Recognizing the importance of having qualified and well-educated people working in the law enforcement field, North Georgia College & State University is now offering an online-only graduate degree program in criminal justice. The degree program was designed for those already working in the law enforcement field or students interested in entering that field.
Master of Science in Criminal Justice Online Program
The graduate program was created online-only to make it more convenient for law enforcement professionals working odd hours or military personnel stationed overseas. And although the program welcomes all students, it is specifically targeted for military students as well as current criminal justice professionals, especially those who are unable to attend classes on a campus due to jobs or families. The focus of the program is on international crime and justice.
Dr. Ross Alexander, head of the Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice, said the content matter of the courses makes the program unique. It requires one global crime course and includes the option for students to take elective courses in international affairs.
“The global crime component differentiates us from any other master’s in criminal justice program in the University System of Georgia,” Alexander said.
And while students in the program will be able to access courses online any time of day or night, there are deadlines for assignments to be completed throughout the semester. Applications are accepted year-round, and students can start in any semester, though all courses may not be offered every semester.
The new Master of Science in Criminal Justice was approved by the Board of Regents of the University System of Georgia in April. Criminal justice professors Drs. Jennifer Allen, Brent Paterline and Stuart Batchelder will teach the majority of the program. Dr. Allen will oversee the criminal justice program, including the new master’s degree, and a fourth professor will be hired before the program begins this fall.
Based on the popularity of North Georgia’s online-only Master of Arts in International Affairs, which should have its first graduates this fall, Alexander expects interest in the graduate-level criminal justice program to be high as well. He anticipates many applications for the classes that start this fall and predicts the program could grow to as many as 50 students by the second year. The undergraduate program in criminal justice is one of the largest programs at North Georgia, with more than 300 students.
“It’s probably going to be more of an issue of how many students can we handle, rather than how many will apply,” he said.
Those interested in the program should contact the Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice or e-mail Dr. Allen, jmallen@northgeorgia.edu.
Admission requirements are the same as those for any graduate program at North Georgia, which can be seen on the Office of Graduate Admissions website. Additional requirements include the following: Completion of at least 15 undergraduate credit hours in criminal justice, criminology, and/or a related discipline as approved by the program director; a 1-2 page letter of intent specifying the applicant’s interest in the program, professional motivation to advance in the field of criminal justice and student’s academic background; and current professional resume.
About North Georgia College & State University
North Georgia College & State University (NGCSU) was established in 1873 and is the second oldest co-educational institution in the state and the first to admit women. The university is located in Dahlonega, Lumpkin County, Georgia. NGCSU is renowned for its ROTC and is designated as The Military College of Georgia and The Leadership Institution of Georgia. It is one of only six senior military colleges in the United States. North Georgia offers more than 50 programs of study and confers bachelor’s, master’s and doctoral degrees.
There are approximately 6,000 students currently enrolled at North Georgia, and its Corps of Cadets comprises about 13 percent of the student population.
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Harrison College recently announced that it will offer a scholarship for working moms who wish to pursue a college education, the Evansville Courier and Press reports.
Officials told the news source that the new scholarship is geared toward helping women who are working or reentering the workforce and have a child under age 18 at home. The program will provide the recipient with $2,500 per year toward an associates and bachelors degree program at the school's online campus.
They added that, in order to qualify, students must maintain at least 3.0 grade point average and be in academic good standing with Harrison College. Furthermore, applicants must submit a 500-word essay providing reasons for pursuing a college education and they must present recommendations from a co-worker and a family member.
The school offers bachelors degree programs in accounting, business management, nursing, information technology, healthcare management, human resources and criminal justice, among others.
According to a recent report from Babson-Sloan, nearly eight in 10 online students are currently working toward a four-year degree.
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Capella University, which is an online school, recently partnered with the National Sheriffs' Association (NSA) in an effort to help its members enroll in criminal justice and public safety programs at a reduced cost.
The partnership will allow NSA members to be eligible for reduced tuition at the university. Members can earn a tuition grant up until the end of August 2011.
School officials said that their multidisciplinary approach to public service education is designed to allow students to gain knowledge in different areas. For instance, the college's public service program can partner with healthcare, public safety and public administration professionals to help solve challenges specific to that field.
"We are quite pleased to have Capella University as one of our educational partners," said Fred G. Wilson, director of operations for the NSA.
The faculty has working experience in law enforcement agencies such as the Federal Bureau of Investigations, New York Police Department, Federal Bureau of Prisons and U.S. Customs, according to the school
According to the Bureau of Labor Statistics, employment opportunities in the detective and criminal investigator field are expected to increase by 17 percent over the next seven years.
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