Is National University's Graduate programs in Criminal Justice looked upon as a respected in the academic community? I am exploring several schools that have online programs in this area as I plan to teach part-time either on online or B/M and need a degree from a respectable school.
National University is a respected, regionally accredited university based in La Jolla, Ca. Since it is RA, I would assume that it would be fine for any related occupation, although I'm not involved in that field. The problem with NU is the fact that it is pretty pricey. You could do better price wise. Before I knew how to price shop programs, I completed a master's at NU and was very happy with the experience. I have found that my master's is respected and has opened a number of doors in my teaching career, but the same thing could be had for cheaper. One caveat, it is really hard to get an online teaching job without a doctoral degree these days. It's not even that easy with a doctoral degree. Chances are better if you have a lot of experience in the field. Another caveat, any degree earned online is not usually looked upon with favor by those who hire professors at traditional universities. If you want to teach at traditional university, you probably should earn your degree the traditional way. Once again, with budget cuts and dropping enrollments at profit schools, it's really hard to get a teaching job. Hopefully Bruce and some of the others who know that discipline will chime in and offer some cheaper options for you.
Thanks for the info. I've been looking into AMU, Capella, Walden, Wilmington U, and National as well as Concord Law. I'd also like an accelerated degree plan, not too sure on how the courses work at National though. Also, from what I heard, I think National gives tuition discounts to Homeland Security and Defense Dept employees. Is this true? Any other info is appreciated!
I think National is really good for an accelerated pace program. When I went there many years ago, the courses were 4 week courses and very quick paced. You could double up and take 2 classes together with special permission from administration. I doubt any of that that has changed over the years, but you can call them and double check. If you doubled up, you could conceivably take 64 units in a year. I doubt that would be possible practically speaking, but it is technically true. You should call them to find out more. 1 800 628 8648 (1800 NAT UNIV) Here is why your posts don't show up right away: http://www.degreeinfo.com/general-distance-learning-discussions/35100-new-users-ask-where-did-my-posts-go.html No need to post a second time.
I almost attended National University. I was admitted, and registered for class with no issues at all. They do seem to have a niche for offering a couple of degree programs that are hard to find. The doubling up policy that SurfDoctor mentioned is still in place. I was strongly advised not to double up. Even without doubling up I would have completed my masters in 13 months so I'm hard pressed to see a reason why someone would do much of that.
Yea, I agree. I doubled up on only one 4 week session and it was really tough. But it is available if you want to do it. Doubling up is probably similar to the workload of taking about 24 to 27 units in a semester at a traditional B&M program. You would have to be in a real hurry to endure something like that. Still, you can easily finish 36 units a year in the regular pace of the program. I think I remember that they go by quarter/hours there, so the translation may be different but the result is the same.
IMO, there are better choices for a graduate CJ degree if you're looking for a respected & prestigious degree. U of Cincinnati, Michigan State, Florida State, Indiana University, and UMass-Lowell all offer completely online CJ grad degrees, and all will be viewed as more prestigious than National.
Are you sure about that? I know that Indiana State offers a DL grad degree in criminology, but I don't think any of the IU campuses have a DL CJ offering at the grad level.
Moreover, do not dismiss the Sam Houston State University-College of Criminal Justice being consistently upper ranked regarding CJ programs in recognition nationally either. College of Criminal Justice
I think Bruce may have meant Indiana University of Pennsylvania, which offers an online CJ MA: M.A. in Criminology: Online - Criminology - IUP
All good info. I will look into all of those options while taking into consideration cost, completion time, and reputation. National seems very appealing but I will keep looking.
Does National offer tuition discounts to Department of Homeland Security personnel? I understand they offer discounts for US Military and Departement of Defense personnel. I ask since on the application they have a section inquiring as to whether the applicant is US military, Defense civilian, or Homeland Security civilian. If anyone has an answer I'd appreciate the info.
if you want to do an online masters degree in criminal justice you shoud look into Michigan State, Cincinnati, Florida State or Arizona State....they are well recognized and ranked nationally. here is the list... Best Criminology Programs | Top Criminology Schools | US News Best Graduate Schools
ASU: Criminal Justice (MA) | Online Degree Programs | ASU Online Cost is $463 per credit hour x 33 credit hours = $15,279 Full-time students can earn the degree in as few as 18 months.