Edward J. Latessa, Professor and Division Head at University of Cincinnati Divison of Criminal Justice.

Tell us about the distance learning Criminal Justice programs offered at University of Cincinnati.

UC began its online master’s program in criminal justice in 2001. This program is designed for working professionals; students take two courses per term, back-to-back so that they can focus on one class at a time, and complete the program in two years.

A new one-year accelerated online program began in Fall 2007. This option enables highly-motivated students to take four courses per term and complete the program in half the time. It is intended for students who do not plan to work full-time while completing the program.

Both programs use the same curriculum: 16 courses covering theory, administration and policy, research, and special topics. Within the curriculum, students select four elective seminars, ranging from White-Collar Crime to Community Corrections. They also complete a demonstration research project, which serves as a capstone experience.

What would you say makes University of Cincinnati Criminal Justice programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

The reputation of the program sets us apart from others. The University of Cincinnati’s Division of Criminal Justice is one of the premier criminal justice schools in the world, currently ranked #3 among all Ph.D.-granting criminal justice universities by U.S. News & World Report. No other top-10 criminal justice school has a fully-online program. Additionally, our faculty are #1 among criminal justice faculty in publication of research, according to a study in The Journal of Criminal Justice.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation is a critical consideration when researching and selecting any higher education program, whether online or on campus. Regional accreditation is the most widely-accepted form of institutional accreditation, and our admission standards reflect this fact. An applicant to any graduate program at the University of Cincinnati must hold a bachelor’s degree from a regionally-accredited institution. The key here is that accreditation ensures standards. Universities, employers, and students recognize the value of regional accreditation.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does University of Cincinnati take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

Most importantly, our on-campus and online programs have the same faculty. Some programs hire adjunct professors to teach online students, while their full-time faculty teach campus students. Because UC’s faculty teach in both programs, they ensure that the educational experience is comparable.

UC is committed to ensuring that online and on-campus students experience the same learning outcomes. In fact, the degree earned online is identical to the degree earned on-campus, and every year we welcome online students to our graduation ceremonies. For most distance learning students, graduation is the first time they visit the UC campus. But their connections to their fellow students, facilitators, faculty, and support staff during the program are as substantial as their on-campus counterparts.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Results from surveys of our students indicate that the three most important benefits of UC’s online MCJ program are flexible scheduling, the prestige of the institution, and the length of the program. The Blackboard learning management system enables students to interact with classmates, facilitators, and faculty at any time. We have students in every U.S. time zone, and even some living abroad, and the learning platform ensures that they can balance their studies with their work and personal responsibilities.

Additionally, UC’s reputation as a leader in applied research in criminology and corrections helps students and graduates to open doors to new professional opportunities. And the flexibility of one- and two-year options enable students to achieve their educational goals while balancing personal and professional responsibilities.

Does University of Cincinnati offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

The two-year program is designed for working professionals, most of whom already work in some capacity in criminal justice or protective services fields. UC does not provide formal job placement services for students in their distance learning programs. But it is worth noting that the programs provide opportunities to network with peers, facilitators, and faculty. And the university’s reputation in criminal justice is also a strong “door-opener” for graduates seeking to change jobs or enter a new field.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

The program is eligible for all forms of Title IV federal financial aid, including the Federal Stafford Loan and Perkins Loan. The program cost is reasonable, so federal loan programs usually cover students’ program costs. Many of our students also receive tuition reimbursement from their employers.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

It is important for students to understand that graduate-level work, in any program, should focus on honing students’ critical thinking skills. So it can be very different from undergraduate work. Along with critical thinking skills, students should be prepared to hone their writing skills.

One additional piece of advice for online students is to look for opportunities to apply your newly-acquired knowledge in your workplace. Students note that they often learned a new concept or framework over the weekend and used it to solve problems in their jobs the next week.

What do you enjoy most about your position in the University of Cincinnati?

I enjoy working with students, both in the campus and online programs, and continuing my research. My staff and I have assessed over 450 correctional programs at facilities across the country, which enables me to bridge the gap between theory and practice. We have a robust doctoral program on campus as well, and it is good to watch our graduates earn teaching appointments at other institutions. So I enjoy the variety of my work.

To request more information on this Criminal Justice program at University of Cincinnati, go here to visit them online. 

Thank you Edward, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview!  

About Edward J. Latessa
Edward J. Latessa, PhD, is Professor and Division Head for the Division of Criminal Justice at the University of Cincinnati. Dr. Latessa has published over 110 works in the area of criminal justice, corrections, and juvenile justice. He is co-author of seven books, including Corrections in the Community, which is now in its fourth edition, and  Corrections in America which is in its 11th edition.. Dr. Latessa teaches the Corrections in the Community course online and on campus.

