Rhodes State College | Criminal Justice
Criminal Justice
Corrections – Distance Education Format
The profession of law enforcement is on the threshold of a new era that will bring with it greater demands from the community for more highly qualified personnel. The opportunities for well‑educated and trained individuals are vast, and horizons are constantly expanding.
With a grant received from the Ohio Learning Network/Ohio Board of Regents, the Corrections Major was converted into a distance education format. The majority of the coursework is available and accessible through distance learning methods including selfdirected, online, telecourse and webcasting.
The Criminal Justice Program at Rhodes State College is designed to prepare those individuals who are seeking entry-level positions, especially in local, and state law enforcement agencies, as well as public and private security agencies. Criminal Justice associate degree graduates planning to continue their education at a four-year institution will find easy transfer to most institutions.
Coursework is designed to prepare students for correctional situations, both theoretically and practically. Upon completion of the two‑year program, students will graduate with an Associate Degree in Applied Science. Job opportunities for Corrections graduates are excellent. Labor statistics forecast a substantial increase for corrections positions in the 2000’s. Federal and state governments are focusing on mandatory sentencing causing a huge increase in the prison population.
Rhodes State College also offers the Basic Peace Officer Training Academy through the Criminal Justice Program. The Academy has special admission requirements. The candidate must have a valid driver’s license, be twenty-one by the end of the academy, and no felony or domestic violence convictions. All candidates must complete a short interview and fitness test administered under the direction of the department chair prior to acceptance into the academy. Students who wish to first take the degree requirements may select the Basic Peace Officer Academy at the conclusion of the program.
The Criminal Justice program is accredited by the Ohio Peace Officer’s Training Academy, P.O. Box 309, London, OH 43140.
Technical Standards See pages 88-89 for details.
Ohio Peace Officer Training for Certification cannot be taken through distance education. All OPOTA training must be taken in the classroom. Please contact the Chair for further clarification. The Corrections Program is designed for students interested in the field of probation/parole, halfway house counselors, crime victim counselors, juvenile caseworkers and correctional institution employees.
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