Bowling Green University

Located in Bowling Green, Ohio, Bowling Green State University is a public research college. It is primarily residential and offers more than 200 undergraduate degrees as well as master's and doctoral programs in eight different academic colleges. Washington Monthly, U.S. News & World Report and Forbes magazine have all recognized and ranked its academic programs. Bowling Green State University is also known for its high research activity in areas such as sustainability, energy, human development and education, sociology and psychology.

Bowling Green State University Accreditation Details

In addition to regional accreditation by the Higher Learning Commission, Bowling Green State University boasts 72 academic programs that are accredited by their respective bodies.

Bowling Green State University Application Requirements

All graduate-level programs use the same Graduate College Application. Students must pay the non-refundable application fee and submit two letters of recommendation as well as a personal letter of application that outlines the students' future goals, expectations and interests in graduate study. The school also requires applicants to submit scanned copies of unofficial or official transcripts from all previous colleges attended. After a student is admitted, he or she must then submit the final official transcript from each institution. Once accepted into the online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program, students will receive their degrees from the school's College of Health and Human Services.

Applicants who have a 3.0 GPA in nine hours of graduate credit, an overall undergraduate GPA of 2.75, a GPA of 3.0 in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study or a 2.5 GPA in the last 60 semester hours of undergraduate study and five or more years of work experience in the field of criminal justice are not required to take the Graduate Record Exam (GRE) prior to applying.

Tuition and Financial Aid

The online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree from Bowling Green State University costs approximately $15,312 per year for Ohio residents and $15,675 for non-residents. This breaks down into $464 per credit hour for Ohio residents and $475 for non-residents. Students are also responsible for the $45 application fee as well as an average of $820 for textbooks and course materials. However, the school has a number of financial aid options available, including loans, work-study programs, grants and scholarships. To determine whether they are eligible for tuition assistance, students must submit the Free Application for Federal Student Aid (FAFSA).

In addition, BGSU offers high-quality, accredited online learning opportunities for veterans and active service members who wish to take their careers to the next level. The school offers a number of VA benefits, including Air Force Tuition Assistance, the Post-9/11 GI Bill and the Montgomery GI Bill. Financial aid and scholarships are also available for military spouses.

Online Master of Science in Criminal Justice Degree Available

In 2015, U.S. News & World Report ranked Bowling Green State University's online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree as number 17 on its list of the "Best Online Graduate Criminal Justice Programs" in the U.S. In addition, Best College Reviews ranks the program number one in the nation. The highly regarded online program prepares students for leadership roles in the field of criminal justice as well as provides a strong foundation for students seeking a doctoral degree.

Bowling Green State University offers six starting dates throughout the year. The world-class faculty have published works in leading journals and regularly consult with the Federal Bureau of Investigation, the U.S. Department of Justice and the National Institute of Justice. Students also benefit from small classes that help to foster a dynamic relationship with the professional faculty.

The Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program offers two online courses per term. The degree consists of 33 credit hours, or 11 total courses. Students take one class for seven weeks with a one-week break in-between classes every semester, including summers. At this rate, students may earn their online degree in less than two years. In addition, in order to successfully complete their studies and graduate, students must compile a portfolio that includes projects they'll already be completing in one or more of their courses.

In general, students are not required to attend a class at a specific time. Students are free to log in and work through their courses at the times that are most convenient for them. However, the instructor will require that students meet deadlines for tests and assignments and provide timeframes in which online students must contribute or respond to posts on the discussion board.

A student pursuing an online Master of Science in Criminal Justice degree program from Bowling Green State University would begin the semester with courses such as The Organization and Management of Justice and a seminar in contemporary corrections. Next, the student may take seminars in contemporary juvenile justice and contemporary policing. The next semester, he or she may take classes in research methods and a seminar in criminal justice ethics, and additional courses include data and statistical analysis in criminal justice, criminal justice policy analysis, the nature of the crime, criminal justice processes and institutions, topics in criminal justice and crime analysis.

The average online student at Bowling Green State University who is pursuing an online master's in criminal justice degree is usually already employed as a probation officer, a juvenile detention center officer, a detective or a case manager. These individuals often seek a master's degree to advance their education and further their careers. Bowling Green State University offers the flexibility for these professionals to also take online classes at their convenience, and the program continues to keep pace with the demands of the criminal justice industry.

After graduation, students are prepared for leadership roles in criminal justice agencies. Potential careers include investigators, correctional treatment specialists, higher education instructors and administrators, probation officers or parole officers. The graduate degree also provides a solid base for students seeking a doctoral degree in criminal justice.

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Bowling Green State University also offers many resources and services to both on-campus and online students. In addition to providing access to the library, the Learning Commons provides online students with academic resources such as group and individual tutoring as well as consultation sessions designed to meet the specific needs of each student at any time during the course of his or her education. Online students also have access to Bowling Green State University's Distance Education Resource Guide, which is designed to offer links and information to the various services the library provides for distance learners.