By Rebecca Douglas

The evidence is everywhere – in toy stores where shelves are stocked with police action figures. On vehicles, where bumper stickers applaud the efforts of local law enforcement agencies. In downtown plazas, where memorials pay tribute to those fallen in the line of duty.

In our post-Sept. 11 world, America needs heroes.

To answer the growing demand, University of Phoenix is training public safety professionals through its Criminal Justice Administration program. More than 3,000 students are currently enrolled in the bachelor-level program, and they're learning from top experts in the field, including former FBI agents, prison wardens, homicide detectives, judges and other industry insiders.

"We're one of the most violent nations on earth," explains Patrick Romine, Ph.D., dean of University of Phoenix's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences. "We incarcerate more of our citizens on a per-capita basis than any other country – including totalitarian nations. It's vital for our criminal justice professionals to have the broadest education possible."

The University launched its criminal justice program in spring 2001, largely in response to high market demand for police and corrections officers (as predicted by the Bureau of Labor Statistics and Rutgers University, among others). Not surprisingly, market demand for enforcement and security officials spiked after Sept. 11, and interest in academic criminal justice programs increased accordingly.

The Central Intelligence Agency, for example, reportedly received more than 100,000 applications or resumes after the attacks. "People want to put their talents at the service of their country," explains CIA spokesman Paul Nowack.

A Spider Web of Career Paths

Nearly three-quarters of University of Phoenix criminal justice majors already work in a police department or other related field. But the program also facilitates dramatic career changes. One group of criminal justice students in New Mexico, for example, includes an internal affairs officer, the manager of a convenience store, an administrative assistant working for a justice of the peace, and an Avon representative.

Students have a variety of motivations for enrolling.

Many are seasoned police officers boosting their credentials to qualify for management positions or striving to stay current in a rapidly changing profession. Others are training for entry-level police positions, which increasingly require a bachelor's degree. Still others are studying for careers within the courts and corrections systems.

Andrew Barber, Ph.D., New Mexico campus chair for University of Phoenix's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences, notes increased interest in psychological, scientific and technical criminal justice careers.

One student with such motivation is Jose Eduardo Sierra, a 35-year police veteran who already holds associate's and bachelor's degrees in criminal justice. He is considering enrolling in the university's master's program, which is scheduled to start in spring 2004.

As a criminal investigator for the El Paso Independent School District, Sierra investigates crimes at roughly 50 schools – everything from shootings and sexual assaults to extortion and white-collar crimes. "With so many different types of cases, it's important to continue my education," he explains. "Besides, we're not only police officers, we're also mentors, counselors, and even big brothers and sisters to the students we serve and protect."

Xochitl Killings, a 28-year-old probation clerk and University of Phoenix student, eventually hopes to parlay her degree into a position with the federal Drug Enforcement Administration. Preparing her for the future, her coursework also applies now, she says. "In addition to learning about criminal justice in general, we learn how to communicate effectively with diverse types of people."

Another student, Rita Simmons, spends plenty of nights helping her 7-year-old daughter with homework while doing her own. Though she has a family and a full-time job as a legal secretary, Simmons says her coursework fits in well.

"The courses are difficult, but the program is designed for working professionals," she says, adding that requirements such as oral presentations have made her a more confident public speaker and will serve her well in her aspirations to be a pre-trial service counselor.

Meanwhile, going back to the classroom has re-energized 42-year-old Kelly Walston, whose 21-year career in civilian and military law enforcement was recently rerouted by an acute case of arthritis in both ankles.

"I went from working with dogs detecting explosives and narcotics to a desk clerk maintaining case files on seized property. My self-worth took a big hit," he says. "Now, I realize that even though I don't carry a badge or gun anymore, I can still help people."

Considering a career in teaching or administration, Walston says he wants to pass on his experience and knowledge to the next generation.

Real Life Starts Here

From bringing in experts to addressing hard topics such as corruption and police brutality, faculty members keep the Criminal Justice Administration program relevant for today's students.

For example, when Dan Schneidmiller teaches his course on organized crime, he does not rely solely on textbooks. He brings in real people-including a leading expert on motorcycle gangs.

"He lines the walls with vests and leathers from Hell's Angels, Devil's Disciples and other well-known organizations; then, he shows videos he shot at their meetings," Schneidmiller says.

Other guest speakers share field expertise about money laundering, data analysis, audit trails, crime mapping and profiling.

Then, there's Schneidmiller's own experiences as commander of the narcotics special investigation unit of Arizona's Maricopa County Sheriff's office – including those chronicled in an episode of MTV's True Life series about methamphetamines.

On a larger level, Schneidmiller encourages students to broaden their views. "Most come to class with strong opinions on crime and punishment," he explains. "When they have to defend their positions, they discover why they feel they way they do. Then, they often stop seeing things only in black and white and begin to see shades of gray, too."

Al Youngs, past president of the Police Futurists International, an organization of law enforcement practitioners, educators, technology experts and other professionals dedicated to improving criminal and social justice through the professionalization of policing, teaches Contemporary Issues and Criminal Law, among other courses, at the Denver campus. He stresses the importance of professionalism, ethics and "community policing" in a constant effort to improve the future of law enforcement.

"We do a lot of case analyses and role playing to explore issues such as corruption and police brutality," explains Youngs, who also serves as the community resources division chief for the Lakewood, Colo., police department.

Frank Schmalleger, Ph.D., director of the Justice Research Association and author of the best-selling criminal justice textbook Criminal Justice Today, gives high marks to the depth and breadth of the University of Phoenix curriculum.

Learning Large Lessons

Beyond the curriculum, Dean Romine values the "larger lessons" that all his instructors convey.

"Police work is so much more than handcuffs and guns," he explains. "It's about the psychology of people. That's why we stress interpersonal skills, conflict resolution, teamwork and critical thinking. When a perpetrator pulls out a gun, a student's ability to read the situation and react on a personal level could literally mean the difference between life and death."

Kathryn Tijerina, J.D., director of academic affairs in Santa Teresa, N.M., concurs. "We've recently been reminded about how much society depends on good law enforcement professionals," she says. "We've also seen the problems created by people who lack the appropriate training. Our communities are demanding more professionalism, and a well-rounded education helps achieve that."

Get with the Program

The Bachelor of Science in Criminal Justice Administration degree program consists of 120 credits – 60 upper division credits and 60 lower division credits. The University of Phoenix credit transfer policy applies. For more information about this policy or the degree program, log on to www.phoenix.edu/transfer.

Course offerings include organized crime, criminal law, juvenile justice, ethics in criminal justice and cultural diversity in criminal justice. Management and administration courses are also offered as part of the program.

On the Streets and Online

Roughly two-thirds of the criminal justice majors at University of Phoenix pursue their degrees online, and the ranks are growing every day.

Some students complete all of their coursework via the Internet, while others prefer the university's FlexNet program, which combines online studies with scheduled sessions at one of the 24 campuses offering the Criminal Justice Administration program.

Both methods are ideal for students already working in protective services. They are often on call and rarely work 9-to-5 shifts.

"They can log on at their convenience and complete the work as their schedules allow," explains Franzi Walsh, Criminal Justice Program Chair of University of Phoenix Online. "Most don't have blocks of time available for traditional classes, but they can add up a series of smaller snippets throughout the day."

The online program is also popular with students who are single parents and those who live in remote areas.