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Dawn Drake, Executive Director for Alternative Delivery Systems at University of Wisconsin – Platville joins us today to discuss distance education.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at University of Wisconsin-Platteville.

UW-Platteville offers 3 graduate programs (Criminal Justice, Engineering, and Project Management) and 2 undergraduate programs (Business Administration and Criminal Justice) completely online.  In addition, there are several online certificate programs available and students can also take individual classes  to transfer into another program or for professional development.  For a complete listing of our programs and courses, visit our Website.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Our individual courses are set up on a typical semester basis (16 weeks in fall and spring and 10 weeks in the summer).  Most of the students in our programs are taking classes on a part-time basis, while working full time, so the duration of the programs is completely determined by the individual student.  We do not require students to take classes in a cohort basis, so each student can determine the amount of credits they want to take and in which semesters, to best fit their individual needs.

What would you say makes University of Wisconsin-Platteville program different and better than other comparable online programs?

Our online programs are an extension of the successful programs that we have available on our campus, which has a great educational history of nearly 150 years.  All students have an academic advisor, classes with an average enrollment of 22, and access to all academic and administrative services in a centralized Distance Learning Center.  The level of interaction that occurs between students and with the instructors of the courses is very high.  In addition, the student body is very diverse.  We have had students from all 50 states and 42 countries during the past 5 years.  Since most of our students are non-traditional in nature, they bring a wonderful combination of work and life experiences to the classes and share this wealth of experience in their discussions and group projects.   Distance education is a distinct part of the university’s mission statement and is incorporated into all aspects of campus reports and activities.  Selected students and alumni from the programs serve on a Student Advisory Board and Alumni Advisory Board that focuses on distance education topics and initiatives.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Given the high standards of becoming accredited, I believe it is very important to know the accreditation status of an institution when choosing an online program.  Since students are not part of an on-campus environment, it is difficult to determine the quality and operations of the institution.  Accreditation provides an opportunity for students to be reassured that the institution must maintain a certain level of quality and standards throughout their operations.  University of Wisconsin-Platteville recently completed their accreditation process and received a full 10-year reaccreditation.  The following statement regarding distance education was part of the final report submitted by the accreditation team:

“The Distance Learning Center provides outstanding support to students and  faculty engaged in distance learning.  The Center provides a single point of access  for student learners where they receive administrative and technical support, and  access to student services, library resources, and course materials.  The Center  assures that best distance education practices are implemented across the curricula  it supports and seeks to constantly improve the e-learning environment for  students.”

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees.  What steps does University of Wisconsin-Platteville take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

The curriculum for the programs is developed and approved through the same process that is followed for our on-campus programs.  There is a large system of checks and balances that exist to make sure that the quality of the online programs is very high.  In addition, there is required training that all faculty participate in who will be developing and/or teaching online classes.  There is also an established minimum set of quality criteria that must be included in each online course.  If these elements are not present before the semester begins, the course is canceled.  Appropriate educational assistance and resources are also made available to all online students.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online, rather than in a traditional classroom?

Based on student feedback, the two biggest benefits of earning a degree online is the flexibility and convenience associated with the programs.  Students do not need to relocate, quit jobs, or defer participation in family activities to continue their education.  Since all of our programs are offered in an asynchronous format, students can log on to the classes when it is convenient for them during the day or night.  The other big benefit is the opportunity to interact with a wide variety of people in classes and the ability for that interaction to occur beyond the classroom.  In a traditional on-campus setting, a conversation gets cut short due to limited time in the classroom.  The online classroom is open 24/7, which encourages fuller, deeper, and higher levels of discussion and interaction.

If a student enrolled in one of your programs was interested in finding an internship in their field in their area, do you have a means of assisting them in acquiring an internship position?

Since the vast majority of our online students (over 97%) are non-traditional in nature, they are already working full or part-time and are not in need of internships.  However, we have had a handful of traditional age students who have approached other class members to ask if they had internships available in their companies and a few have been set up in this informal format.  If traditional students become a larger portion of our student body, we would take this issue into consideration.

Does University of Wisconsin-Platteville off any job placement services to your students and graduates?

