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NEW JERSEY COPS ■ JULY 2014
EDUCATION CONNECTION
Education to the next degree
The College of Saint Elizabeth in Morristown has recently introduced a Special Scholarship Program for full-time law enforcement
officers who want to further their education by obtaining their Master’s degrees.
Beginning this fall, the scholarship program will set the tuition
for the fully online Master’s program at $650 per credit, which
includes all fees. Previously, the tuition rate for law enforcement
officers was $1,064, so officers will now be saving more than $400
per credit. The program consists of 30 credits, and in lieu of a thesis, a capstone seminar is offered.
“The police officers that have been enrolled in our Master’s program have cited reasons such as for promotional purposes, preparing for a second career after their law enforcement career, financial
incentives and some for professional enrichment,” noted Dr. Jim
Ford, Associate Professor in the Criminal Justice Program at the
College of Saint Elizabeth (CSE).
At CSE, many of the courses taught apply to modern day policing such as an ethics course and others that are infused with case
scenarios and practical dilemmas to provide intense understanding and appreciation of the important social, ethical and political
issues pertinent to the criminal justice system.
“The graduate program in Criminal Justice at the College of Saint
Elizabeth engages students to think, read and analyze critically in
every course,” Ford added.
The new scholarship program applies to new and currently
enrolled students, provided that they remained continually
enrolled and register for at least six graduate credits each semester.
“The College of Saint Elizabeth recognizes that economic times
are challenging for the law enforcement community with many
agencies cutting back on college incentive programs, and some of
our students are enrolled in our program without compensation
from their municipal, county or state agencies,” Ford said. “Other
universities and colleges promote discounts but there is no mention of their annual or student fees per semester; our program
includes all fees.”
Ford emphasized that the online learning environment “is not
easier; it is just more convenient,” he said. “Many times, law
enforcement officers cannot afford to sit in a classroom for one or
two nights a week for a few hours. Our program is 30 cre ]