Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE - Tod Kulow knew that pursuing a graduate degree would be a challenge, requiring him to balance family, work and studies. He says he was fortunate to have the support of his wife from the beginning. "We came to a consensus that she would apply more effort to the responsibilities in the home, and in exchange when I completed my degree program, she would begin school and I would take up the slack," Kulow explains. The arrangement worked and Kulow became one of the University of Wisconsin-Platteville's spring 2004 graduates, earning his degree entirely at a distance.

Kulow is currently employed as a patrol officer in Green Bay. He first learned about UWP's graduate program in criminal justice through colleagues who were enrolled in the university's online distance education courses. Kulow decided that this would be his best opportunity to earn his master's degree without interfering with his responsibilities as an officer.

Looking back on his experience as a distance learning student, Kulow recalls that he was reluctant to get started, but he soon learned that the online courses had been created with the working student in mind. "It's not a cakewalk," he warns. "It does require a concerted, dedicated effort to keep up with the course material, but at the same time it is not overbearing either. The program provides much of the same interaction one might expect in a classroom setting, but goes one step farther by providing one-on-one discussions with other students and instructors."

To be a successful online student, Kulow recommends entering the program prepared to spend several hours a day in coursework and study. Asking questions of other students or staff is important, he says, as is completing assignments on time, keeping up with reading, and maintaining a fundamental working knowledge of computer and internet-related skills.

During his tenure as a police officer, Kulow has worked in various departments, including patrol, evidence, K-9, and police/school liaison. He has also volunteered his time to teach bike safety courses and to coordinate youth Explorer programs.

Kulow is excited about graduating and plans to make good use of the time that will no longer be spent studying. He's looking forward to a summer of golfing, fishing, archery and other outdoor activities with his family. He also plans on enrolling in instructor certification courses regarding firearms, emergency vehicle operations, and defense and arrest tactics. He hopes that in the future he'll be able to give direction to other officers, new recruits and those contemplating a future career in law enforcement.

"The MS criminal justice program has been a true blessing to me and assisted me with a better understanding of the fundamental basis and objectives of criminal justice systems," Kulow commented. "I anticipate that earning this degree will also be advantageous with my future endeavors in promotions and teaching part-time in a criminal justice degree program."

UWP offers four degrees at a distance: an undergraduate degree in business administration and online graduate degrees in criminal justice, engineering, and project management. No campus visits are required. For more information, visit online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted, call 800-362-5460 or e-mail disted@uwplatt.edu.