As mentioned above, most of our students and alumni are already employed.  However, the campus career services office does offer an online career and placement service for current students and alumni who are interested in participating.  Students and alumni are able to receive career counseling, resume evaluations, and job search techniques online.  In addition, they can post a resume to the online system for employers to review and access all job postings.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Both state and federal financial aid opportunities exist for students in the online programs.  In addition, a large number of students receive tuition reimbursement from their companies.  A limited amount of scholarships are also available for online students.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

There are three pieces of advice that I would give students who are enrolling for their first online class:

a. Take advantage of the services that are provided by the institution.  UW-Platteville has a wide array of academic and support services available to help students be successful in their online courses.  If you have questions, ask—don’t ignore problems you are having.

b. Do not get behind in your classes.  Just because you do not have to attend an on-campus class, does not mean there are no deadlines.  Carefully review the assignment deadlines and establish a schedule for studying and submitting your work.

c. Develop a support system with your family, friends, and work colleagues.  Since the majority of our students are trying to combine their educational goals with all of these other people and activities, it is important that you have a good support system set up to help keep you motivated to complete your assignments, courses, and degrees.

What do you enjoy most about your position at the University of Wisconsin-Platteville?

The most rewarding part of my position at UW-Platteville is knowing that I am helping students continue their education.  For many of our students, there would be no other opportunity for them to earn their degree, if it was not available online.  Understanding the importance of higher education, it is extremely fulfilling to know that our programs have made such a big impact on our students’ lives.  We continually hear these comments from our students and alumni.  This is also an industry in which there are continual changes.  So, personally I always feel that I’m being challenged professionally to stay updated with all of the current distance education information.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through University of Wisconsin-Platteville, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Dawn, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview! 

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Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Columbia Southern University.

One of the nation’s first completely online universities, Columbia Southern University (CSU) offers associate, bachelor, masters and doctoral programs in a variety of fields including business administration, information technology, human resource management, fire science, criminal justice, and occupational safety and health.  Undergraduate and graduate certificate programs are also available.

In addition to offering and promoting its own programs, CSU also promotes online programs for three state universities – The University of West Alabama, University of North Alabama, and University of West Florida.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

CSU students can set their own pace for completing a degree program. Students are allowed 10 weeks to complete each course, but may finish a course in as little as three weeks depending on how quickly they complete the coursework. Following completion of the required Student Orientation course, students are also given the option to complete one course at a time or two courses simultaneously.

What would you say makes Columbia Southern University programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

All our degree programs are offered completely online, giving students the flexibility to fit their education around career and family commitments.  CSU also features open enrollment and self-paced programs eliminating the need for students to rearrange their life to attend a class or take a test.  Forget the days of scheduled online sessions and on-site test taking; at CSU, residency is not a requirement and coursework can be completed at times that are most convenient for our students.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Accreditation should be a determining factor in every student’s online university selection.  CSU is accredited by the Distance Education and Training Council (DETC), the standard-setting agency for distance education institutions since it was established more than eight decades ago.  DETC is a nationally recognized accrediting agency approved by the U.S. Department of Education.  Only accredited universities and colleges are eligible to participate in the Montgomery G.I. Bill and DANTES tuition assistance program.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Columbia Southern University take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

All CSU courses combine the very best of online delivery and traditional university textbooks.  Just like red brick and mortar universities, course specific faculty members are assigned at the beginning of each course to provide students with the academic support they need to successfully complete their degree.  Our students are also assigned a student services representative who will offer personal guidance and advice throughout their degree program.  Students learn on their own times and their own terms, but they are never on their own.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

Earning a degree online gives students the flexibility to fit their education around career and family commitments.  The firefighter with an unpredictable schedule, the soldier shifting from place to place to preserve our freedom, the single mother working hard to advance her career and support her children – everyone deserves access to a quality education.  With benefits like 24 hour access to course assignments, online forums, web lectures, and interactive software, online education makes completing a degree more realistic.  Students eliminate the need to rearrange their life to attend a class or take a test.

Does Columbia Southern University offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

We have recently implemented a new social networking platform, the CSU Click, that allows our alumni to browse career opportunities from around the world, post professional profiles, and network with the more than 9,000 other CSU alumni.  Job postings are updated every 30 days and include listings from companies such as Apple, Bank of America, Ford Motor Company, Google, and Intel.  CSU Click also offers alumni the ability to reach out to graduates employed with companies they’re interested in working for.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

Completing a degree through distance learning requires the highest level of self-discipline and motivation.  You must be an independent thinker and have full dedication to the end result – achieving your dreams of higher education.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Columbia Southern University?

Seeing students you know have struggled to accomplish their dreams of higher education graduate is one of the most rewarding professional experiences I’ve ever had.  To know that our online degree programs make a major difference in the lives of so many makes coming to work each day a privilege.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through Columbia Southern University, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Jessica, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview!

