College of Justice and Safety

Correctional & Juvenile Justice Studies

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

 

General

How does the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies online degree programs compare to other programs?
Our Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies program is the only program in the nation devoted exclusively to preparing students for careers in adult corrections or juvenile justice.
As corrections and juvenile justice continue to achieve greater levels of professionalism, agencies are increasing the emphasis on education in both hiring and promotion decisions. The topics and concentrations we emphasize are directly related to the skill sets and knowledge you will need to function effectively in the corrections and juvenile justice professions. You’ll 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 faculty has extensive experience working as practitioners in the corrections and juvenile justice field, teaching, providing service to the profession, and conducting research. Faculty have worked as adult and juvenile probation officers, juvenile intake workers, correctional administrators, adult correctional case workers, correctional psychologists, adult and juvenile correctional officers, juvenile justice administrators, juvenile delinquency prevention workers, and child advocates.
What is the best source of information about EKU’s Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies?
Our Website (http://www.corrections.eku.edu) is the best source of information. It contains detailed information about our program, faculty, and curriculum. There are links to important information, as well as short videos that introduce you to some of the faculty, students, alumni and other aspects of the department. Be sure to click the link to online degrees and courses (http://www.corrections.eku.edu/online).
If you wish to speak to the Assistant online Coordinator directly about our online degree programs, you should contact Lou Martin at 859-622-1150. We strongly encourage you to speak with Mrs. Martin before submitting your application; she is excited about the potential of having you join our program and is available to answer any questions you may have.
Why should I pursue an Online Bachelor’s of Science Degree in Corrections and Juvenile Justice Studies?
The top priority of the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies is to provide students with the knowledge and skills needed to become leaders in the quickly expanding fields of corrections and juvenile justice. If you’re working in the corrections or juvenile justice profession, a degree specialization in those fields will better prepare you for your career and help you to advance farther, faster.
Our courses are designed to facilitate growth in five key competency areas. Through a job analysis of positions in the correctional and juvenile justice fields, these competencies were identified as essential skills for practitioners in these areas. The core competencies around which our course frameworks are designed are:
1. Oral Communication
2. Written Communication
3. Problem Solving/Decision Making/Leadership Skills
4. Counseling-Related Interpersonal Skills and Relations
5. Diversity
 
