WIU Question

[marianne202]

I have a friend that just started taking criminal behavior / profiling classes at WIU. Does anyone have any feedback about them? I did a quick review and I'm concerned about transferability of classes and her being able to find work with a degree from them. She has absolutely no criminal justice background and I'm not sure that this degree will be enough. She is a single parent and can't afford to waste money. She really needs to change careers and thinks this is the best choice. If anyone has any experience in criminal behavior / profiling jobs, please give me some suggestions for her. Thanks in advance for your help!

[ShotoJuku]

[COLOR="Navy"]WIU?

Website?[/COLOR]

[marianne202]

WIU = Western International University

Western International University—Where Education Works for Working Adults

[TMW2010]

They're regionally accredited -

Western International University is accredited by The Higher Learning Commission of the North Central Association of Colleges and Schools, 30 N. LaSalle Street, Suite 2400, Chicago, Illinois 60602-2504, phone 312-263-0456, to offer courses and programs leading to certificates, the associate degree, bachelor (arts and sciences and professional curricula) degrees, and master (professional curricula) degrees

I can't speak on the veracity of their coursework, but transfer to other schools shouldn't be an issue.

As far as being able to get a job in CJ right out of the gate, its just like any other degree, where people who have the experience and the degree will be the first candidates for positions. I'd suggest checking with the police department for volunteer positions availiblity, but I know it would be tough for a single working parent to scrape out extra time for it.

Have they considered trying to get a job as a 911 operator or dispatcher while pursuing the degree? (I know in today's workforce, positions anywhere are hard to come by, but it can't hurt to check) Once they have the degree the doors should open for them. They may even be able to get tuition reimbursement.

[P00057870]

Last poster was right on the mark.

Suggest your friend keep an eye out for positions in the police department where she wants to be, even if it is only answering phones -- just to get a foot in the door and prove yourself. Who knows, once in they may even reimburse for costs of course work.

[marianne202]

Thanks! Actually she is paramedic and has been running the dispatch center for a private ambulance company for the last few years. She recently gave up the supervisor position to have more time for school. I just don't know if she will be employable at 50 using this type of education. She was going to get her paralegal training, and I'm thining that would be more realistic from an employment stand-point. She is very overweight and is too old to complete basic law enforcement training, so she can't go that route. I was hoping some CJ students or experts would have some more info I can pass along to her with some more viable options. She just can't doesn't want to keep doing her current job and she has no other training or skills. She tried getting into teaching, but there aren't any full time jobs, and without any type of degree, that is almost impossible. But since this degree isn't in EMS, it won't help either. Thanks for your help!

[P00057870]

At 50, ouch, you have reason to be concerned. Things just change and you can't be in the field and as quick to physically respond to all matter of things. Paralegal is more mental than physical and still quite interesting with reasonably good income.

Like you, I'm wondering what those with this type of experience would have to say about this or if there are other positions that this leads to that are mostly desk work related.

Any input?

[ShotoJuku]

I just don't know if she will be employable at 50 using this type of education.

[COLOR="Navy"]50, Hmmmmm.....?

I'm 50, and although I firmly believe that Life Begins at 50, I am looking to retire sooner than later from LE (I've been a cop for 28+ years). Truth is, being an active LEO is for the young (in mind/body/spirit).[/COLOR]

[COLOR="navy"]
As for the degree issue, why not[/COLOR] [SIZE="5"]EC[/SIZE]?

[P00057870]

As a 58 year old Leo I can only share that the mind is young, the desire to accomplish all of my dreams is still alive, I still don't know what I want to do when I grow up but, that said, my body no longer is willing to keep up with all of the above. Major LOL.

In spite of that, we keep on going but not at the same rate. My inference was that I thought that perhaps someone working in the proposed profession might require the ability to work in the field, which might be physically demanding at times.

Judy