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As a student in the Criminal Justice Bachelor Degree program, you will study criminal behavior, criminal law, cultural diversity and justice, criminal justice leadership, and crime prevention. Additionally, you will participate in two fieldwork courses to gain real world experience in Criminal Justice. Graduates will develop important skills, such as critical thinking, ethical decision making, research, understanding the legal system, understanding criminal justice practices, and understanding criminal behavior.

The online Criminal Justice BS degree from Aakers College includes four emphases that you can choose from to tailor your education to your interests: Client Services/Corrections, Criminal Offenders, Homeland Security, and Investigation/Law Enforcement. Graduates from this program will be qualified for enrty-level positions in the field, such as Loss Prevention, Private Security, Corrections, Homeland Security, Juvenile Justice, Family Services, and Court Clerk.

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Criminal Justice Degree
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Juris Doctorate, JD Degree

Students who complete the Associate of Arts in Business Administration with a concentration in Criminal Justice Management will have acquired an up-to-date knowledge that can prepare them to pursue interesting job opportunities in criminal justice such as Campus Security Coordinator, County Clerk, Social and Human Services Assistant, Security Dispatcher, Peace Officer Trainee, and many other in-demand professions.Employment prospects are bright for those seeking an online Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Management or an online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice. Both the online Associates Degree in Criminal Justice Management and the online Bachelors Degree in Criminal Justice through AUI’s online School of Criminal Justice offer real-world approaches to helping achieve your desired professional goals in many of today’s most in-demand areas of criminal justice organizations and security.

The online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program at AIU Online can provide students with a solid foundation in some of the most interesting aspects of the industry, from law enforcement to corrections. Building on this foundation, the concentration in Special Populations focuses on the philosophies and processes of the juvenile justice system, the impact of diversity on the criminal justice system as a whole, and the policies and enforcement of drug-related crimes. 

This accelerated, online Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice degree completion program can help students prepare for such vital, in-demand career opportunities as FBI Officers, Correction Officers, Security Analysts, U.S. Customs Agents, Directors of Airport Security and others. 

Dr. Gary A. Massey, Associate Dean for Adult Higher Education and Online Campus for Columbia College joins us today to discuss distance education.

Tell us about the distance learning programs offered at Columbia College.

Columbia College currently offers 16 online degrees and more than 500 online classes plus an online MBA. The college also will launch an online Master’s in Criminal Justice in January 2008. Students also have the option of taking online and on campus classes at our 32 Nationwide Campuses. The college was founded in 1851 and launched the Online Campus in 2000.

What is the typical duration of each of your programs?

Eight-week classes are offered five sessions a year starting in January, March, June, August and October. Students may attend all five sessions a year or just one.

What would you say makes Columbia College programs different and better than other comparable online programs?

First, Columbia College is consistently ranked among America’s Best Colleges by U.S. News & World Report. We also have been named a Best Midwestern College by Princeton Review.

We believe in academic quality. Our online faculty are practicing professionals who have at least a master’s degree in their field. They also undergo the same screening process as our full-time faculty. They are reviewed and approved by the appropriate department chairs and the dean for Academic Affairs. All course syllabi also are approved by the appropriate department chairs and the dean for Academic Affairs.

Our admissions process is extremely simple. Students fill out a one-page application and submit a one time non-refundable application fee of $35. That’s it.

Our tuition is among the most affordable when compared with other institutions who have attained the same level of accreditation.

Plus we cap the number of students in our online classes at 25. Our online classes are intentionally small to allow our instructors to provide more feedback and contact. Some institutions allow 100 to 200 students to take an online class. We believe a more intimate setting contributes to greater learning.

How important would you say accreditation is when choosing an online college?

Just about every online school says it is accredited, but not all accreditations are created equal. It’s important for students to understand what the different accreditations mean. Students may learn more about accreditation at http://www.ed.gov/.

Columbia College is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission and is a member of the North Central Association, a federally approved organization that accredits 8,500 public and private schools.

Our online degree programs meet the same accreditation standards as our on-campus degree programs.

There is some debate as to whether or not online degrees are as worthwhile as traditional degrees. What steps does Columbia College take to ensure that online students are receiving the same education that they’d receive in a classroom?

It is healthy for us as a society to debate this issue because ultimately it will serve the students better. As for Columbia College, we assess what our students learn through the “Major Field Test,” which is a test that measures a student’s overall body of knowledge when a student is nearing the completion of a degree program. We have found there is no discernable difference in the average scores of the Major Field Test between students who earned their degree on campus or online.

