“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!

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“I chose ���Ĵ�ý because of the friendly response and dedication the staff instantly had as soon as I applied, and how well they worked with me to get my process started with my hectic schedule.” -Aimee Wootton, BSCJ, ‘21

For this mother of two and full-time EMS provider, Aimee Wootton said she was able to maintain a work-life balance through the flexibility of ���Ĵ�ý Online. As a student of ���Ĵ�ý Online, she was able to access online tutoring, video meetings with her professors and complete all of her assignments due to their flexible due dates.

Aimee is no stranger to rejection. Even though she has been working in her field for eight years, she has been turned down from positions because she did not have the degree her potential employer was seeking. She said obtaining her degree from ���Ĵ�ý Online in Criminal Justice and Sociology has given her “a basis for a future career in criminal counseling.” Aimee is currently working towards obtaining her Master’s degree to further prepare her for this career.

When asked about providing advice to those considering starting or continuing their educational journey, Aimee said, “Do it now. If you’re questioning it then you’re already motivated.”

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

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My favorite thing about ���Ĵ�ý would be the faculty and staff. Throughout my educational experience, they have been nothing but supportive and patient. – Shakeva Frazier, BS ’20

Since Shakeva Frazier was 9 years old, it has been her dream to attend ���Ĵ�ý. In 2011, her daughter gave her an ���Ĵ�ý sticker and said, “Momma, you are going there one day.”

Shakeva said towards the end of her educational experience, she almost gave up. However, ���Ĵ�ý’s professors never gave up on her and continued to be patient, understanding, supportive, and encouraged her to keep pursuing her dreams.

In December of 2020, she was able to walk across ���Ĵ�ý’s stage to receive her diploma. Frazier graduated with a bachelor of science degree in sociology. With her newly earned degree, Shakeva says she would love to continue to work with youth and to pursue a career in trauma counseling.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s Sociology program.

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Continuing education in the discipline of criminal justice and sociology has a significant influence on the delivery of public safety services and empowers students to lead by instilling the passion to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change within our communities.

In order to make our criminal justice and sociology programs stand out from other schools, ���Ĵ�ý has created multiple partnership opportunities for students interested in these programs. We offer partner scholarships, as well as a free transfer credit evaluation. Your academy credits and military background could also count toward degree completion credits, which could mean less coursework needed to graduate.  Our goal is to enable students to earn their degree in as short amount of time as possible, with as little financial debt as possible.

• Community College Partnerships: ���Ĵ�ý has partnered with many community colleges in the Commonwealth and North Carolina to create a transfer process that is orderly and smooth for graduates of administration of justice programs who wish to transfer to ���Ĵ�ý and earn a bachelor of science in sociology and criminal justice.
• First Responder Partner Scholarship Program and Advisory Board Partners: The ���Ĵ�ý First Responder Partnership Program allows partner organizations to refer employees for undergraduate and graduate degrees at a significantly lower tuition rate.
  • ���Ĵ�ý grants a $250 scholarship per course for undergraduate students and a $350 scholarship for graduate students.
  • ���Ĵ�ý waives all standard deposit and/or registration fees for our partners.
  • Provide custom direct-payment option.

���Ĵ�ý offers three criminal justice and sociology degrees that are entirely online and affordable!

1. Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership – this degree provides progressive professional graduate educational opportunities for those who aspire to work in public safety and those who already work in the field of public safety and are seeking advancement to administrative and leadership roles and responsibilities in their field.
2. Bachelor of Science in Sociology and Criminal Justice – this program prepares you to serve the community in a wide variety of local, state and federal government jobs. Many of our graduates go on to pursue careers in public safety, law enforcement, juvenile justice, probation and parole, corrections, victim advocacy, court services, social services, and more.
3. Bachelor of Science in Sociology – this degree provides you with a strong foundation in the basic principles, techniques of analysis, and theories for understanding and working with the important aspects of social life in the contemporary world. This program prepares you for a career in government employment, secondary teaching, social services, and research with agencies in human services, public safety, industry, business and pre-law.

Click here to learn more about ���Ĵ�ý’s Partnerships!

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I really liked the atmosphere with smaller class sizes and more individualized attention from the professors. ���Ĵ�ý’s faculty members wanted you to succeed. – Matthew Carter ’95

Matthew Carter retired from the Danville Police Department on Sept. 1, 2020 with 27 years of service. He attended Danville Community College from 1989 through 1992 and received an associate’s degree in both Liberal Arts and Administration of Justice.  Then in 1992, he attended ���Ĵ�ý College (before it was ���Ĵ�ý) and received a Bachelor’s degree in Sociology / Criminal Justice. After receiving his Bachelor’s degree he went on to purse his Master’s degree from Longwood University.

