31 Jul, 2023 in Sponsors & Affiliates
The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program is a unique initiative designed specifically for working professionals in the law enforcement sector. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with an emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership. It is structured around 7-week terms and is fully online, allowing students to study at their own pace.
This competency-based program puts a bachelor's degree within the reach of thousands of Texas law enforcement workers, offering an affordable and flexible solution to those seeking to further their education. The program is transforming law enforcement by providing officers with the opportunity to advance their careers and knowledge base.
| Semester | Term 1 | Break | Term 2 |
| Spring | Jan. 17 – March 3 | March 6 – 17 | March 20 – May 5 |
| Summer | May 15 – June 30 | July 3 – 7 | July 10 – Aug. 25 |
| Fall | Sept. 5 – Oct. 20 | Oct. 23 – 27 | Oct. 30 – Dec. 15 |
The College of Innovation and Design offers all its competency-based programs in a unique format. Each traditional semester is divided into two separate seven-week terms with a break in-between each term.
Education plays a crucial role in the professional development of law enforcement officers. Pursuing a degree in criminal justice can provide officers with the knowledge and tools necessary to shape public policy in response to contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.
Continuing education not only boosts earning potential but also opens doors to advanced professional roles. In an increasingly complex and challenging field, having a deep understanding of criminal law, statutory elements, defenses, and penalties can be incredibly beneficial.
Moreover, the emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership in the Texas A&M Commerce program helps officers develop their leadership skills, preparing them for higher positions within their respective organizations. By combining their practical experience with the theoretical knowledge gained from such programs, law enforcement officers can significantly enhance their career prospects and contribute more effectively to their communities.
Competency-based education is a modern approach to learning that puts the emphasis on mastering skills rather than time spent in a classroom. This model differs from traditional education, which often measures success by the number of hours spent in lectures or the amount of information memorized for exams.
In a competency-based program, students progress by demonstrating their proficiency in a particular skill or area of knowledge. This means that if a student already has experience or expertise in a certain area, they can move through that part of the program quickly, focusing their energy on learning new concepts and skills.
This style of learning is particularly suited to working professionals, like law enforcement officers, who bring a wealth of practical experience to their studies. They can apply what they already know to accelerate their progress and focus on acquiring new competencies that will be directly applicable to their work.
The flexibility of competency-based education is particularly beneficial for full-time law enforcement officers. Given the unpredictable and demanding nature of their work, these professionals often find it challenging to attend scheduled classes or commit to a rigid academic timetable. With CBE, they can study whenever and wherever it suits them, making it easier to balance their studies with their professional responsibilities.
Moreover, the emphasis on mastering competencies means that officers can leverage their on-the-job experience to progress through the program more quickly. If they are already proficient in certain areas, they can demonstrate this competency and move on to new material, avoiding unnecessary repetition and saving valuable time.
Another key advantage of competency-based education is its affordability. Traditional degree programs often require students to pay for a set number of credit hours each semester, which can be expensive and may include paying for courses that cover material the student already knows. In contrast, many CBE programs charge a flat rate for a certain period (e.g., six months), during which students can complete as many competencies as they can. This not only results in potential cost savings but also allows students to accelerate their progress and earn their degree more quickly.
In conclusion, competency-based education offers a flexible, affordable, and efficient pathway for full-time law enforcement officers to advance their education. By focusing on the mastery of specific skills and allowing students to learn at their own pace, CBE aligns with the realities of modern policing and meets the unique needs of these dedicated professionals.
The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program is a unique educational initiative designed specifically to cater to the needs of working professionals in the law enforcement sector. The program offers a Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice with a special emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership.
This competency-based program is structured around 7-week terms and is fully online, allowing students to study at their own pace. The curriculum is divided into manageable segments that allow for a flexible learning experience tailored to the unpredictable schedules of law enforcement officers.
The key aspect of this program is its focus on Law Enforcement Leadership. This emphasis prepares students for advanced roles within their respective organizations by equipping them with the necessary leadership skills. It helps students understand the application of criminal law, including definitions, statutory elements, defenses, and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law.
The program has been successful in putting a bachelor's degree within the reach of thousands of Texas law enforcement workers. It offers an affordable and flexible solution to those seeking to further their education, thereby transforming law enforcement by providing officers with the opportunity to advance their careers and knowledge base.
