New Jersey City University
New Jersey City University appears in our ranking of the 10 Most Affordable Doctorate in Homeland Security Online 2018.
New Jersey City University is one of several colleges that make up a public university system in the state. Founded as the New Jersey State Normal School at Jersey City, it opened its doors in 1929. Like other normal schools during this time period, it offered certificate programs and awarded graduates diplomas instead of degrees. This all changed in 1935, which was when it became the New Jersey State Teachers College at Jersey City and changed to degree programs. The college later became Jersey City State College and the New Jersey City University. It now ranks as one of the top liberal arts colleges in the state.
Called NJCU by many, the university has a strong reputation for the programs it designed for nontraditional students. More than 90% of its students live with their parents or on their own and commute to the school for classes. A large number of those students also take classes online. The number of graduate and doctoral students who commute and/or take online classes is even higher. Though many of its students study educational subjects, the university also offers a number of criminal justice and civic programs. These programs help prepare students to work for major government agencies and organizations.
New Jersey City University Accreditation Details
Very few students today can afford to pay all of their college costs out of their own pockets. Those who attend a university that lacks accreditation though may find that they cannot get federal or state financial aid. Students who need financial help must ensure that the schools they attend have regional accreditation, which NJCU has from the Middle States Commission on Higher Education (MSCHE) Regional accreditation is also important for those who have credits they earned in the past. New Jersey City University also has the specialty accreditation that applies to some of its programs, including those in art, design, business and school psychology.
New Jersey City University Application Requirements
NJCU has strict application requirements for students applying to its doctoral programs because it wants to find students who will complete those programs and finish their studies in a timely manner. The university will only accept applications submitted before April 15 each year. Any student who submits an application after this deadline may have it returned or find his or her name placed on a wait list until the following year when the university begins looking at applications again.
The two main requirements for doctoral students include a college and graduate school grade point average of at least 3.5 and a graduate degree. That degree must come from a college or university with regional accreditation. The university looks at the grades the student earned to determine if that individual can handle work at the doctoral level. Students must also take and pass any graduate assessment test used by their colleges and show the university proof that they passed those exams. The university requires that incoming doctoral candidates have at least four years of professional experience also.
Incoming students will submit official transcripts and at least two letters of either professional or academic letters of recommendation. Other requirements include a letter of intent that explains the topic the student wants to use for his or her dissertation and a resume. Once the admissions board looks at the application, it may ask the student to come in for an interview. Online candidates can usually complete an interview over the phone. The interview gives the student a chance to explain any issues found in the application and give the board reasons to accept that individual.
New Jersey City University Tuition and Financial Aid
Both graduate and doctoral students attending NJCU pay the same tuition rates. The university charges New Jersey residents $695 per credit hour, which includes more than $100 in fees. Nonresidents enrolled in a doctoral program pay $1,139 per credit hour. Those taking classes to earn an online degree pay the $695 credit hour rate, whether they live in New Jersey or any other state. Though some programs charge higher tuition rates, all online programs charge the same amount.
The university will accept payments that students make with checks, money orders or debit and credit cards. It asks that students either pay the full amount due or set up a payment plan. Those who owe a balance on their accounts must pay a late fee. NJCU offers monthly payment plans that allow students to pay off their tuition in low monthly payments.
Doctoral students and candidates can also apply for financial aid. Many students will use the FAFSA to borrow money from the federal government and to see if they qualify for any grants. The university encourages students to look for government aid before they take out any private loans.
Online Doctor of Science in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy
The only Doctor of Science in Civil Security Leadership, Management and Policy program available online today is the one that New Jersey City University offers. Introduced in 2012, this program allows students to study three distinct subject areas. They'll study national security, corporate security and information assurance and cybersecurity. Students can submit their applications up through the middle of April and start classes the following July. The university accepts a maximum of 20 students into the program every year.
This program is similar to a cohort program because students will work with the same small group of their peers as they finish their studies. Though they do most of their work online, they must complete a residency session too. NJCU requires that all students attend a residency session over the summer that lasts for two weeks. They will also spend four weekends studying on the campus each year. This makes it easy for them to get time off work and to gain some practical experience.
Students who successfully complete this doctoral program can take the Certified Protection Professional exam. They can then volunteer to help their peers who have not yet taken the test. Students will also create an original dissertation as part of their studies. They can pick any subject they want, but they must get approval from their advisors. New Jersey City University requires that students present their dissertations in front of their professors and that they defend their work before they can get their doctoral degrees.