During his time at the Danville Police Department he worked as a Patrol Officer, Criminal Investigator, Lieutenant of Services, Captain of Community Police, Captain of Professional Standards, and Captain of Investigations. He also served as Public Information Officer at various times. He previously instructed Report Writing for Criminal Justice Professionals at Danville Community College, and has also instructed Police In America and Organized Crime at ���Ĵ�ý.

Matthew recently began a new role as Executive Director at Piedmont Regional Criminal Justice Training Academy in Martinsville, VA this past February. The academy services 13 law enforcement and public safety agencies across Patrick County, Henry County, and Pittsylvania County.

His advice for someone debating on going back to school: “Although it can be challenging trying to find the time to balance everything, it is well worth it. If you are fortunate enough to have the time and resources to attend school full-time, do it. As life happens – marriage, children, etc., it becomes more difficult to balance everything.”

Click here to learn more about our criminal justice programs!

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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!

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What attracted you to ���Ĵ�ý?

• The diversity of programs and classes that are offered as well as the opportunities for program development.
• The opportunity to develop programs that will have a transformative impact on students and the communities that they serve.
• Empowering students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.

What programs do you teach at ���Ĵ�ý?

I teach Sociology and Criminal Justice courses in the Undergraduate and Graduate Programs.

What drew you to this field of study?

I was working in Law Enforcement at the time and it was most obvious to me, even back then, that effective police officers needed exceptional human relations skills and abilities in order to meet the many diverse needs of the communities that I was serving.

Although the police training provided some of the skills needed, my immersion into the discipline of Sociology provided me with a better understanding of the social conditions and structures that formulated the communities that I was serving.  The field of study developed an increasing level of understanding for community social problems and conditions which further advanced my level of appreciation, empathy, compassion and concern for individuals living in the many communities I served.

What keeps you excited about it?

I continue to be excited about the discipline of Sociology and Criminal Justice as I have seen the significant influence that the disciplines have had, and continue to have on the delivery of police services in our communities.   Increasing Sociology/ Criminal Justice educational access, options, and opportunities will result in increased levels of police professionalism and subsequently safer communities.

What makes this program unique from other schools?

���Ĵ�ý Online Sociology/ Criminal Justice Programs are very unique as they have a core curriculum that emphasizes:

• community building
• community problem-solving
• community crisis intervention
• community leadership
• understanding community problems and issues
• human relations skills

Our programs empowers and prepares students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in the communities that they serve and protect.

What is your favorite course to teach and why?

Senior Seminar at the Undergraduate level and the Comprehensive Exam or Thesis Course at the Graduate level.  All three of these courses are “Capstone” courses, which provides an opportunity for our students to articulate their academic knowledge and intellectual growth that they have garnered during their time at ���Ĵ�ý.   Our students’ academic growth and proficiencies are what makes teaching most enjoyable and rewarding.

Tell us a little about yourself.  Why did you become interested in Sociology and Criminal Justice?  What is your professional background in Criminal Justice?

I’ve always had a longing and sense to try and make a positive difference in my community.  I worked as a police officer for 15 years, and a part-time Magistrate for 5 years.

What advice do you have for students interested in pursuing their Master of Science in Criminal Justice?  How can people stand out in this field?

A student who obtains a Master’s degree while working in Criminal Justice puts them in the top tier within their profession.  If an individual wishes to work as an Administrator or Command Staff within Criminal Justice Agencies in the 21^st Century, the job requirements and expectations demand a Graduate Degree.

The ���Ĵ�ý Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Administration and Leadership degree is an interdisciplinary degree that empowers students to meet and exceed professional and community opportunities and expectations.   Our graduates stand out in the field as they demonstrate and display confidence and commitment to providing exceptional Criminal Justice Services within a compassionate and proficient framework. They serve and lead as catalysts for positive change in our communities.

What are the benefits of this level of education in Sociology and Criminal Justice?