In terms of data and statistics, the program's success is evident from its growing popularity among law enforcement officers. While specific numbers vary, there is a clear trend of increasing enrollment, indicating the effectiveness and appeal of the program.
In conclusion, the Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program offers a comprehensive and flexible educational pathway for law enforcement officers. Its emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership and its commitment to affordability and flexibility make it an excellent choice for those seeking to advance their careers in the field.
The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program is not just another degree program. It is specifically designed with law enforcement professionals in mind, offering a unique advantage for these dedicated individuals.
The curriculum of the program emphasizes Law Enforcement Leadership, a critical aspect for officers aspiring to take on advanced roles within their organizations. Courses are structured to provide knowledge and understanding of criminal law, including definitions, statutory elements, defenses, and penalties using Texas statutes, the Model Penal Code, and case law. This targeted learning approach ensures that the content is highly relevant and directly applicable to the work of law enforcement officers.
A significant challenge for full-time law enforcement officers wanting to further their education is finding a program that fits their busy and often unpredictable schedules. The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program addresses this issue head-on. With its fully online format and 7-week term structure, the program offers unparalleled flexibility.
Officers can access course materials at any time that suits them, whether that's during a quiet night shift or on a day off. The competency-based nature of the program allows students to progress at their own pace, meaning they can spend as much or as little time as they need on each competency, depending on their existing knowledge and skills.
In conclusion, the Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program provides a unique advantage for law enforcement officers. It pairs a relevant and focused curriculum with an adaptable format, making it an excellent choice for officers committed to advancing their careers while continuing to serve their communities.
Completing the Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program opens a multitude of career opportunities and advancement possibilities for law enforcement officers. By earning this degree, officers can elevate their careers, taking on more advanced roles within their respective organizations.
The program's emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership equips students with the skills and knowledge necessary to assume leadership positions. These can range from supervisory roles in their current departments to high-ranking positions at the state or federal level. Graduates might also consider roles in related fields, such as corrections, probation, parole, or private security.
In addition to opening new career paths, the degree can significantly boost an officer's earning potential. The knowledge and skills gained through the program can make officers more competitive in the job market, and many departments offer pay incentives for officers who hold advanced degrees.
The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program is not just about career advancement, though. It's also about providing law enforcement officers with the tools they need to make a bigger impact in their communities. By understanding criminal law, statutory elements, defenses, and penalties at a deeper level, graduates can contribute more effectively to shaping public policy and responding to contemporary issues in the criminal justice system.
In summary, the Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice program offers law enforcement officers a unique opportunity to advance their careers, increase their earning potential, and make a greater impact in their communities.
In the ever-evolving field of law enforcement, continuing education is critical for career progression and effective community service. The Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program offers an excellent opportunity for law enforcement officers to advance their education while accommodating their demanding work schedules.
The program's emphasis on Law Enforcement Leadership and its competency-based approach make it a highly relevant and efficient choice for these professionals. By enabling law enforcement officers to leverage their practical experience and learn at their own pace, the program not only enhances their career prospects but also equips them with the knowledge and skills to contribute more effectively to their communities.
Furthermore, the program's affordability and flexibility underscore its commitment to making advanced education accessible to those in the law enforcement field. With its unique advantages and proven success, the Texas A&M Commerce Online Competency-Based Criminal Justice Program stands as a valuable resource for law enforcement officers aspiring to reach new heights in their careers.
Texas A&M University-Commerce. (n.d.). Criminal Justice BS – Law Enforcement Leadership Emphasis, Competency-Based. Retrieved from https://www.tamuc.edu/programs/criminal-justice-bs-law-enforcement-leadership/
Texas A&M University-Commerce. (n.d.). Competency-based criminal justice program at A&M-Commerce continues to grow exponentially. Retrieved from https://www.tamuc.edu/competency-based-criminal-justice-program-at-am-commerce-continues-to-grow-exponentially/
Texas A&M University-Commerce. (n.d.). Texas A&M University-Commerce launches competency-based criminal justice program designed for police officers, law enforcement. Retrieved from https://www.tamuc.edu/news/texas-am-university-commerce-launches-competency-based-criminal-justice-program-designed-for-police-officers-law-enforcement/