Earning an Online Criminal Justice Degree

You've decided on a criminal justice degree. Whether you've known all your life you've wanted to pursue the field or have just learned it is your calling, now it's time to decide how you want to learn: in person or online.

Online learning is not for everyone. While there are certainly benefits to learning digitally, online courses can lead to their own sense of frustration. Weighing the pros and cons of the programs is critical, as it can determine your ability to take courses that fit your schedule, budget, and resources.

Benefits of Online Education

• Comfort. The learning environment you're in (presumably your home) can make it easier to concentrate on your course work and studies void of the distractions that come with a new environment, like a classroom. You also won't have to worry about falling behind, as you can pace yourself to learn at your own ideal rate.
• Convenience. Being able to afford school is difficult, but with online learning you can maintain your current job while doing classwork on your own time — no sacrificing one for the other. Online discussion will also give you more time to think about questions and potential answers, offering a more thought-provoking dialogue for interaction.
• Opportunities. If you're naturally shy, you may not feel comfortable speaking up or giving opinions in class. Online, your voice is heard as much as everyone else's, and you're more likely to ask the professor or your peers questions you wouldn't otherwise.
• Technology. Utilizing management systems builds your ability to understand user interface without you even realizing it. The more you work with Canvas and Office 365, the more likely you are to be able to adapt to other systems you may use in your career.

With all of these benefits, why does anyone go to classes in-person? Again, it comes down to evaluating your personal situations and what you're looking for out of your education.

Some individuals find it difficult to concentrate at home or miss in-person classroom interaction. Others might have a hard time staying motivated without the physical presence of the classroom. It's important to evaluate how you learn and whether online education will fit your learning style as well as your lifestyle.

How do I Start Preparing for Online Education?

After weighing the pros and cons and deciding online courses are the best education method for you and deciding to go ahead with online education, you may wonder what's next. After enrolling in classes and setting up your account on Canvas, there are a few steps you can take to prepare for your coursework.

1. Test the system

Play around in Canvas to get an understanding of where your syllabus is and where discussions and assignments will show up. Watch tutorials to answer questions, and maybe jot down a few questions you could ask your professor or the IT department.

2. Introduce yourself

Let your professor know a little bit about yourself and that the course will be your first online course. Being on a first-name basis with your professor is important, particularly online where you won't be able to walk into their office after class and ask if you have questions about assignments.

3. Create a schedule

Purchase a planner or calendar and plan when you'll be able to focus on your coursework. "Winging it" is not the best option for your first online course, as some assignments could slip through the cracks if time is not set aside specifically for school.

4. Pick a location

Where will you study? At the coffee shop? At your desk? On your couch? Pick a place where you feel you'll be most productive, and study there consistently. Research shows the more you study in a place, the more conditioned you are to study.

Are you interested in online education? Thinking about earning a criminal justice degree? ECPI University offers a Bachelor of Science Degree in Criminal Justice completely online. If you think ECPI University's accelerated schedule and year-round classes would be a good fit for you, contact an admissions advisor today to discuss your options!

It could be the Best Decision You Ever Make!

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Gainful Employment Information – Criminal Justice - Bachelor’s

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