Who should pursue this degree?
You should pursue this degree if you ….
  • are a line officer, youth worker or mid-career professional who wants to move into positions of greater responsibility
  • are seeking increased management responsibilities in the corrections and juvenile justice fields
  • desire a greater understanding of the issues related to offender populations, promising approaches, evidenced-based practices, principles of effective interventions, ethics, gangs
  • are seeking a degree that addresses a broad set of correctional and juvenile justice responsibilities
  • are seeking a degree that is accredited from one of the six regional accrediting agencies in the country
  • are seeking a degree that is accessible via distance learning
Who is the ideal candidate to pursue an online degree in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies?
The ideal candidate is a student who has already completed (or is close to completing) their general education requirements, is working in an applied correctional or juvenile justice setting, and is interested in studying with faculty who have specialized backgrounds in corrections and/or juvenile justice.
What are the qualifications of the faculty who will be teaching the online courses?
Our faculty members come from diverse academic and practitioner backgrounds. They are experienced teachers whose top priority is helping students acquire the knowledge and skills they need for a successful career. They all have the perfect blend of practitioner and research experience. Each of these respected professionals has strong working relations with local, state, federal and private agencies. Importantly, the teaching, scholarly, and public service activities of the faculty are closely intertwined, as emphasis is placed on combining the academic and applied realms of the field. Faculty members are actively engaged in research projects involving work with the Kentucky Department of Juvenile Justice, the National Institute of Corrections and other such agencies.
Is Eastern Kentucky University an accredited institution?
Yes. Eastern Kentucky University and the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice’s degree programs are accredited by the Commission on Colleges Southern Association of Colleges and Schools (SACS).
How is the program structured?
Students are admitted at the beginning of the summer semester in cohorts of no more than 50 students per year.
The BS degree will be delivered utilizing the quarter system. There will be four quarters per academic year (fall and spring) and one quarter offered during the summer. It is anticipated that students will enroll in one (1) course per quarter.
Generally, students take only one (1) course at a time so that they can maintain focus on the particular subject. Each course lasts eight (8) weeks. There are two 8 week courses in the Fall and Spring semesters (i.e., you can complete two 8 week courses during each 16 week semester, or four courses during an academic year. Students take one course during the summer semester and two courses per semester over the fall and spring semesters. Students are strongly encouraged to adhere to the course schedule. Failure to take courses in the sequence provided may significantly delay your ability to finish the program.
How long does each course run?
Typically, each course will run on an eight (8) week term. However, COR 400 and 490 will run on a 16-week term and will be taught simultaneously.
How do the courses differ from courses offered on campus?
The learning objectives and most of teaching methods for online courses and on-campus courses are the same. Some of the methods of delivery might be different due to the need to ensure that all learning objectives are met. For example, group assignments might be conducted in a way that takes into account the lack of opportunity group members have to meet face to face. Generally, students can expect to write more, by virtue of the increased emphasis on the use of discussion boards. In a traditional on-campus classroom, there tends to be greater expectations around the verbal expression of ideas.
Students register and take classes on the Internet using Blackboard rather than attending a traditional class on campus. The courses are taught using a combination of course textbooks, manuals, Internet communications, research articles, and workplace applications.
With no site visits or campus classes to attend, you can complete your studies in the comforts of your own home or workplace at your convenience. Your schedule will dictate when you study, and you will have access to your course work 24 hours a day. However, it is important to note that students involved in the online degree program will need to have a strong desire to devote the necessary amount of time needed to successfully complete the program.
Will I be working with other students on assignments for the class?
Yes, interacting with other students is one of the hallmarks of quality education. On occasion, an instructor will have you work with other students to complete group assignments. It is a certainty that you will participate in discussion boards with other students on a routine basis. However, you will likely spend the majority of your time working independently.
How many students will be in my online classes?
Each course has approximately 50 students per class.
How do I know if this is the best program for me and that I have what it takes to be successful pursuing the degree online?
You should complete an online self-assessment. Students should be willing to devote at least 12-15 hours per week for each course in which they are enrolled. Dedication to learning and a sincere commitment of time are necessary components to successfully completing this program.
What is Blackboard?
Blackboard is a learning management system used by many universities to support their online courses. It allows the instructor and student to communicate with one another through different learning environments. Blackboard features include some of the following: discussion forums, online testing, posting of assignments and lectures, student presentations, Internet relay chat, online grade book, and in-class mail, to name a few. Each course will vary as to the features that are used from class to class and instructor to instructor.
Is there training in Blackboard?
As part of the first course you will take, we require that you complete a Blackboard tutorial online. This will help familiarize you with the learning and communication tools contained within Blackboard.
In addition, you should visit EKU’s Blackboard Website that is available and highly recommended for students prior to taking an online learning course.
There is a student learning guide that provides an overview of how Blackboard works and the features you will be using throughout your distance educational experience. A Help Desk is available from 8:00 am – 4:30 pm each day.
Is there ever a time during the day that a student cannot access Blackboard?
Yes. EKU Blackboard is unavailable daily, 3:00-4:15 A.M. Eastern Time, for routine maintenance.
What is the average amount of time an online student will need to spend on a course each week in order to be successful?
This will vary by student, depending on study habits, learning styles, and a variety of other personal factors that contribute to learning. Most students require 12-15 hours a week of study time that is creatively balanced between family, work, and travels throughout the day and weekends. EKU recommends that students prepare to spend three hours of preparation time outside of the classroom for each hour that they spend inside the classroom. This ratio is applicable to the online program as well.
Can the entire program be completed through distance learning?
Yes. All of the classes will be via the Internet and you will never have to attend a class or travel to Richmond to complete your degree. However, you will need to obtain your supporting courses through another college. We recommend courses offered through Kentucky Virtual University.
Will all courses required for the degree be available online through EKU?
No. The concentration of online courses for BS in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies will be available through EKU. Courses necessary for completing the General Education requirements AND upper division supporting courses must be completed through other colleges or universities. If you have not already completed your general education requirements, we recommend that you do so through a Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) school using Kentucky Virtual University. EKU and KCTCS have an agreement, which facilitates the seamless transfer of courses to EKU when those courses have been completed at a KCTCS school.
If I am pursuing a BS degree, how will I be able to satisfy 27 hours of upper electives required for the degree?
Many of the courses will be available directly from EKU. Our department provides a maximum of nine hours total from courses such as COR 349 (Applied Learning in Corrections and Juvenile Justice), COR 375 (Applied Skills Practicum), and COR 460 Independent Study. Students may also enroll in several electives offered online throughout the year. However, most will need to be taken using the resources offered through Kentucky Virtual University.
We recommend that you take the prescribed set of courses that have been identified by our faculty as best serving your future needs as professionals working in corrections or juvenile justice. That is one of the features that we think makes our program unique. We identify the electives that will assist you in developing the best possible skill set for achieving success in your career.
Students should be aware of the following EKU requirements:
In order to graduate, students seeking a BS must:
  • Complete all University academic requirements and all requirements in the degree program.
  • Earn a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all EKU work. Transfer students must ear a minimum GPA of 2.0 on all combined transfer and EKU work.
  • Complete a minimum of 128 credit hours.
  • Earn a minimum of 32 semester hours through EKU.
  • Complete 43 hours of courses at the 300 level or above.
  • Satisfy the University Writing Requirement.
Are there study sessions?
The use of study sessions and time of sessions will vary from instructor to instructor and from course to course. Course instructors are available by phone and email to answer any questions. Students enrolled in the online degree program will also have access to an additional Blackboard site that is dedicated to student forums, study sessions, and general communication. This site will not be linked to a specific course being offered, but rather will be a forum for students to interact and communicate with other students enrolled in their cohort.
How will I take exams and submit assignments?
All exams will be taken online through Blackboard, and all assignments are submitted over Blackboard. The date(s) and number of hours the exam is available will vary from instructor to instructor.
What about textbooks and materials for the course?
Course textbooks are available through the EKU Bookstore or by calling 859-622-2696. Students may also choose to order their books online through other sources.  Additional materials (if there is no charge) will be available online.
How do EKU students access library resources?
Students can connect to the Justice and Safety Library by linking onto:
http://www.library.eku.edu/distance/default.php  or by calling
859-622-1798. Students will be given additional instruction to the online library resources during the introduction course, COR 100.
What if I can’t keep up?
The special support you receive from your faculty, peers, and facilitators is
one of the great benefits of studying in a small learning community. If you notify your instructor of any major problems that you encounter, it is likely that your instructor will recognize your challenges and work with you to help you to succeed. However, you should be aware that online learning is not for everyone. It will definitely require a great deal of discipline and self- motivation in order to succeed. Good study habits are essential. If you have doubts about your capacities in these areas, you should reconsider online learning as an option.
Are my grades private?
Yes. Only the student and the course instructor have access to each individual’s grades.

