“My degree helped me succeed and increase my skills in human services, criminal law and management. Every course meant something to me and led me to successfully complete my Bachelor of Science degree.”

-Wade Viar, BSCJ, ‘21

As a father, husband and full-time employee, Wade was eager to find a program with flexible options to make balancing his responsibilities more convenient. He chose ���Ĵ�ý Online based on their ability to offer programs that allow you to study anytime and anywhere.

Wade started his journey at ���Ĵ�ý in 2018 and graduated in Spring 2021 with a Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice. He is currently a program manager for enCircle in Lynchburg, VA, where he manages the operations for group homes and provides support to those with mental and physical disabilities. Wade’s degree has helped him expand his knowledge in many areas, including human services and management and he hopes to develop more skills in the future through his employment with the company.

There are many things Wade loves about ���Ĵ�ý Online, but his favorite are the online accessibility, the effective communication from ���Ĵ�ý team members and the one-on-one support from professors. Wade found that ���Ĵ�ý offered courses that were consistent with “everyday life” and he could relate to in terms of material and interactions. Overall, Wade’s time at ���Ĵ�ý was more than just an education, it led to a brighter future filled with beneficial life skills that led to success in his career.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s Criminal Justice and Sociology programs!

The post Cougar Spotlight: Meet Wade Viar appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

My favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý is the people. The students and faculty create a close, family-like learning environment that makes one feel appreciated and cared for as an individual. – Robert Fincher, ’96

Deputy Chief Fincher works for the Martinsville Police Department, and says it was ���Ĵ�ý that led him to his career. Before he started his undergraduate coursework, he was uncertain of his future occupation. However, after starting his classes at ���Ĵ�ý, he quickly found his calling for law enforcement. The variety of classes offered in ���Ĵ�ý’s Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice program gave him a solid foundation to start his career, and continues to be useful in his daily activities as an officer!

���Ĵ�ý’s BSCJ degree is designed to give students the preparation they need to make the right decisions and choices, not just within a professional framework, but also within a humanistic context of demonstrating integrity, respect for others, compassion, empathy, ethics, fairness, and embracing and developing positive community relations within the human services and public safety professions.

When we asked Deputy Chief Fincher to provide tips for those thinking about going back to school he said: “If someone is thinking about going back to school, I would strongly encourage them not to wait. The sooner you start the sooner you will finish and begin receiving the benefits of the education.”

Click here to learn more about our Criminal Justice degrees!

The post Cougar Spotlight: Robert Fincher appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

My favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý is how inviting the staff is – from the first call, throughout the process, and a commitment to staying with you through your educational experience. – Melinda Boisseau, BSCJ ’21

Melinda is returning to ���Ĵ�ý after 26 years to finish her college degree. As she started to search for schools, Melinda knew she needed a flexible, online program. One that allowed her to complete her course work, while also working full-time and still having time for family. After the search began, ���Ĵ�ý quickly became her top choice.

Along with the flexibility of ���Ĵ�ý’s programs, Melinda loves online learning and the relaxed atmosphere it provides her. Learning online allows her to create her own learning schedule, and her professors are just a click away if she needs them!

We asked Melinda to give advice to anyone debating on going back to school here’s what she said: “We all know, as we get older we look for excuses not to do it based on age or other reasons. The ease of it all, the processes in place to get you started, and reassurance leaves you asking – why not?

Click here to learn more about our Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice Program. 

The post Meet Melinda, one of our Bachelor of Sociology and Criminal Justice Students! appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.

Hello, my name is John Wilt.

Career–police science and AJ program coordinator with the University of Alaska and Maui Community College for 26 years (combined); retired full professor from Maui CC; ADJ Program Coordinator at Danville CC for 16 years; retired professor emeritus from DCC and retired from USAFR’s Air Force Office of Special Investigations (AFOSI); reserve police officer with the Maui Police Department–11 years; social worker in Fairbanks, Alaska; chapter advisor of AU’s Alpha Upsilon Lambda chapter and advisor to AU’s Criminal Justice Club; Star Member with American Criminal Justice Association-Lambda Alpha Epsilon (ACJA-LAE).

Family–married; 3 children and 3 grandchildren

Hobbies–runner and crooner … marathoner with 82 marathons in 30 states with a goal of 100 marathons in 50 states; 7 ultra-marathons (up Haleakala Crater for 37 miles); performed 10 one-man shows featuring Frank Sinatra and Tony Bennett classic songs; March 24 and March 26, 2019 one-man shows at Gretna Theater will feature 32 classic Dean Martin songs (benefit for Gretna Little Theater); entertainer at 7 of Danville’s assisted living facilities; A.G.T. auditions for 14 consecutive seasons.

Why did you choose ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate & Professional Studies program?

Convenient and offers administration of justice master’s level topics.

… do not procrastinate and do not wait until mid-week for assignments due Thursday at 11:59!

How has your degree from ���Ĵ�ý assisted you in your career?

Degree assistance in career–more in-depth understanding of “hot topics” in criminal justice, learn new, emerging technology in the criminal justice field, observation of current instructional methodology from several PhD professors; sharpen research skills.

What advice would you share for current and incoming students in ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS Program?

My advice is to make sure you are ready for a time-consuming challenge … put any major projects or anticipated projects on hold … be prepared for contingencies … anticipate spending 20-30 hours per week for each six-week class … do not procrastinate and do not wait until mid-week for assignments due Thursday at 11:59!

What keeps you motivated while in your degree program?

Desire to learn new ideas and face challenging assignments; will assist me in becoming a better GPS adjunct instructor; lend support to the importance of lifelong learning.

What is your anticipated date of graduation?

May 2020

Learn about our Criminal Justice Programs

Download BSCJ Requirements

The post Meet John Wilt, MS in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership Student appeared first on ���Ĵ�ý Online.