EKU recognizes that many lifelong learners need flexibility in their educational pursuits. Practitioners who are determined to enhance their educational status cannot always do so because of other life commitments. With this is mind, the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies (CJJS) at Eastern Kentucky University has extended its degree opportunities to adult learners who need more convenience. CJJS has been offering an online Bachelors and Masters degrees since summer 2006. The program’s goal is to prepare students for successful careers in adult corrections, juvenile justice, and related human services professions by delivering quality education courses online.
One of the questions we often hear is, “How will a degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies from EKU help me achieve my professional and personal goals?” Our answers to this question have been developed from years of experience in higher education, discussions with leaders working in the disciplines, and assessments conducted with current and prospective students. This article will highlight a few of the important dimensions of our program.
EKU’s program helps students increase their professional skills and knowledge needed for accreditation and to move up the career ladder. The topics covered in the program are directly related to the skill sets and knowledge students will need to function effectively in the corrections and juvenile justice professions. Students will develop a greater understanding of the principles of effective intervention, strategies for reducing offender risk factors, case management practices, counseling techniques, the theoretical and research foundations of the field, and other essential material.
Our program engages students in discussions and lessons based on relevant and real-world issues. The courses allow students to discuss current correctional and juvenile justice topics and issues in the online Discussion Board. Some recent topics of discussion were:
- What are your primary concerns about working with offenders from different cultures or subgroups?
- Discuss the challenges faced by corrections when working with mentally ill offenders.
- Identify one behavior, which is illegal, that you believe should be decriminalized.
- Do you believe juveniles should be treated the same as adult offenders? Why?
- What factors should the court look at when determining how to sentence a juvenile offender?
- What are your perceptions about the relationship between media and violence?
Our online students enjoy maximum flexibility and convenience. With no site visits or campus classes to attend, students can complete their studies in the comforts of their own home or workplace. Their schedule dictates when they study, and they have access to course work 24 hours a day.
Our online students interact with classmates and faculty that share their interest in the correctional and juvenile justice fields. Students work interdependently, interacting with other students throughout the program. They work with these students to complete group assignments, and participate in discussion boards with them on a routine basis.
Our online students earn their degrees in a learner supported, student-centered environment. In the online program students are never alone. We have created many safety nets and support services that are available to students. Also, the Instructor, Assistant Online Coordinator, and Instructional Designer are available in all of the courses to answer questions, clarify issues, and provide assistance as needed.
These hallmarks offer good answers but the question can best be answered by our current students. This is what they had to say about the benefits of our online program.
Elwood Bradley, Volunteer Chaplain, Wayne County Detention Center
Elwood Bradley is a father of 6 and a grandfather of 8. He is currently a displaced worker; taking advantage of the TAA/TRA Program to return to college and finish his education at the age of 56 after his employer moved to China and closed the production facility that he had worked at for over 20 years. He has voluntarily served as Chaplain of the local Detention Center for the past 8 years.
"This program has already benefited me in my duties as a Chaplain by helping me understand the function and goals of corrections, theories of criminology, and effectiveness of the strategies for intervention. And I know that the information I am learning in the courses now will continue to help me in the future. I believe this knowledge will open many doors for me in the fields of corrections and juvenile justice.
Also, the online faculty have been very helpful in assisting me with completing all the paperwork that was necessary for me to be able to continue my education through the Trade Adjustment Act. We were all treading through unknown territory because I was the first student to take online courses through this program. The whole faculty has helped me do whatever was needed."
Tanya Crick, KY Department of Juvenile Justice
Tanya Crick has worked for the Department of Juvenile Justice at the Hopkinsville Group Home as a Youth Services Program Supervisor (YSPS) for a little over 7 years. Tanya went to college out of high school but needed a "break" and didn't return until much later.
"There are several reasons I like the CJJS online program. Non-traditional students have additional responsibilities compared to most traditional students. The convenience of pursuing my degree online has allowed me to balance my family life, work schedule and class schedule. The courses are highly structured and mapped out so that you know exactly what assignments are due and when.
The instructors are involved and always provide assistance when needed. Through use of the discussion boards and class lounges, the interaction among classmates, in my opinion, is greater than that of land based classes. Even though I have not met many of my online classmates face to face, I feel as if I have known many of them for a long time. There is a feeling of camaraderie with your classmates. Everyone is working hard in class and in everyday life and we all have the same goal of obtaining our degree in correctional and juvenile justice."
Dr. Betsy Matthews, Online Coordinator, Associate Professor in the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies
"The special support students receive from our faculty and staff is one of the great benefits of studying in an online learning community. If you notify us of any major problems that you encounter, we will recognize those challenges and work with you to help you to succeed. Our number one priority is student success.
We design our courses to be highly engaging and interactive. In my online course, students participate in cooperative group work, discuss topics in small groups, and use the virtual class lounge to socialize and get to know one another."
Dr. Allen Ault, Dean College of Justice and Safety, former Commissioner of Corrections of three states
"Our online program has many advantages for students who are unable to attend our on campus programs in Richmond, Kentucky. First, students can maintain their lifestyle commitments such as family, work, and community obligations while continuing to advance their education.
Second, online students get to learn from our outstanding faculty, who have both successful academic careers and extensive experience working as corrections and juvenile justice practitioners. Third, our online students get more than a basic education; they are receiving high quality instruction designed according to best practices for online learning."
If you are ready to use and apply what you learn in your everyday job to your academic studies and join an online program that is recognized, relevant, and user-friendly, then the EKU Online Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies program is for you! Interested candidates should contact a Distance Education Counselor at 859-622-8407 or request information at our website www.corrections.eku.edu/online.asp