Admissions

 
When can I enroll in the program?
Students can enroll in the program in the summer semester of every year. Students are required to complete an introductory course (COR 100) before taking other courses. COR100 is only offered in the summer semester.
What is the application deadline for enrolling in the program?
To be admitted in a summer cohort, completed applications should be submitted by February 15th (of that same year), before the summer session begins..
What are the admissions requirements?
To be admitted to the program, you must meet the following requirements:
Preference will be given to students who have completed 36 hours of General Education Requirements.
In addition to the requirements set forth by EKU for admission to the University, students must also meet the following program admission requirements:
  • Be a full or part-time professional working the fields of corrections or juvenile justice or an individual who provides the undergraduate curriculum committee a satisfactory reason why they cannot attend the traditional program on campus
  • You must reside at least 60 miles from the EKU campus
  • You must have a composite ACT score as follows:
    • 20 or above for full admission status
    • 18 or 19 for conditional admission status
      • 1 page writing sample describing career aspirations and the role of education in such aspirations required
      • Writing sample reviewed by undergraduate committee
    • 17 and below-no admission
Are there additional admission requirements for international students?
The completed application, all official transcripts, official TOEFL must be submitted no later than January 31 for Summer Admission. For additional information visit http://www.international.eku.edu/ or contact the Office of International Education at (859)-622-1478 (Phone) or (859)-622-1552 (Fax)
What if I have not completed my General Education requirements, but am still interested in the BS in Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies?
You have two options:
1) You can complete your general education courses at other post-secondary educational institutions and transfer credits to EKU. If you choose this option, you should make sure to take courses that will transfer. For more information about transferring general education credits visit: www.advising.eku.edu. It is extremely important that you work closely with the distance education counselor to ensure that the courses will transfer to EKU before you enroll in courses at other institutions.
2) You can take general education courses through the Kentucky Community and Technical College System (KCTCS) using the online courses and resources made available through the Kentucky Virtual University (KYVU). To complete your coursework, you must be admitted and enroll as a student in one of the KCTCS schools. For more information visit www.kctcs.edu.
If you are just starting your college career, we recommend option 2 since completing general education requirements through KCTCS will guarantee that you meet the necessary transfer requirements.
What are the steps to applying for the online BS Program?
1. Visit the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies website at www.corrections.eku.edu. Be sure to review the admissions requirements, take the online self-assessment, review the Frequently Asked Questions, and fill out the online interest form.
2. After reviewing these materials, if you are interested in applying to the program, you should contact Jessica Zeitz, the Distance Education Counselor at (859) 622-8407 or cjjsonline@eku.edu. She will conduct an initial interview during which basic information will be collected.
3. Once you have completed the initial interview, you will have entered the screening phase of the application process. During this phase, you will be asked to provide the Distance Education Counselor with proof that you meet all of the admission requirements for this program.
4. If you are selected for admission to the program, you will receive a letter of invitation to formally apply to the program.  You will then be directed to apply for admission to EKU.
What if I don’t get accepted?
Students who are not admitted into the first cohort of 50 students, will have the option of having their names placed on a waiting list. If you are on the waiting list, then you may be able to enter the program during the first year. Please note that entry into the program will be dependent on the numbers of students who drop from the program.

