours, R12
    CJ 493 Topics in Criminal Justice, R12

    Can I transfer community college Criminal Justice courses to WCU?

    Yes, students can transfer a maximum of 24 semester hours of community college Criminal Justice courses into the Criminal Justice degree. Depending on the community college course, the course will be used to satisfy either a Criminal Justice core course or a Criminal Justice elective course. Any additional hours in Criminal Justice above the 24 hour maximum will transfer in as a General Elective course. Additional information about the transfer of Criminal Justice courses from a North Carolina community college can be located within the articulation agreement.

    What Liberal Studies courses are required?

    A list of the required Liberal Studies courses and the Transfer of Credit policy can be found at the following website http://www.wcu.edu/registrar/Transfer/default.asp. If you click on the link entitled “WCU Liberal Studies Equivalencies at NCCC Institutions,” you will see a listing of community college courses and the equivalent course at WCU.

    Students have the option of completing the 44 General Core requirement offered by the community college system in place of the WCU Liberal Studies requirement. The General Education requirements are somewhat different than those of WCU. Contact your transfer advisor at the community college for more information.

    How is the Liberal Studies requirement different if I received an A.A. or an A.A.S. degree at the community college?

    Pursuant to University of North Carolina System Policy, students who graduate from an accredited community college in North Carolina and who have earned either an Associate of Arts (A.A.) or an Associate of Science (A.S.) degree will have fulfilled all Liberal Studies (general education) requirement at WCU.

    Students who have earned a degree from an accredited institution located outside of North Carolina will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits and may have to complete additional courses to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.

    Students who possess an Associate of Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree will undergo a course-by-course evaluation for transfer credits. In most cases, the student will be required to complete additional courses at a community college or through WCU to fulfill the Liberal Studies requirement.

    Transfer students who have questions in regard to their previous college courses fulfilling WCU’s Liberal Studies or General Education Core requirements are urged to contact Ms. Kim Cherry in the University Advising Center.

    Can I receive academic credit for BLET or other training I have completed?

    No, WCU does not recognize training, certifications, or other continuing education units as being equivalent to academic courses at the university level. Transfer credit will only be awarded for courses offered by institutions of higher education that are accredited by nationally recognized, regional accredited organizations. Evaluation of academic transcripts is conducted by the Registrar’s Office, not the individual department.

    Can I receive credit for my experience in the Criminal Justice field?

    Pending final approval, Criminal Justice Distance Learning students may apply for and be considered for experiential credit under the following conditions...

    1. The student must have a minimum of three (3) years of full-time work experience in the requested course area.

    2. The student may apply for credit only in one (1) of the following introductory courses:

    CJ 320 (Police in Society)
    CJ 330 (Courts)
    CJ 340 (Institutional Corrections)

    3. Once the student has presented evidence of the required full-time work experience and that experience has been verified by the Coordinator of the Criminal Justice Distance Learning Program, the student will be permitted to take a challenge exam in the approved course area.

    4. The student must pass the written exam with a minimum grade of 80% to receive credit for the course.

    Where can I get more information?

    For more information, please visit http://www.wcu.edu/199.asp

    How do I apply to WCU?

    For Admissions information, visit http://www.wcu.edu/15.asp
     
  5. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    George Washington University:



    Recent years have seen fundamental changes in the securing of public safety. The types of incidents that police professionals are called upon to prevent, investigate, and control have changed profoundly. In addition to their law enforcement responsibilities, police now face the challenging new demands of homeland security and attendant "first response" duties. This complex new role merits a fresh perspective on the nature and scope of the applied knowledge our police forces require.

    Police responsibilities and the way they are performed should always be reviewed in managerial, political, and societal contexts. Changes in these areas often lead to subsequent modifications in practical police work. The Bachelor of Professional Studies in Police Science exposes students to current and future policing challenges within these contexts of change.

