See answers to frequently asked questions about our National Criminal Justice Command College Hybrid format.
- 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.
- EXPLAIN THE BREAKDOWN BETWEEN IN-PERSON AND HYBRID CLASSES
-
Students will take five courses in a hybrid model. The breakdown includes:
- Two eight-week virtual courses
- Three in-residence sessions, two of which will be hosted by a state police organization, with the final session hosted by Virginia State Police. Each of the in-residences will be held in a different region of the country to ensure accessibility and a range of contexts:
- West Coast: foundational leadership, innovation, and organizational strategy
- Central U.S.: interagency coordination, change management, critical incident command, and systems-based approaches
- East Coast: executive decision-making, emerging technologies, and public accountability
- 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.
- DOES UVA HAVE A DEGREE PROGRAM THAT ACCEPTS THESE CREDITS FOR TRANSFER?
-
Yes. The Command College can be taken at an undergraduate or graduate level. Undergraduate credits can transfer into one of our bachelor's completion programs. 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.