Financial Information

How much does the program cost?
There is a one-time, non-refundable EKU admissions application fee of $30.00. Students should not apply to EKU until they have been invited to do so by the Department of Correctional and Juvenile Justice Studies. The tuition cost is $350 per credit hour. Thus, a three-hour course will cost $1,050.
Will there be any additional fees other than tuition?
In addition to tuition, there will typically be fees for materials needed for the course (e.g., books, CDs, etc.). This will be determined by the type of course and the course instructor.
Is financial assistance available?
Grants, loans, and federal work study are need-based programs. Entitlements include resources from the Veterans Administration and Vocational Rehabilitation. Scholarships are awarded from the University as well as outside sources. Details for EKU’s financial aid are available at:
To determine how much money you qualify for, you must complete the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA) each year. Visit www.studentaid.ed.gov or call 1-800-4-FED-AID (1-800-433-3243) for more information. Students may also qualify for scholarships from the College of Justice and Safety. For more information, please visit the J&S Scholarship information page.
How do I register for online courses?
Once students have been admitted to the program, the Assistant Program Coordinator will be responsible for enrolling students in the appropriate courses.
 
I have already obtained some credits from another school. How can I determine if these credits will transfer?
Students who have completed a 48-hour general education program at a Kentucky Community Technical College and School (KCTCS) such as Bluegrass Community College (BCC) or Somerset Community College will be general education certified in general education as required by the CPE General Education Transfer Agreement. Students who transfer to EKU without a certified transfer module will have their course work at their previous institution evaluated by EKU on a course-by-course basis for general education equivalency.
For more information on transferring credits, visit www.ky.transfer.org.
Do I earn the same degree as traditional onsite students earn?
Yes. The same accredited degree is awarded for both traditional and online students no matter the delivery method.

Computer/Technical

What are the system requirements for the online program?
See the system requirements below. While using a “dial-up” Internet connection is certainly okay, you are strongly encouraged to upgrade to a High Speed Internet (such as DSL or Cable) connection to maximize your learning experience. Downloads will be dramatically quicker, and you will be able to view videos and other multimedia tools with greater ease. In short, your learning experience will be significantly better. It is well worth the estimated $180 - $250 extra per year investment for your sanity and peace of mind.
Operating System
Windows XP, 98 or ME OR Mac OS 10.1 or later
Internet Browser
Microsoft Internet Explorer 6.0 or later OR Netscape 7 or later

Other browsers may also work appropriately
Internet Connection
DSL, Cable modem or other broadband connection is highly recomended.

Dial-up access is suitable for most course content. Many courses in the Justice & Safety degree programs incorporate video clips into the content. A significant amount of time may be needed to access these resources if you are using a dial-up connection.
Other Software
The latest version of the Flash Player from Macromedia.

Instructors commonly assume that students have access to Microsoft Office (Word, Excel and PowerPoint). If you do not have access to these programs, contact our office for assistance.
Email Address
All students have an EKU email address and will use this for all email correspondence with the University.
Will I need an e-mail address to take an online course?
Yes. EKU will provide you with an e-mail address. You will need this address to access Blackboard. The EKU e-mail address is free and is accessible from anywhere in the world.
How computer literate do I need to be to successfully complete the online program?
Whether you are a computer novice or a highly skilled with computer expert, you will have support and technical assistance throughout your program.
Is there a way to view an online class?
There is a short video clip from an online course at http://www.justice.eku.edu/cjjs/online.asp for you to view.
This is just an example of one of the features Blackboard offers when you earn your degree through online learning at EKU.
Is there technical assistance available and if so, what are the hours?
Yes, EKU has an online help desk that is available from 8:00am – 4:00pm. (Eastern Standard Time) @ 859-622-3000. If it is a content area problem, contact your instructor.