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Posted by: RCPD33

OK, here's a good one. It may or may not have been covered in another post, but here goes nothing.

I, like probably alot of the folks on here am in need of obtaining a college degree. Life in general has thrown me alot of curveballs and this is definitely one of things when you say "i wish the heck I did that way back when!". Nothing different than anyone else, so don't hound on me for saying that. That being said, where is the best place to get started towards a degree. I'd prefer only those who have actually done it or are doing it now to respond. Please, no "I believe" or "maybe you can" statements from anyone. I am seriously asking the best place to start. Here is a list of what I want to accomplish, in no particular order.

1. Get an Associates degree at minimum in CJ. Online or in person, does not matter, but must be local to Boston.
2. Get as much credit for any training received or life experiences (only have RI academy and some in service training).
3. CLEP test in as many allowable classes.
4. Have the credits be transferable to most colleges, a big problem with the distance learning.
5. Make it affordable (no military experience, so no GI bill to take advantage of)
6. Must be from an accredited institution from a REAL accredited body, accepted by all. No diploma mills!

Where have some of you, if any started or what are people doing out there in the field. Am I asking too much, does such a thing exsist? I realize I have to do work in order to get a degree. I'm just trying to get as much a head start as possible. Are there grants out there for just such a thing as this? You guys and gals are a plethora of information, mostly good. Thanks for reading.

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Posted by: Inspector

First of all a CJ degree is not offered at every institution and some programs advertised are ripoffs.Find a community college near you that offers associate degrees in CJ and check with them. You may find nights the way to go. Consider whether or not the CJ degree is really what you want before going too far. Many cops have degrees in other fields. The BA or BS is offered at several state schools, UMa Lowell for one.Look there and see if it is suitable.Most schools will not allow for life experiences. Check with the school to see how many credits they will transfer. Policy varies. Northeastern is good...time and money may be a major factor though. I entered the state college system from high school and worked part time all four years until I was graduated. I then went many nights and weekends to obtain advanced degrees as I worked full time. In reality the only way you will get up to date information with regards to your specific questions is to go out now...don't wait...and talk directly with admissions people at the colleges near where you live or work. A meeting with some CJ faculty members may also help.

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Posted by: Delta784

The BIG question is......do you now, or do you ever foresee, needing the degree for the Quinn Bill?

If not, there are many quick, fairly painless, legitimate options available. If so, that changes the dynamics considerably.

During my own educational journey, I became a master at manipulating the system, so feel free to ask any questions you may have.

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Posted by: RCPD33

I think I've talked to everyone in the distance learning area (online schooling). Even the local community colleges want you to sign on the dotted line before they'll answer your questions. That's why I am hesitant. I've been in the Security/Law Enforcement field for over 15 years. I figure, it's what I know best, so that's why the interest in the CJ degree. I'm thinking maybe going for a business degree of some sort later on down the line. I'm 40 now and need to get started. As I said before, would've done it sooner, but family comes first! I have a disabled son and a bunch of sick relatives. It's been nothing short of a miracle that I even bought a house. Life has been tough, but now I gotta get things done before it's too late! One good thing I can say is I've met alot of good people in the field along the way, alot in this forum and have received alot of training and experience. Guess I'll just keep on keeping on!

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Posted by: 94c

If your 39 as your age states then time could be running out in a lot of areas.
As Delta implies, If not for the Quinn Bill many guys would have never gone back to school.

A Criminal Justic degree is worthless if you haven't landed a job in the field.
If you are so concerned with a degree, then take some classes and if things work out transfer over to CJ. At this stage of the game you should be focusing on getting on the job somewhere and fast.

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Posted by: RCPD33

That's just it. Getting on the job means qualifying to become a State Special. Without the completed SSPO academy and only the RI and no degree, I do not qualify. I need the degree 1st to at least qualify if I want to stay in the Law Enforcement field. Most higher end Security Management ( 75k per year and up) jobs even require a bachelors in at least CJ, CJ admin or business. The company I work for now require a degree for higher up Management positions, so even just going for promotions I am limited.I figure go with what you know at first, then expand. I am 39 and the clock is definitely not on my side.

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Posted by: potatochip

LOL time is most definitely not on your side. Anyways, I'm pretty sure that all academy "prior learning" credits have gone the way of the dinosaur. And even going full-time, hardcore you are looking at years to get a degree from a reputable school. Not to say that it can't be done, so the sooner you start the better. As for cost and convenience, you will probably be better off at a state school (I'm currently chasing my Master's at UMass Lowell) or a smaller private school. This is the list of all currently approved Quinn Bill programs, if that is of relevance. If not you have many more options. Good Luck.

http://www.osfa.mass.edu/quinnbill/approved_schools.htm

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