DAHLONEGA - A new, online-only graduate degree program in criminal justice at North Georgia College & State University is aimed at those already working in the law enforcement field and students interested in entering the field.
Dr. Ross Alexander, head of the Department of Political Science & Criminal Justice, said content matter of the courses makes this online-only program unique. The program 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.
Making it online-only means it's easier for law enforcement professionals working odd hours or military personnel stationed overseas to be successful in the program, Allen said.
"Of course we welcome all students, but we are targeting military students as well as current criminal justice professionals, especially those who can't leave and go to a campus and take classes at night because they have family or jobs," Allen said. "With professionals, especially, if they want to be promoted within many of these agencies, they have to have a master's degree. And they want to get a degree from a quality institution and a quality program like we have here at North Georgia."
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, Stuart Batchelder will teach the majority of the program. 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 the 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 expects 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 Allen, who will oversee the program.
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: 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 resu
Tuesday
October 15th, 2024
4:23AM
