Critique of Coursera and edX

[sanantone]

I think APUS has a competency-based program in criminal justice. Excelsior has some test-based program. Criminal justice programs are definitely popular (more popular than they should be), but they're not that important for police to have. I've seen many high-ranking police officers with non-CJ degrees because departments mostly don't care what your degree is in. Just having a bachelor's makes you stand out. Having a master's makes you even more of an outlier.

There are many academies in fire, EMS, and law enforcement that are combined with associate's degree programs at CCs. It might just be easier to get your training and 2-year degree at the same time. Most of the training is only worth LL credit. After that, almost any degree will do for firefighters and police. Public administration is a popular program among emergency responders. Many police officers will recommend not getting a CJ-related degree. So many officers leave the field in about 10 years or so, and the CJ degree will only pigeonhole them.

I'm an advocate for police officers being more educated, but there's no evidence that CJ programs benefit them more than other programs. I, honestly, believe they should study sociology or psychology instead because so many police officers have poor communication skills and don't know how to deescalate situations.