Hello all! This is such a great site. I've been lurking for a while but this is my first post. I’m currently looking into some DL MA CRJ programs but it’s been a difficult hunt. I’m looking for a program that is entirely DL and does not require any entrance testing, i.e., GRE. I’m looking into the following programs: New Mexico State University Boston University (A little pricey though but may be worth it.) Norwich (Don’t know about their reputation, also a little pricey) Indiana State University (Too late for the Fall semester) Any more suggestions will be really, really helpful so I can start shot gunning those applications out! Thanks!
First off, the GRE really isn't a big deal. I took it with no preparation whatsoever, and was accepted into every graduate program to which I applied (including BU on your list). Having said that, I earned my M.A. in Criminal Justice from the University of Massachusetts-Lowell. I did the off-campus program, which seems is being phased out in favor of the online model. In any case, it looks like UMass-Lowell no longer requires the GRE for entrance to their M.A. in CJ online program, so it's worth checking out. I can't say enough about UMass-Lowell, it was a high-quality program. Click here: UMass-Lowell M.A. in Criminal Justice Bruce
What does one do (what kind of work, job, industries) with a master's in criminal justice, especially if you do not work in a field that is related while you go to school?
I do work in the criminal justice field. Not only will it help me advance in my career, I would also like to teach CRJ a few years down the road. Bruce- Thanks for the UMass info. I tried to contact them today but the CRJ rep wasn't in. I also contacted Boston University and Univ of Cin. I was really impressed with both. For those interested, I spoke with a CRJ rep at Indiana State Univ. Their program is full until Fall 2004.
Well, in my case it meant a 25% increase in my salary once I earned my M.A. thanks to a very generous pay incentive program for police officers in Massachusetts, known as the Quinn Bill. For those cities & towns that adopt the Quinn Bill, the police officers get 10% for an Associate's degree, 20% for a Bachelor's, and 25% for a Master's or Law degree. The only catch is that the degrees must be in Criminal Justice, Law Enforcement, or something similar. If the school is not accredited by the New England Association, the Board of Higher Education has to approve it. A friend if mine who graduated from Florida State University had to jump through hoops to get Quinn-certified. Other than that, I've been much in-demand as an adjunct lecturer in Criminal Justice at several state community & private 2-year colleges, as well as some small private 4-year colleges. I'm sure that my street experience as a police officer (almost 15 years) helps quite a bit, but I'm also sure that having a Master's degree from a very good CJ school (UMass-Lowell) helps just as much. Bruce
You really can't go wrong with any of them, but I obviously have a biased preference for UMass-Lowell. If you do decide to go with UMass, try to get any classes with Dr. Ron Corbett and Dr. Ellsworth Fersch, they are just fantastic teachers who take a genuine interest in their students. They're not easy by any standards, as a matter of fact they're just the opposite, but they will challenge you & bring out the best in you. I can't say enough about them. Under Dr. Corbett's tutelage, I produced a research paper that, to this day, still impresses me. Also...you'll have to take Statistics, and I would recommend Dr. Donald Hummer. He'll make you learn the material, but he is totally approachable and will work with you as much as necessary until you get it. I'm horrible at math, but I regulary turned to him for extra help, and he always went the extra distance to make sure I "got it". I've only encountered one UMass-Lowell faculty member that was a total tool....I'd rather not air that dirty laundry, so e-mail me & I'll tell you who it is. Bruce
Bruce: Thanks for the outstanding info on UMass-Lowell. The UMass program has definitely caught my attention. AGS2PhD: Norwich's program impresses me also... their reputation in military circles is truly awesome (they're a private 4-year miltary college). And, yes, the tuition pricetag is hefty. The pace of the program is really a great selling point... Additionally: If the GRE just KILLS you, many schools will accept the MAT (which is much less painful) as a substitute. Back to UMass-Lowell: Bruce - How was the "pacing" in the old UMass program? How long did it take you to complete? BruceP
I dare not say what I got on my GRE. But there is always a way around the GRE requirement. A requirement isn't really a requirement if you find a way around it, is it? Stinkin' GRE tests!!!
I finished in one academic year (18 months total) by taking 3 courses per semester for 3 semesters, and 2 courses during the summer sessions (it's a 33-credit program). It's not a pace that I would recommend, I was just trying to beat a deadline at work for an educational incentive (we can only enroll during the month of August). If I had to do it over again with no deadline, I'd take 2 courses per semester at the most. You're considered a full-time student at 3, and I believe you can take up to 4 with special approval. You just need to show proof of health insurance if you're considered full-time (state law). Bruce
