National Criminal Justice Command College FAQ

ARE THERE PREREQUISITES TO APPLY FOR ADMISSION TO THE NATIONAL CRIMINAL JUSTICE COMMAND COLLEGE?

A high school diploma or equivalent is needed to apply to the undergraduate certificate, and an undergraduate degree is required to apply to the graduate certificate. 

I’M NOT CURRENTLY WORKING IN LAW ENFORCEMENT, BUT AM INTERESTED IN CHANGING CAREERS. AM I ELIGIBLE TO APPLY TO THE CERTIFICATE PROGRAM?

You need to be in the field of law enforcement, security, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field to be admitted into the program. 

ARE NCJCC CLASSES OFFERED ONLINE?

No. All classes are face-to-face at the Virginia State Police Training Academy in Richmond, Virginia.

WILL I RECEIVE DEPARTMENT OF CRIMINAL JUSTICE SERVICES (DCJS) CREDIT?

Yes. You will receive 4 hours legal, 34 hours career development, and 2 hours cultural diversity for 40 total hours.

CAN I TRANSFER CREDIT INTO THIS PROGRAM FROM ANOTHER INSTITUTION?

Transfer courses are not accepted for this certificate program.  

ARE LODGING AND MEALS INCLUDED IN THE COST OF THE PROGRAM?

Only lunch at the Academy is included. You will receive detailed information about lodging options upon registration.

DOES UVA HAVE A DEGREE PROGRAM THAT ACCEPTS THESE CREDITS FOR TRANSFER?

Yes, graduate-level credits may be applied to the elective requirements of the Master of Public Safety program.

WHAT IS THE DIFFERENCE BETWEEN EARNING A CERTIFICATE AND GAINING CERTIFICATION?

Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.

WHAT EXACTLY DOES IT MEAN TO EARN A CERTIFICATE?

Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.

WILL THE CREDITS FROM A CERTIFICATE PROGRAM TRANSFER TO ANOTHER COLLEGE OR UNIVERSITY?

Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.

WHAT IS THE ADVANTAGE TO EARNING A CERTIFICATE VS. A DEGREE?

Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.

 

* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.