    Developed by GW's College of Professional Studies in consultation with metropolitan area law enforcement and police experts, the Police Science curriculum has been drawn from six schools at The George Washington University into a single comprehensive e-learning format.

    The result is a relevant and rich program, including:

    Fundamental standards that support focused law enforcement,

    Best practices for sustaining success,

    Leadership principles required to effectively manage government resources,

    Strategies for partnering with other organizations to address the underlying causes of crime

    Proven techniques for building safe, healthy neighborhoods.
     
  6. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    Are both of these schools RA? They would have to be RA as many law enforcement agencies only allow RA.

    ALSO, will both of these schools take Military and police training as credit possibly?
     
  7. Ted Heiks

    Ted Heiks Moderator and Distinguished Senior Member

    Moderator Bruce Tait has his associate's, bachelor's, and master's degrees in criminal justice. His signature line has clickable links to websites with lists of distance learning criminal justice degrees (one for regionally accredited and one for nationally accredited).
     
  8. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    Wow, I hope Bruce Tait drops in to give a little advice. My friend would really appreciate the experience he can offer!
     
  9. PhD2B

    PhD2B Dazed and Confused

    GWU is RA. In fact GWU ranks 52nd on the US News & World Reports best colleges in the National Universities: Top Schools category. See the following link:

    http://colleges.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/usnews/edu/college/rankings/brief/t1natudoc_brief.php

    WCU is also RA.
     
  10. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    Great Info!

    I am going to be getting all of this info to him in a couple of days, he will be happy with the results
     
  11. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    Anyone else have any advice before I contact him with options?
     
  12. firstmode4c

    firstmode4c Member

    I got this list from Bruce Tait's RA Criminal Justice list in his signature. Not sure which ones are the best at accepting Military and Police training as credits though:







    Regionally Accredited Undergraduate Programs

    American Intercontinental University
    Bellevue University
    Charter Oak State College
    Colorado State University-Pueblo
    Colorado Technical University
    Excelsior College
    Fort Hays State University
    Grand Canyon University
    Kaplan University
    Keiser College
    Mountain State University
    National University
    New York Institute of Technology
    Park University
    Saint Joseph's College (Maine)
    Saint Leo University
    Thomas Edison State College
    University of Findlay
    University of Louisville
    University of North Carolina-Wilmington
    University of Phoenix
    University of Texas
    Upper Iowa University
    Washington State University


    Regionally Accredited Master's Programs

    Boston University
    California University of Pennsylvania
    Capella University
    Central Missouri State University
    East Carolina University
    Florida State University
    Fort Hays State University
    Indiana State University
    Michigan State University
    Mountain State University
    New Mexico State University
    Norwich University
    Nova Southeastern University
    Sam Houston State University
    Tiffin University
    Troy University
    University of Alaska-Fairbanks
    University of California-Irvine
    University of Central Florida
    University of Cincinnati
    University of Louisville
    University of Massachusetts-Lowell
    University of Phoenix
    University of Wisconsin-Platteville


    Regionally Accredited Doctoral Programs

    Capella University
    Northcentral University
    Saybrook Graduate School & Research Center
    Union Institute & University
    Walden University
     
  13. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Most likely one of the "Big Three" schools, which includes Charter Oak, Excelsior and Thomas Edison. All three schools are quite liberal in accepting transfer credits, including credits for military and other training (the amount and type of credit accepted will vary with each school).

    Good luck.

    - Tom
     
  14. amberlt83

    amberlt83 New Member

    I am currently enrolled with APU working on a backelors in criminal justice. I have completed 30 credits in 9 months. I love all the instructors I have had and the process is really simple (easy to navigate). Go to www.apu.apus.edu and check it out!
     
  15. japhy4529

    japhy4529 House Bassist

    Wow, 30 credits in 9 months is quite impressive! You're on track to complete 40 credits in a year!

    How many courses did you take per term? Also, did you go with the 8 or 16 week terms?

    Thanks,
    Tom
     

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