Daily Pioneer News

Mike Snow knew that he wanted to earn a master's degree in criminal justice. Even though he worked full-time as a police officer, he decided to try driving an hour each way to attend classes on a campus. He knew almost immediately that it wasn't going to work. Working as the late night shift sergeant for the Germantown Police Department, he found it impossible to attend classes at traditional times on campus and the drive was going to be prohibitive. Not wanting to let go of his dream, Snow discovered UW-Platteville's online criminal justice master's degree.

Totaling 30 credits offered entirely online, the master's of science in criminal justice program is a comprehensive, highly interactive solution for professionals who want a graduate degree or are looking for skills to advance to higher-level positions in their profession. Students are able to tailor the program to fit their knowledge and skills and meet their individual career goals.

Snow, who had never taken an online course before, admitted that he had reservations. "I was concerned about the level of guidance I would receive," he said. "But, after my first class-after just the first week-I didn't have any concerns at all. I could call or email with any questions and I always received a prompt response. The program was set up so it is self-explanatory to begin with."

"This isn't saying that the program wasn't a challenge," Snow said, "Working full-time on the late shift and tackling two classes per semester was anything but easy. But, the online format of the program made it possible. This program was every bit as challenging as any other program," he said. "There's a certain stigma with online programs among those who have never done one, that it's easier. But, this has been very challenging. The expectations are very high-as they should be. I think online programs like UW-P's are definitely the wave of the future-especially for working professionals. Why would anyone drive 40 or 60 miles to a campus when they can do the same thing online?"

"The trick to succeeding in an online program," Snow said, "is to put yourself on a strict schedule and stick to it." Snow said he received tremendous support from his wife and daughter. He often set aside entire days that he wasn't working to complete research and reading assignments.

Snow, who would like to begin teaching part-time at a technical college, said his immediate goal is to receive a promotion within the department. Being one of only two officers with a master's degree, the hard work should "pay off" very quickly. He also said the program curriculum has been very useful in his current job-particularly the criminal procedure, law and theory courses. "It's made me look at the whole profession in a different light," Snow said. "It's made me a better police officer."

"I recommend this program to anyone who would like to receive a master's degree in criminal justice-especially working people," he continued. "This program fits your schedule and you have the ability to decide for yourself how you're going to tackle it. I wouldn't have been able to achieve this any other way."

Those interested in learning more about distance education at UWP can visit the website (http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted) for a complete list of degree programs and available courses. You can also call 608-342-1468 or toll-free 800-363-5460 to request an informational packet about UWP distance education.