What would you say are some of the benefits of earning a degree online rather than in a traditional classroom?

The obvious benefit is the flexibility provided by online learning. It makes a higher education available to so many individuals who otherwise would never have access to earning a college degree. While it’s true there is a loss of face-to-face interaction between a student and a professor, online students actually may have greater access to their instructors and other students through frequent e-mail, chat rooms and highly intensive discussion boards. Equally important, online learning engages all students in a class. Every student participates in discussions, not just those who are outspoken.

Does Columbia College offer any job placement services to your students and graduates?

Columbia College online students have access to the Career Services Center by phone, e-mail and in person if they live near Columbia, Mo. They also have access to important career resources online.

Is financial aid available to students in your programs?

Yes, federal financial aid is available to online students who qualify, plus online students can apply for institutional scholarships available through the Online Campus.

Do you have any advice for students enrolling in online classes for the first time?

As the associate dean of the Online Campus at Columbia College, and an online instructor, my advice to first-time online students is to not underestimate the amount of time it will take to be successful in an online class. Some students have the mistaken idea that online classes may be less rigorous than on campus classes. This just isn’t true. To be a successful online student, you need to have self-discipline. If you procrastinate at all, you may not be able to catch up due to the accelerated class format.

What do you enjoy most about your position at Columbia College?

I enjoy working for Columbia College because of its size. We are still small enough to know every faculty and staff member by name, yet we are large enough that we have the resources we need available to us. We are limited only by our creativity and imagination in this rapidly changing industry.

Spearheading the online efforts at the college is challenging and exciting because we are a growing program. More than 12,000 students take online classes with us. We are continually adding new online degrees, including graduate degrees. We just launched an online MBA in January 2007 and we are launching a master of science in criminal justice degree in January 2008.

To Request more information about the distance learning programs available through Columbia College, Go here to visit them online.

Thank you Dr. Massey, for sharing and participating in this piece for Online Degrees 2.0

That concludes our interview! 

More information:
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Criminal justice degree

The Associate of Arts degree in Criminal Justice online is designed to provide graduates with the skills and knowledge required to work effectively in a variety of corrections, probation, government, and private security settings. The curriculum provides a solid foundation in areas of criminal behavior, criminology methods, public policy, specialized interpersonal communication, and both criminal justice and ethical issues.

Graduates from the Associates Degree in Criminal Justice program will be able to communicate effectively, as directed, for informal, formal, and quantitative tasks. They will be able to access information resources, evaluate them for credibility and relevance, and use the sources to present a wide range of alternatives. This degree prepares students to transition into the Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice program at the University of Phoenix.

With convenient online courses University of Phoenix Online allows you to earn your degree on a schedule that fits your life. Check out Online Degrees Today.com for more information on top colleges & universities online such as University of Phoenix.

The Bachelor of Science in Communication online degree program combines an interdisciplinary approach, using both theory and application to teach two separate emphasis areas—technical writing and organizational communication.

The Bachelor of Science in Legal Studies degree will provide students with an education that incorporates the study of law with the development of both practical and analytical skills. Appropriate for students interested in attending law school or graduate school, the degree focuses on teaching strong ethical reasoning, critical thinking, and research and communications skills.

The Associate of Applied Science in Medical Assisting degree program concentrates on helping students acquire knowledge and develop skills in performing laboratory, clinical and medical office procedures. In addition to the online program, students will complete a clinical mentorship and an externship program.

These and other additional programs such as Associate of Applied Science in Medical Office Management; an Associate of Applied Science in Medical Transcription, a Corrections Certificate, and a Pathway to Paralegal Post baccalaureate Certificate, will further distinguish Kaplan University as a leader in education.

Kaplan University offers online programs in Arts & Sciences, Business, Criminal Justice, Paralegal Studies and Information Systems & Technology. At Kaplan University, students will find high quality educational programs, and experienced faculty with both campus based and online programs.

Whether you choose to study on campus – or online, you will find that Kaplan University offers a variety of educational tools to help students achieve success. There are onsite training programs as well as correspondence courses, and online distance learning courses. Kaplan University always provides its students with tutoring help and admissions counseling services. Students can also take advantage of Kaplan’s full library services that features an online catalog. These benefits differentiate Kaplan University from other institutions, and give students the tools to succeed.

Kaplan University is part of Kaplan Higher Education, which is a system of 75 campus-based schools across the country. It was founded in 1937 and has maintained a great reputation as a national leader in education, offering masters, bachelors, and associates degrees in addition to certificate programs.