Although a degree in criminal justice isn’t a prerequisite for all public safety positions, it’s a popular choice, especially for officers already on the job who want to further their careers. Studying criminal justice allows you to broaden your knowledge of the most important topics in law enforcement today or select a specialty such as management, corrections or forensics. Earning a degree can help build a strong foundation of up-to-date skills, open up administrative and leadership positions and demonstrate a competitive edge in the job market.
FOP members who have pursued criminal justice degrees confirm their value. “Having my degree in the master’s level has benefited me because I now feel that I possess the understanding of the entire spectrum of the criminal justice system and not just one area of it,” says Katherine Lawrence, a 2011 University of Phoenix graduate. Current Upper Iowa University student Todd Hirsch finds that his education has made him “a better communicator, critical thinker, problem solver and report writer, just to name a few of my sharpened traits.” And Anthony Easter, who earned his master’s from the University of Cincinnati in 2005, attests: “I have been able to gain experience by being selected at my department to investigative positions, specialized assignment and promotion due to my education and experience received through the online program at UC. It has benefited me and my career quite well.”
Thousands of schools across the U.S. now offer criminal justice programs at both the undergraduate and graduate levels. But how do you find the one that’s right for you, especially when you need to balance your educational pursuits with your work schedule? Take a look at these four options designed for law enforcement professionals.
American Military University
www.amu.apus.edu
Degrees offered: A.A., B.A. (two concentrations available), B.S. (Forensics concentration) and M.A. (two concentrations available), plus a graduate certificate, all online.
Why choose it? Asynchronous course delivery means no specific logon times are required — students can download and complete assignments at their convenience. For further flexibility, courses begin monthly, many available in both 8- and 16-week sessions so students can select the intensity level that fits their schedules. AMU has received prestigious national awards for excellence and has unique partner relationships with major law enforcement organizations, including the FOP.
“Due to faculty and staff origins within the law enforcement community,” says Associate Vice President of Business Development Jeffrey Kuhn, “students find themselves in a like-minded setting in which their culture and challenges are uniquely understood and responded to in a uniquely informed manner.”
FOP members say: “I decided to complete my degree in criminal justice because the curriculum was challenging and had a real-life application to my career…. AMU has a Prior Learning Assessment program, which allows you to articulate college-level learning you’ve experienced in your career or personal life to academic credit. Because of my law enforcement experience, I was able to acquire six credits in a few months through the PLA…. I’ve found most of the professors have a great deal of real-life experience and education that can be expressed in their teaching. Most have accomplished more than just a thesis on the subjects they teach.”
Ryan Nelson, Idaho Lodge #6 President
B.A. Criminal Justice student
Read more from Ryan Nelson
University of Cincinnati
www.uc.edu
Degrees offered: B.S., M.S. (three concentrations available) and Ph.D., with online options for B.S. and M.S.
Why choose it? UC is the third-ranked criminal justice program in the country, the top-ranked program in research productivity and the only highly ranked program offering an online M.S. degree. All courses in the online M.S. program are taught by full-time tenured or tenure-track professors, many nationally or internationally known experts in their fields.
“What makes our program particularly beneficial for law enforcement professionals is that we couple standard courses in policing and law enforcement with specialized courses on crime prevention,” says Michael Benson, a professor in the School of Criminal Justice. “This is a real strength, as it helps law enforcement professionals learn how to develop strategies and programs designed to prevent crime in the first place rather than simply cleaning up the mess afterwards. It can help law enforcement professionals take a proactive rather than reactive approach to their work.”
FOP members say: “The program was very flexible and accommodating for working adults…. UC has one of the best Criminal Justice faculties in the country. All the faculty members have terminal degrees in their respective areas of expertise and have been published. The research and academic reputations of the undergraduate and graduate criminal justice programs at the University of Cincinnati are exceptional and you can count on getting your money’s worth. It’s a great investment!”
Anthony Easter, Tennessee Lodge #22
M.S. Criminal Justice 2005
Read more from Anthony Easter
University of Phoenix
www.phoenix.edu
Degrees offered: A.A. with Criminal Justice concentration, B.S. in Criminal Justice Administration (five concentrations available) and M.S. in Administration of Justice and Security (two concentrations available), all with online options.
Why choose it? The many course and concentration options allow students to customize their learning. Faculty members are active practitioners in their fields and bring real-life examples to the classroom based on their professional experiences, along with networking opportunities. The school is also a pioneer in online education.
“Since its founding over 35 years ago, University of Phoenix and its structure of delivering education to working adults has been perfectly suited to meet the needs of law enforcement professionals,” says James Ness, dean of the College of Criminal Justice and Security. “In fact, police officers were some of the very first students of the university and provided the inspiration for the university’s creation and structure. Understanding that working professionals, such as those in law enforcement, have a need to gain an education while not sacrificing their professional careers or personal responsibilities, the university offers a structure that meets all of these needs.”
FOP members say: “I have been allotted the opportunity to work in other areas of the criminal justice center for which I am currently employed since attaining my master’s. This has proved to be very beneficial to my career growth within the organization…. I would highly recommend University of Phoenix to anyone who is pursuing a criminal justice degree…and [would tell them] that their lives do not have to change drastically for them to do so.”
Katherine Lawrence, Texas Lodge #323
M.S. Administration of Justice and Security 2011
Read more from Katherine Lawrence
Upper Iowa University
www.uiu.edu
Degrees offered: B.S., with an online option.
Why choose it? UIU offers two distance education choices, online courses and independent study, so students can choose the delivery method that best suits their learning style and career and family responsibilities. The school has progressive transfer policies for college credits, and students may also receive credit for law enforcement academy training and military experience. Tuition discounts are offered to FOP members and their spouses and dependent children.
“Our courses are taught by scholar practitioners who ensure that Upper Iowa combines theoretical principles with sound, real-life workplace applications,” says Barbara Schultz, Assistant Vice President of the Center for Distance Education. “Our students address contemporary management challenges in the classroom… Classes are offered on a regular basis through different learning experiences, allowing students to complete the requirements of their degree program within the targeted time frame.”
FOP members say: “When I first started attending the university, I was a police lieutenant with years of experience under my belt. I thought there was not very much that I had not already learned about policing from my own experiences. I must admit I was wrong. Many of the courses, especially those in my major, were instructed by accomplished professionals from the various fields of law enforcement. I learned many new creative approaches and concepts…. The flexibility and affordability that the online courses have to offer…have enabled me to achieve an important goal in life, which I otherwise might not have been able to achieve.”
Todd Hirsch, Pennsylvania Lodge #42
B.S. Criminal Justice student
Read more from Todd Hirsch
Don’t miss the full Fall 2013 FOP Journal! Click here to see the digital issue.