Increasing graduate level educational access, options, and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners includes many benefits such as:

• increased levels of retention
• increased professionalism
• enhanced emotional and intellectual intelligence
• greater job performance, satisfaction, confidence, and morale
• increased worker harmony and less workplace conflict
• higher levels of worker innovation
• collaboration, and incentive building
• enhanced communication skills-verbal/non-verbal/ written/ presentation
• enhanced abilities to understand complex social and personal issues
• enhanced understanding and acceptance of diversity
• more likely to adapt, adopt, and improvise (overcome) to changing work and social conditions
• enhanced human relations skills knowledge base- crisis intervention, de-escalation
• conflict resolution, and problem solving skills
• less likely to utilize unjustified excessive violence and force
• reduction in citizen (customer, consumer) complaints
• reduce risk management issues

The overall outcomes of increasing educational access, options and opportunities for Criminal Justice Practitioners results in increased levels of consumer satisfaction; increasing levels of positive police-community exchanges; increased levels of police-public relations, legitimacy, and trust; engaged in Community Centered Policing; enhanced public/ community safety; less violent, safer, healthier, and productive communities.

���Ĵ�ý Online makes balancing work, family, and education accessible with flexible coursework. Our Faculty and Student Success Team provides personalized support to help assist you through the entire student process.

Apply now and enhance your life!

The post Faculty Spotlight: Dr. James Hodgson, Criminal Justice/Sociology Program Director & Professor 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. 

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���Ĵ�ý is proud to partner with DCC to create a pathway for criminal justice students to continue their education here at the University. Like DCC, ���Ĵ�ý continues to find new and innovative ways to serve Danville and the surrounding area so students can remain close to home while continuing their education,” Dr. Tiffany M. Franks, President of ���Ĵ�ý Univesity

���Ĵ�ý President Dr. Tiffany M. Franks and Danville Community College (DCC) President Dr. Jackie Gill Powell have signed an articulation agreement and community educational partnership agreement in order to make the transfer process for DCC graduates coming to ���Ĵ�ý smoother. This is the tenth criminal justice articulation agreement that ���Ĵ�ý has created with its surrounding community colleges in three years, and the eighth with DCC.

This agreement is designed to increase criminal justice educational access, options and opportunities for current and aspiring criminal justice practitioners. The articulation agreement focuses on traditional students studying sociology and criminal justice. It allows students who have completed DCC’s Associate in Applied Science (A.A.S.) degree in administration of justice to transfer to ���Ĵ�ý and continue their education to earn a Bachelor of Science in sociology/criminal justice. The student will enter ���Ĵ�ý with a junior status and can expect to graduate after completing a minimum of 60 credits at ���Ĵ�ý.

The community educational partnership agreement is aimed for adult students entering ���Ĵ�ý’s Graduate and Professional Studies (GPS) program. It guarantees the acceptance of any DCC student to ���Ĵ�ý who has completed an associate degree. However, all students are required to have a cumulative GPA of 2.0 or higher. These agreements allow students to continue their education at a four-year university.

Both the community educational partnership agreement and the articulation agreement allow for a seamless evolution for students to move onto a four-year university, including many scholarship and financial aid options. Members of Phi Theta Kappa, the community college honor society, are automatically awarded a $2,000 Phi Theta Kappa Scholarship once they are admitted to ���Ĵ�ý.

About ���Ĵ�ý

Since 1859, ���Ĵ�ý has grown and developed into a dynamic institution that serves students of all ages, offering more than 30 undergraduate majors, minors and special programs, along with seven graduate programs with a number of concentrations. Dedicated to preparing students to serve and lead as catalysts for positive change, the University’s historic main campus is embedded in the heart of Southern Virginia with regional campuses throughout Virginia and online. ���Ĵ�ý enrolls a diverse student body, and boasts an alumni network that spans the globe. Visit for more info.

About Danville Community College

Danville Community College is a two-year institution of higher education under the state-wide Virginia Community College System. DCC’s service area includes the City of Danville, Pittsylvania County, and Halifax County. For more information about the college’s nearly 100 programs of study, visit .

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My motivation for obtaining my degree is one day I will be able to apply to law school.

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

The reason I decided on ���Ĵ�ý’s GPS program is because I could work from home and it is a five week class, which will allow me to get my degree quicker.

Please share one tip for your fellow classmates and future AU students:

The one thing that I would share with my fellow classmates, and future AU students, study hard and don’t give up, because it will pay off in the end.

What helps to keep you motivated while you are in the program?

The thing that helps keep me motivated is when I complete my assignments and I get a good grade. It motivates me to work harder.

What is your anticipated Date of Graduation?

���Ĵ�ý, Class of 2019

Download BSCJ Requirements

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