Daily Pioneer News

PLATTEVILLE- In today's tight economy, an advanced degree may mean the difference between continuing along a career path or hitting a professional ceiling. For many working adults, however, abandoning work and family to commit to a traditional graduate program isn't an option. When Sparta resident Laura Knutson first considered earning her graduate degree in criminal justice, she was well aware that a flexible schedule would be necessary if she was to succeed. She searched the Internet for online criminal justice programs and discovered University of Wisconsin-Platteville's Distance Learning Center.

Online education worked well for Knutson because she was able to work at her own pace and develop her own learning strategies. However, she emphasizes that the graduate program wasn't easy and she encourages potential online students not to give up when things get stressful. "Although the coursework may get very frustrating at times, it is well worth it in the end," she says. "I would also strongly encourage other students to utilize their academic advisors not only for help through the coursework, but also for support."

Studying independently required more organization on Knutson's part. "In my opinion, the biggest obstacle I encountered was time-management," she notes. "Online learning takes excellent time-management skills and dedication. It is very difficult to balance work, family, and school; however, my dedication is what pulled me through. I have always told myself that I would earn my MS, so I knew that I had to devote 100 percent to this program."

Knutson graduated over the summer, but she says she still hasn't had too much free time on her hands. "I still enjoy reading and researching topics that interest me," she explains. " I also have a 7-year-old daughter that I love spending time with and reading with."

Before moving to Sparta, Knutson worked as a medical social worker in a large trauma hospital. She now works as a social worker in Child Protection, where she's found plenty of opportunities to apply her coursework in psychology. While she's uncertain if she'll ever work directly in the criminal justice profession, Knutson remains interested in the field and in the entire legal process.

UWP offers four degrees at a distance: a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, a Master of Science in Criminal Justice, a Master of Engineering, and a Master of Science in Project Management. For more information, visit online at http://www.uwplatt.edu/disted, call 800-362-5460 or e-mail disted@uwplatt.edu.