- Are there prerequisites to apply for admission to the National Criminal Justice Command College?
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A high school diploma or equivalent is needed to apply to the undergraduate certificate, and an undergraduate degree is required to apply to the graduate certificate.
- I'm not currently working in law enforcement, but am interested in changing careers. Am I eligible to apply to the certificate program?
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You need to be in the field of law enforcement, security, corrections, criminal justice, or a related field to be admitted into the program.
- Are NCJCC classes offered online?
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No. All classes are face-to-face at the Virginia State Police Training Academy in Richmond, Virginia.
- Will I receive Department of Criminal Justice Services (DCJS) credit?
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Yes. You will receive 4 hours legal, 34 hours career development, and 2 hours cultural diversity for 40 total hours.
- Can I transfer credit into this program from another institution?
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Transfer courses are not accepted for this certificate program.
- Are lodging and meals included in the cost of the program?
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Only lunch at the Academy is included. You will receive detailed information about lodging options upon registration.
- Does UVA have a degree program that accepts these credits for transfer?
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Yes, graduate-level credits may be applied to the elective requirements of the Master of Public Safety program.
- What is the difference between earning a certificate and gaining certification?
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Earning a certificate is a way for you to earn credits in a structured, discipline-specific way. A certificate can prepare you to advance in your career, or to gain the extra knowledge needed to stay competitive and up-to-date in your field. There are many fields, however, that have professional certifications that may be recommended or required (ex. certified financial planning, project management, accounting). A certificate program does not lead to a professional certification. Yes, the courses you take in a certificate program could help you prepare to earn a professional field-specific certification, but earning a certificate is not the same as becoming certified.
- What exactly does it mean to earn a certificate?
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Certificates offer discipline-specific courses that can help you acquire new skills for professional advancement or for a career transition. Our certificates are offered online, making them accessible from anywhere. Completion of the certificate demonstrates evidence of specialized education achievement. It is recognized on a University of Virginia transcript.
- Will the credits from a certificate program transfer to another college or university?
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Certificate programs are designed to be stand-alone programs. Select courses, however, may be eligible for transfer. Colleges and universities may recognize these courses for transfer, but these decisions are made independently by the receiving institution.
- What is the advantage to earning a certificate vs. a degree?
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Students like to earn certificates because they are affordable, they take less time to complete than a full-fledged degree, and they are practical. Often the knowledge gained in the classroom can be put to use the very next day. In the competitive job market, a certificate can provide the crucial margin needed for individuals to change careers, qualify for a promotion, or qualify for professional accreditation.
* The information contained on this website is for informational purposes only. The Undergraduate Record and Graduate Record represent the official repository for academic program requirements.