Advise before getting into a MS in criminal justice (Online Program)

Discussion in 'General Distance Learning Discussions' started by lorena93, Sep 22, 2017.

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  1. lorena93

    lorena93 New Member

    I have a Bachelors degree from NMSU and looking into getting a MS, all in Criminal Justice. I graduated with honors, however most of my classes were online, therefore I did not make any connections with professors or was involved in campus activities. My main goal is to become a parole officer, but if you have no experience most places require a MS or a BA and experience which I do not posses.

    If I were to look into the MS program I am forced to do it online due to personal reasons and I can't help it but to be afraid. My BA online was extremely easy and I was told a MS is the opposite, plus I don't have anyone to write letters of recommendation.

    Financially, I am barely making it and have no idea where to apply with my degree since I have no experience other than my education. Currently, I am working as a caregiver which is extremely sad as I put so much effort to get my BA.

    I looked into ASU program and NMSU itself, but just looking at the requirements makes me afraid I wont make it. I graduated in Dec, 2016. I would appreciate any advise before I burn my head just thinking about it, thanks.
     
  2. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    A lot of people who have taken online courses freak out over getting letters of recommendation. Just ask for them. Most instructors will be willing to write one.

    ASU has one of the best CJ departments in the country, but they are expensive. If you have issues with GPA, there are plenty of for-profit and non-traditional non-profits that have virtually no admissions standards.

    I'm most familiar with parole and probation jobs in Texas. A lot of the people applying for those jobs will have experience as caseworkers, counselors, correctional officers, and juvenile supervision officers. It's not hard to get a job as a correctional or juvenile supervision officer.
     
  3. chrisjm18

    chrisjm18 Well-Known Member

    Here are some affordable options that do not require recommendation letters:

    -Lamar University
    -McNeese State University
    -Southern New Hampshire University
    -St. Leo University
    -University of Wisconsin - Platteville
    -Youngstown State University
    -Norwich University
    -American Miltary University

    Some other affordable options that require recommendation letters include:
    -John Jay College of Criminal Justice
    -Sam Houston State University
    -Kent State University
    -Wichita State University
    -Wayne State University

    Like sanantone said, a lot of online faculty members are willing to provide you with a recommendation letter.
     
  4. jhp

    jhp Member


    Why are you getting a Criminal Justice degree? Are you planning to be a probation, correction, or police officer; maybe a warden, guard or State Trooper?
     
  5. Bruce

    Bruce Moderator

    I have a fairly comprehensive list of RA CJ degrees available by DL, in Word format with links. If you'd like, PM me your email, and I'll be happy to send it along.

    My standard advice is that if you're looking for a degree to simply "check the box", then price and program format (length, LMS, etc.) should be paramount. If accreditation isn't an issue (in that as long as the accreditation is recognized), then a NA program could fit the bill nicely for you.

    If you're looking for the degree as a teaching credential or as a precursor to doctoral study, then accreditation (RA or no way), the reputation of the school and/or the program should come into play, which of course, you're likely going to pay for.
     
  6. sanantone

    sanantone Well-Known Member

    Your answer is in the post you quoted.

     
  7. jhp

    jhp Member

    Thanks. Missed that for some reason...

    Well, forge ahead then! :D

    The reason I asked (because I missed the sentence, and) I have seen CJ declared, because it is presumed CJ is best for digital forensics and security.
     

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